AR HB1658

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-91-101(a) to require osteopathic physician applicants to be a citizen or legal resident of the United States for licensure by examination.

Maintains existing requirements including minimum age of 21 years, good moral character, absence of unprofessional conduct findings, graduation from an accredited osteopathic college of medicine, and completion of a one-year approved internship.

Declares an emergency citing two osteopathic schools in Arkansas with first graduating classes in spring 2019 and the need to retain graduates to provide primary care physicians throughout the state.

Emergency provisions allow the act to become effective upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of the veto period, or override of a gubernatorial veto.

Act approved by the Governor on March 29, 2019.