ID H0081

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare may recommend up to 30 foreign-trained physicians per federal fiscal year for placement in federally designated health workforce shortage areas, with no more than 10 recommendations for specialists outside pediatrics, internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, psychiatry, or general surgery.

Establishes a "flex waiver" program allowing up to 10 additional J-1 visa waiver applications six months after the federal fiscal year begins for physicians to work in areas without federal shortage designations, with a maximum of 5 specialist positions available.

Revises eligibility criteria for applicants and petitioning physicians, including requirements for employment contracts guaranteeing at least 95% of local prevailing wage, acceptance of all patient types regardless of ability to pay, and implementation of sliding fee discount schedules.

Requires applicants to demonstrate sustained recruitment efforts over at least six months, provide evidence of community need, and submit comprehensive documentation including physician credentials, employment contracts, and proof of designation as a health professional shortage area.

Creates new section 39-6111B establishing separate criteria for National Interest Waiver petitioning physicians, requiring five-year service obligations compared to three years for standard J-1 waivers, with exceptions for three-year provisions under applicable federal regulations.