HB 2435 Arizona House · 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session

internationally trained physicians; licensure

HB 2435 creates a new licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians in Arizona who cannot obtain standard certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). It establishes a "fifth pathway" requiring completion of a one-year U.S. clinical training program followed by a 24-month residency, and clarifies that documents from foreign medical schools (minus internship) combined with U.S. program certification will be treated as equivalent to a U.S. medical degree. The bill also offers an alternative route for physicians meeting ECFMG pathway one requirements, provided they hold a valid independent license, have U.S. work authorization, and have a job offer at a healthcare provider in a county with under one million residents. This directly affects foreign-trained doctors seeking Arizona medical licensure who face barriers with existing certification processes.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

Bill status failed 2 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

House Failed

Mar 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Mar 11, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version (03/11/2026) · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add a new section (32-1424.01) that establishes a formal 'provisional license' for internationally trained physicians who meet specific criteria, such as having a valid license in their home country and working in rural areas. This new section introduces mandatory supervision requirements, annual renewal fees, and a four-year timeline for converting a provisional license to a full license. Additionally, the text was updated to clarify that applicants must pass all three steps of the USMLE within a seven-year period.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded by adding a new statutory section that creates a distinct provisional licensure pathway with specific rules for supervision, employment, and conversion to full licensure, which were previously absent or less defined.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new section (32-1424.01) establishing mandatory supervision agreements where provisional licensees must work under a supervising physician with direct supervision immediately available.

Added a requirement that provisional licenses be renewed annually and that employers must notify the board if employment ends.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified the eligibility criteria to explicitly require applicants to hold certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and pass exams as determined by the board.

TIMELINE

Clarified that applicants must pass all three steps of the USMLE within a seven-year period to be eligible for licensure.

ENFORCEMENT

Added provisions allowing the board to discipline or revoke provisional licenses and outlining an appeal process to the superior court in Maricopa County.

DEFINITION

Added specific definitions for 'indirect supervision with direct supervision immediately available' and 'provisional licensee' to clarify the operational requirements.

Floor votes · House Mar 11, 2026

How they voted

20–31

Failed · 9 other

Total votes 60

Mar 11, 2026

D Democratic27

5 Yea 16 Nay 6

59% Nay

R Republican33

15 Yea 15 Nay 3

45% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 11, 2026

Vote failed

House Vote: fail (20-31-9)

house

Feb 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

Feb 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors