SF5035

Purpose

• To modify licensing rules for eminent physicians by creating a pathway for some physicians to obtain a full and unrestricted medical license. This new pathway is tied to serving as a faculty member at a Minnesota medical school while continuing to practice medicine.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new Subdivision 5a to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 147.0375.
• The board may issue a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine to a person who:
  • Already holds a license under this section and has completed the terms of an agreement to serve as a faculty member of a Minnesota medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or an osteopathic medical school in Minnesota accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), while concurrently practicing medicine under this section.
  • Is currently in good standing to practice medicine in Minnesota.
  • Submits a letter of recommendation in support of a full and unrestricted license from any physician qualified to assess the person’s fitness to practice medicine under a full license, containing all attestations required under Minnesota Statutes section 147.037 subdivision 1b paragraph i.
  • Submits a letter of recommendation in support of a full and unrestricted license from the person’s current employer.
  • Has passed Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) with passing scores as recommended by the USMLE program or the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) within three attempts.
  • Has completed 20 hours of continuing medical education (CME).

How It Changes Existing Law

• Creates a formal pathway (Subd.5a) within the licensing framework for eminent physicians to move from an existing license under this section to a full and unrestricted license, based on academic appointment as faculty, good standing, recommenders, and exam/CME requirements.

Eligibility and Qualifications (Key Criteria)

• Agreement to serve as medical school faculty in Minnesota (LCME-accredited or AOA-accredited)
• Concurrent active medical practice under the current license
• In good standing to practice
• Physician recommendation with required attestations
• Employer recommendation
• Successful completion of USMLE Steps 1–3 or COMLEX within three attempts
• 20 hours of continuing medical education

Significant Terms From the Bill (for quick reference)

• full and unrestricted license
• license under this section
• Subd.5a
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 147.0375
• LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education)
• AOA (American Osteopathic Association)
• USMLE
• COMLEX (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination)
• NBOME (National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners)
• continuing medical education (CME)
• letters of recommendation
• attestations
• fitness to practice
• current employer
• good standing
• medical school faculty

Relevant Terms

• full and unrestricted license
• license under this section
• Subd.5a
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 147.0375
• LCME
• AOA
• USMLE
• COMLEX
• NBOME
• CME
• letters of recommendation
• attestations
• fitness to practice
• current employer
• good standing
• medical school faculty