CA AB18

Removes the requirement that the orientation program for physicians be 6 months in length, allowing the Medical Board of California to determine appropriate duration through interested parties meetings.

Requires the Dental Board of California to convene interested parties meetings to establish the appropriate duration of the orientation program for participating dentists.

Allows up to 30 licensed physicians from Mexico (in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology) and up to 30 licensed dentists from Mexico to practice in California for a non-renewable 3-year period.

Requires participating physicians and dentists to complete orientation programs addressing California medical/dental standards, community clinic operations, and English language instruction before or after arriving in California.

Limits practice to nonprofit community health centers in specified rural and farmworker counties including Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Imperial, Monterey, Sacramento, and others, with licensing fees of $900 for physicians and $548 for dentists.