NC S396

Creates a new "licensure by endorsement" pathway allowing physicians, physician assistants, and anesthesiologist assistants with at least 5 years of active, unrestricted licensure in another U.S. jurisdiction to obtain North Carolina licenses more quickly

Applicants must have a verified full-time job offer in North Carolina, no disciplinary actions or criminal convictions in the past 5 years, and must have actively practiced at least 20 hours per week for the two years prior to application

Endorsement licenses become inactive after 180 days unless applicants submit additional required documentation within 120 days of receiving the license

Increases various Medical Board fees, including physician application fees from $400 to up to $550, annual registration fees from $250 to up to $350, and sets new endorsement application fees up to $825 for physicians, $500 for physician assistants, and $300 for anesthesiologist assistants

Effective October 1, 2025, with authority for the Medical Board to adopt temporary rules for implementation