HB 2148 Summary

• Establishes the Arizona Licensure Program for Foreign Medical Graduates and Nurses, allowing foreign-trained medical professionals to obtain provisional licenses to practice in designated health care shortage areas.

• Requires applicants to demonstrate lawful U.S. presence, pass English language proficiency tests, complete credential verification through recognized services, and pass criminal background checks.

• Mandates provisional licensees work under direct supervision of fully licensed physicians or nurses for 12 to 24 months in medically underserved areas, with quarterly performance evaluations and ongoing mentorship support.

• Requires fully licensed foreign medical graduates and nurses to work in counties with populations under one million or designated shortage areas for 2 to 4 years, with flexibility for exceptions based on specialty and community needs.

• Directs the Arizona Medical Board and Arizona State Board of Nursing to provide support services including orientation programs, English language training, examination preparation resources, and credentialing assistance, with annual reporting to the legislature.