Burgos introduces legislation to address statewide physician shortages
Health January 8, 2026 | 11:52 AM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 8 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., recently introduced legislation that would create a supervised pathway for qualified international medical graduates to practice in Pennsylvania.
House Bill 2121, to be known as The Provisional Licensure Pathway for International Medical Doctors Act, would authorize the State Board of Medicine to issue provisional licenses to international medical graduates who meet rigorous standards, including Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification, verified foreign medical training or practice, English language proficiency and more.
Provisional licensees would be required to practice under supervision, with designated underserved areas and approved specialties.
“We’ve seen this model implemented successfully across other states,” said Burgos. “The bill has been designed to responsibly expand access to care while maintaining high standards of patient safety. We’re addressing critical physician shortages, especially in underserved and rural communities, by using qualified international medical graduates.”
The bill includes strong oversight provisions, annual reporting to the General Assembly, and a clear pathway to full licensure upon successful completion of the provisional term and remaining requirements.
House Bill 2121 has been introduced in the House and is awaiting committee referral.