Internationally Trained Physicians

Starting January 1, 2027, the Oregon Medical Board may 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, if granted a provisional license these physicians can practice under the supervision of an Oregon-licensed physician. After completing four years of supervised practice, they may 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 Rulemaking Public Comments

The Oregon Medical Board is accepting public comments on proposed rules to implement SB 476 (2025) sections 4-9, see the rulemaking summary or notice to review the draft rules. There are two ways to provide input on the draft rules:

Submit written comments by 5 PM PDT on August 25, 2026, via email to elizabeth.ross@omb.oregon.gov; or
Provide oral testimony at a public hearing on August 25, 2026, at 2 PM PDT, see rulemaking summary for details how to participate.

Participants unable to attend the public hearing may submit written comments by the deadline, 5PM PST, August 25, 2026. The OMB will review all oral comments made at the public hearing and written comments received by the deadline at the Administrative Affairs Committee meeting on September 9, 2026, and the Oregon Medical Board meeting on October 1, 2026. If you have questions about this rulemaking or the public hearing, please contact Elizabeth Ross at elizabeth.ross@omb.oregon.gov.

Implementation Timeline (all times are in Pacific Standard Time)

July 31, 2025: SB 476 signed by Governor Tina Kotek
January 5, 2026, 5PM: Deadline to submit ITP Workgroup interest email
January 14, 2026, 5-7PM ITP Workgroup Meeting, Informational Session
January 28, 2026, 5-7PM: ITP Workgroup Meeting
February 25, 2026, 5-7PM: ITP Workgroup Meeting
March 11, 2026, 5PM: 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: ITP Workgroup Meeting
May 13, 2026, 5-7PM: ITP Workgroup Meeting
June 10, 2026, 5PM: OMB Administrative Affairs Committee reviews the Workgroup's recommendations and makes recommendations to the Oregon Medical Board
July 2, 2026: Oregon Medical Board reviews all recommendations, initiates rulemaking
After July 2, 2026: OMB files notice of proposed rules; formal public comment period opens
August 25, 2026, 2PM PDT: Public hearing for members of the public to provide oral testimony, see rulemaking summary
August 25, 2026, 5PM PDT: Deadline to submit written comments via email to elizabeth.ross@omb.oregon.gov
September 9, 2026, 5PM PDT: 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.

SB 476 ITP Workgroup

The OMB formed 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. 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: Meeting Agenda & Materials, Meeting Slides
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 5-7PM: Meeting Agenda & Materials, Meeting Slides
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 5-7PM: Meeting Agenda & Materials, Meeting Slides, Recording
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 5-7PM: Meeting Agenda & Materials, Meeting Slides, Recording
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5-7PM: Meeting Agenda & Materials, Meeting Slides, Recording

All meetings were open to the public and recordings are available upon request if not posted.

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 July 14, 2026