WashingtonSB 51182025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Javier Valdez (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Easier license access for internationally trained doctors

Beginning July 27, 2025, international medical graduates no longer need one year of Washington residency for a clinical experience license. A hospital, medical practice, physician employment group, local health department, or state social services, child welfare, or corrections department must nominate them. Applicants still need Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification, passing medical licensing exam Steps 1 and 2, and background checks. The Washington Medical Commission can waive document requirements for hardship, including refugee status or persecution, and require another demonstration of skills. Inability to complete certification or exam processes, or failing required exams, does not qualify as hardship.

Doctors can supervise more graduates, retain responsibility

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington-licensed physicians can supervise four clinical experience license holders instead of two. The Washington Medical Commission can approve a higher limit. Graduates must work only within the nominating facility or organization, supervised by a physician in the same or substantially similar specialty. Their practice agreement must be filed with the commission before work begins. Supervisors retain professional and personal responsibility for graduates’ supervised acts that count as medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

Longer doctor licenses with residency application requirement

Beginning July 27, 2025, clinical experience licenses last two years and allow three renewals instead of one—up to eight years. The nominating entity must apply for each renewal. Before the third renewal, doctors must attest to the Washington Medical Commission that they applied to at least one residency program. The practice agreement sets their allowed work, while they are treated as full-scope physicians for medical practice, employment, credentialing, malpractice coverage, and insurance billing. That treatment does not override disciplinary limits on the doctor or supervising physician.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Javier Valdez
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Derek Stanford
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca Saldaña
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate
Tina Orwall
Democratic • Senate

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