H67 - Healthcare Workforce Reforms. (SL 2025-37)

Overview: Part II of S.L. 2025-37 (House Bill 67) allows licensure for internationally-trained physicians. Applicants for licensure must do the following:

• Be offered employment in a North Carolina hospital or physician's office in a rural county.
• Have a valid license to practice medicine in a foreign country.
• Complete 130 weeks of medical education at a school eligible to be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.
• Complete two years of postgraduate training or actively practice medicine for 10 years after graduation.
• Pass an exam, receive specialty certification, or demonstrate clinical competence to the North Carolina Medical Board.
• Not have a revoked, suspended, restricted, or denied license, conviction for a crime of moral turpitude, or a violation of a law involving the practice of medicine in any jurisdiction.
• Practice medicine for at least five years.
• Speak English fluently.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Pay application fee.

The license is inactive if the licensee leaves the qualifying employment. Practicing medicine outside of one of the qualifying employment areas is a Class 3 misdemeanor. The Medical Board is required to collect information to evaluate the implementation and success of the international licensure provisions of this part.

This Part becomes effective January 1, 2026.