Internationally Trained Physicians

SB 476 (2025) creates a provisional license pathway for internationally trained physicians in Oregon. Passed by the Oregon Legislature and signed into law by Governor Kotek, this legislation takes effect January 1, 2027. Under the new law, internationally trained physicians can practice under the supervision of an Oregon-licensed physician with a provisional license. After completing four years of supervised practice, they become eligible to apply for full medical licensure in Oregon.

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 Workgroup
The Oregon Medical Board (OMB) will form a workgroup to develop rules for implementing SB 476's provisional license program. This advisory workgroup will include members from affected communities to ensure their perspectives shape the implementation process. While the workgroup provides recommendations, the OMB maintains final decision-making authority and consensus among workgroup members is not required. OMB will begin recruiting interested candidates in December 2025. If you're interested in participating, email elizabeth.ross@omb.oregon.gov.

Implementation Timeline

July 31, 2025: SB 476 signed by Governor Tina Kotek
December 2025: OMB forms Workgroup
January – May 2026: Workgroup meetings
March/June 2026: Administrative Affairs Committee reviews the Workgroup's recommendations and makes recommendations to the Oregon Medical Board
April/July 2026: Oregon Medical Board reviews all recommendations, initiates rulemaking
After July 2026 meeting: 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 systems for program (IT, website, forms, etc.)
January 1, 2027: Rules become effective, OMB starts accepting applications

Dates and times subject to change.

Additional Resources

Advisory Commission on Alternate Licensing Models recommendations to inform legislation on internationally trained physicians.
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.
2024 FSMB Annual Meeting session on international approaches to alternative pathways to licensure (click here to watch).

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