Board Statement on Recent Law Regarding New Licensing Pathway

Recent Massachusetts law provides licensing pathway for internationally-trained physicians

On November 20, Governor Healey signed the Economic Development Bill, Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024.  This bill amends G.L. c. 112, § 9 to add a new pathway for internationally trained physicians.   The law provides an alternative pathway for physicians already licensed and practicing in another country.

The first step in this alternative pathway is the issuance of a limited license to practice only at a “participating healthcare facility.” A “participating healthcare facility” is a federally-qualified health center, community health center, hospital or other healthcare facility approved by BORIM. “Participating healthcare facilities” must establish programs that “develop, assess and evaluate the applicant's familiarity with nonclinical skills and standards appropriate for medical practice in the Commonwealth according to assessment and evaluation criteria developed or approved by BORIM”.  The physician must practice for at least one year under this limited license, which is renewable for an additional one-year period.  Only after successful completion of practice as a limited licensee at a participating healthcare facility is the physician is eligible to move on to the second step in this alternative pathway.

The second step in this alternative pathway is issuance by BORIM of a restricted license.  The restricted license allows the physician to practice independently for two years in a designated “physician shortage area” in primary care, psychiatry, or other specialty approved by BORIM.  The restricted license is renewable for one additional two-year period.

The third and final step in this alternative pathway after successfully practicing for at least two years under a restricted license and proof of a passing score on Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination is applying to BORIM for a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine.

To be eligible for this type of limited license, the physician needs:

• an M.D. or equivalent degree from a legally chartered medical school outside the United States recognized by the World Health Organization
• at least one year of the practice of medicine in another country pursuant to a license or other authorization to practice
• a valid certificate issued by the  Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
• proof of a passing score on Step 1 and Step 2-Clinical Knowledge of the United States Medical Licensing Examination
• agreement with a  participating health care facility to participate in assessment and to work full time after the limited license is issued

There are a number of steps that need to be completed before the Board makes available and accepts applications pursuant to this legislation:

1. Participating healthcare facilities must establish programs that “develop, assess and evaluate the applicant's familiarity with nonclinical skills and standards appropriate for medical practice in the Commonwealth according to assessment and evaluation criteria developed or approved by BORIM”.
2. The participating healthcare facility must be in a “physician shortage area” as determined by BORIM in consultation with DPH healthcare workforce center.
3. Limited License applications pursuant to this legislation will be available when participating healthcare facilities have established such programs.
4. When the programs are established, applicants will be required to enter into an agreement with the participating healthcare facility to participate in such a program and to work full time upon issuance of such a limited license.
5. Applicants must enter a full-time full employment relationship with the participating facility after BORIM issues a limited license to practice medicine to the applicant.

BORIM will provide updates on the status of this licensing pathway.  Please continue to check BORIM’s websites for updates. 

Date published:	January 6, 2025
Last updated:	January 10, 2025