Oregon Moves to Ease Doctor Shortage by Licensing Foreign-Trained Physicians

In a far-reaching move to resolve the shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in primary care, in Oregon and elsewhere in the country, Senate Bill 476 will allow physicians from other countries to obtain provisional licenses to work under the supervision of local doctors.

Key provisions of the bill will also allow provisional licenses to be converted to full licenses after a three-to-four-year period of supervision.

The bill also dismisses the need for some exams, such as proficiency in English by healthcare providers who have already demonstrated their understanding of the language.

To qualify, healthcare workers must have completed a medical doctorate or equivalent and a residency or similar training, be employed by a healthcare provider, and be in good standing.

The rationale behind the bill is that states like Oregon are facing shortages of physicians, particularly for primary care and in rural areas. By leveraging international talent, the bill aims to address these shortages by utilizing the expertise and skills of foreign-trained physicians.