Internationally Trained Physicians

Starting January 1, 2027, the Oregon Medical Board will grant provisional licensure to internationally trained physicians (ITP) who demonstrate qualifications and competency. Pursuant to SB 476 (2025) sections 4-9, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Kotek, these physicians can practice under the supervision of an Oregon-licensed physician. After completing four years of supervised practice, they become eligible to apply for full medical licensure in Oregon.

The new law authorizes the Oregon Medical Board (OMB) to establish rules regarding:

Application, licensure, and renewal fees
Supervision and assessment standards
Clinical location requirements
Clinical assessment evaluation for full licensure
Other requirements necessary to carry out SB 476

To receive email updates about the development of the Internationally Trained Physicians program, sign up through Subscriber Lists and select "SB 476 Implementation."

SB 476 ITP Workgroup
The OMB will convene a workgroup to assist with implementing SB 476 and developing rules for the provisional license program. The ITP Workgroup includes persons with subject matter expertise who will likely be affected by the proposed rules. OMB staff will ensure the Workgroup includes a diversity of experiences and perspectives. The Workgroup may consist of:

1-2 members of the Oregon Medical Board
2 representatives from professional associations or societies representing primary care and/or specialty physicians
1-2 representatives of a facility/employer who intends to hire and supervise ITPs
1-2 internationally trained physicians
1 representative of community organization supporting refugees/immigrants
1 community member representing health care consumers (no immediate tie to a healthcare provider/internationally trained physician)
1 ex officio member of the sponsoring legislator's office

The ITP Workgroup will include members of impacted communities so that their input informs the implementation process. The ITP Workgroup is advisory, and consensus is not necessary; the Oregon Medical Board retains final decision-making authority, see ITP Implementation in Oregon/Workgroup Information sheet for details.

ITP Workgroup Virtual Meetings

Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 5-7PM PST
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 5-7PM PST
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 5-7PM PST
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 5-7PM PST
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5-7PM PST

If you would like to serve on the Workgroup, email elizabeth.ross@omb.oregon.gov by Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5PM with a statement of interest, short bio, and the role(s) you seek to fill (e.g. facility representative, internationally trained physician, community member, etc.). Also, please confirm your availability for the anticipated virtual meetings at the listed dates and times.

Implementation Timeline (all times are in Pacific Standard Time)

July 31, 2025: SB 476 signed by Governor Tina Kotek
January 5, 2026, 5PM PST: Deadline to submit ITP Workgroup interest email
January 14, 2026, 5-7PM PST: ITP Workgroup Meeting, Informational Session
January 28, 2026, 5-7PM PST: ITP Workgroup Meeting
February 25, 2026, 5-7PM PST: ITP Workgroup Meeting
March 11, 2026, 5PM PST: OMB Administrative Affairs Committee reviews the Workgroup's recommendations/progress and makes recommendations to the Oregon Medical Board
April 2, 2026: Oregon Medical Board reviews all recommendations
April 15, 2026, 5-7PM PST: ITP Workgroup Meeting
May 13, 2026, 5-7PM PST: ITP Workgroup Meeting
June 10, 2026, 5PM PST: OMB Administrative Affairs Committee reviews the Workgroup's recommendations and makes recommendations to the Oregon Medical Board
July 9, 2026: Oregon Medical Board reviews all recommendations, initiates rulemaking
After July 9, 2026: OMB files notice of proposed rules; formal public comment period opens
September 9, 2026: Final review by the Administrative Affairs Committee
October 1, 2026: Final review and possible adoption by the Oregon Medical Board
October-December 2026: OMB staff develop program systems (IT, website, forms, etc.)
January 1, 2027: SB 476 sections 4-9 and OMB rules become effective.
January 4, 2027: OMB starts accepting ITP applications
Dates and times subject to change.

Additional Resources

SB 476 (2025) sections 4-9
Advisory Commission on Additional Licensing Models, established in December 2023 to advise development of laws specific to the licensing of physicians who have already trained and practiced medicine outside the United States.

Guidance Document #1 (February 2025), focuses on eligibility requirements to ensure physicians entering these pathways are ultimately ready to safely practice medicine in the United States.
Guidance Document #2 (August 2025), recommendations for assessment and supervision that should be included during the period of provisional licensure

Assessment of Internationally Trained Physicians During the Supervisory Period: A Toolkit for Institutions and Supervisors
Federation of State Medical Boards, Licensure Pathways for Internationally Trained Physicians Legislation and Regulation
In 2024, the OMB proposed a resolution - Pathways to Licensure for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) - at the Federation of State Medical Board's (FSMB) Annual Meeting that was passed unanimously.

Please email elizabeth.ross@omb.oregon.gov with questions regarding implementation of this provisional license.

For information on requesting accommodations to attend meetings, contact Gretchen Kingham, Executive Assistant, gretchen.kingham@omb.oregon.gov or (971) 673-2700.

webpage updated December 15, 2025