SB 443 Summary

• Authorizes the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to hire a licensed physician as a separate medical advisor position to assist with statutory duties, compliance, and investigations.

• Modifies physician licensure requirements by reducing postgraduate medical training from 24 months to 12 months and allowing approved training in Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand in addition to the United States.

• Requires national criminal history background checks for physician applicants seeking expedited licensure under the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and for physician assistant applicants, with results retained by the Board and not disseminated.

• Expands the Board's quasi-judicial powers to apply to all licensees of the Board, not just physicians and surgeons, for disciplinary actions including revocation and suspension.

• Modifies the Allied Professional Peer Assistance Program to allow contracting with outside entities for services and changes language regarding confidential records treatment.

• Effective July 1, 2025, with emergency clause for immediate effect upon passage and approval.