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WashingtonSB 51182025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Updating the requirements for the clinical experience license for international medical graduates.

Sponsored By: Javier Valdez (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Clinical experience license rules and benefits

International medical graduates can get a clinical experience license when nominated by listed Washington employers or hospital groups. You must have ECFMG certification, pass USMLE Steps 1 and 2, and clear a background check. You can work only at the nominating site, under a Washington‑licensed doctor in the same or similar specialty, with a filed practice agreement. One supervisor may oversee up to four licensees unless the commission approves more. The license lasts two years and can be renewed three times (up to eight years total); before a third renewal you must attest you applied to one or more residencies. For jobs, malpractice coverage, credentialing, and insurance billing, you are treated as a full‑scope physician unless there is a disciplinary limit. The supervising physician keeps professional and personal responsibility for your medical acts.

More pathways to limited medical practice

The law creates limited licenses for doctors working in state institutions and local health departments. To qualify for those, you must hold a license in another U.S. state or Canada and meet Washington’s general licensure qualifications. It also allows resident, teaching, and fellowship licenses when a program, school, or hospital nominates you. These licenses cover only your job or program duties and require supervision by a Washington‑licensed physician. Teaching licenses end when the program ends or after one year, but can be renewed.

Commission oversight and licensing fees

All limited‑license holders are under the commission’s full jurisdiction. You must follow its application rules and pay fees set under state law. To get a full license, you must file a new application and meet all requirements.

Hardship waivers for international doctors

The commission may waive document requirements for internationally trained doctors who face documented hardship, such as refugees. It can require other proof of skill, like exams, specialty checks, or supervised practice. It cannot grant a waiver because you lack ECFMG certification or failed required exams.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Derek Stanford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Member 14205

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 0

House vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 98 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/4/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 3, 2025 Laws.

    4/4/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    4/4/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/1/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/31/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/28/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/26/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/26/2025Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/25/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/21/2025Senate

  11. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/19/2025Senate

  12. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/19/2025Senate

  13. HCW - Majority; do pass.

    3/19/2025Senate

  14. First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

    2/28/2025Senate

  15. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/26/2025Senate

  16. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/26/2025Senate

  17. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/26/2025Senate

  18. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/19/2025Senate

  19. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/18/2025Senate

  20. HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/14/2025Senate

  21. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

    1/13/2025Senate

  22. Introduced

    1/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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