GeorgiaSB 4272025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Physicians; limited provisional licenses and a pathway to licensure for certain internationally trained physicians; provide

Sponsored By: Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Sonya Halpern (Democrat), Marty Harbin (Republican), Sally Harrell (Democrat), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), Kim Jackson (Democrat), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Nan Orrock (Democrat), Chuck Payne (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican), Ed Setzler (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

HealthHealth and Human ServicesGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Full Georgia licenses require years of practice

Doctors with a current, valid limited provisional license can apply for a full Georgia license after four years of active practice. Those years must be at approved Georgia rural-county practices, licensed hospitals, federally qualified health centers, or accredited medical schools. Applicants must have no disciplinary actions, pending investigations, recent felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude, or adverse medical-privilege actions. Receiving a full license also requires two additional years of practice in an underserved area defined by board rules. This pathway takes effect only through an appropriations law that specifically names and fully funds the new Code section. It is automatically repealed when a fiscal-year appropriations law lacking that specific full funding takes effect.

Supervised Georgia licenses for foreign-trained doctors

The law creates limited Georgia medical licenses for qualified doctors trained abroad, with full-time jobs and on-site supervision. Approved workplaces are rural-county practices, licensed hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and accredited medical schools. Rural counties have fewer than 50,000 residents under the 2020 or later census, excluding military-base populations. Applicants need a degree from a foreign school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools or its successor. Their education must include at least 130 weeks. Their foreign medical license must be in good standing and active, or have expired within three years before applying. They need five years of practice after at least two years of approved postgraduate training in the same specialty. Alternatively, they need ten years of practice abroad after medical school. Applicants must pass a board-approved exam, pass a qualifying foreign licensing exam with interactive testing, hold approved specialty certification, or complete a board-prescribed clinical assessment. The foreign exam must come from a jurisdiction belonging to the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities. Applicants also need credential verification, English skills in reading, speaking, writing, and listening, and a clean licensing and criminal record. Disqualifying history includes license discipline or pending investigations, felonies, and crimes involving moral turpitude. Applicants pay required fees and submit English documents or certified, notarized translations; the board can require an interview. They can apply before receiving U.S. work authorization, but cannot start work without that authorization and an approved license. Their supervisor must hold an unrestricted Georgia license, practice on-site, and attest to their competence. Doctors may work only at approved sites, follow Georgia medical-practice rules, and maintain a public physician profile. Site or supervision violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 per offense. The license becomes inactive when qualifying employment or supervision ends, or the doctor gets another Georgia medical license. Supervisors must promptly report material changes, and the board retains disciplinary authority over inactive licenses. The program takes effect only through an appropriations law that specifically names and fully funds the new Code section. It is automatically repealed when a fiscal-year appropriations law lacking that specific full funding takes effect.

Medical board adds staffing and oversight

The Georgia Composite Medical Board must write program rules and hire additional administrative, professional, investigative, and legal staff. It must also hire one or more medical directors to oversee sites, supervision checks, performance reviews, data, and disciplinary matters. Staff also coordinate with public-health partners and state agencies. By December 1, 2027, and annually afterward, the board must report to the House and Senate health committee chairs. Reports must cover applicant numbers and origins, education and training locations, license approvals and denials with reasons, and Georgia placements. They must also track progress toward full licenses, outcomes, complaints, discipline, specialties, and foreign and Georgia practice settings. Reporting includes practice timing and underserved-area service details. These duties take effect only through an appropriations law that specifically names and fully funds the new Code section. They are automatically repealed when a fiscal-year appropriations law lacking that specific full funding takes effect. The House and Senate budget offices must certify any lack of appropriation to the Code Revision Commission.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Mark Newton
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 9

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 46 • No: 4 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/18/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 165 • No: 2 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 2/20/2026

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 45 • No: 3 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

Senate Date Signed by Governor
5/11/2026Senate
Act 509
5/11/2026
Senate Sent to Governor
4/10/2026Senate
Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub
3/23/2026Senate
House Third Readers
3/18/2026House
House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/18/2026House
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/10/2026House
House Second Readers
2/25/2026House
House First Readers
2/24/2026House
Senate Third Read
2/20/2026Senate
Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
2/20/2026Senate
Senate Read Second Time
2/6/2026Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/5/2026Senate
Senate Read and Referred
1/28/2026Senate
Senate Hopper
1/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

SB 427/AP* (v11)
PDF

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