Massachusetts' Physician Pathway Act will soon allow foreign-trained physicians to practice medicine in the state to address the ongoing physician shortage, Metro West Daily News reported Dec. 11.
Here are five things to know about the law:
1. The law is a part of a larger economic development bill signed by Gov. Maura Healey in November.
2. The law will facilitate foreign-trained physicians getting U.S. medical licenses by removing barriers like repeating residency programs in the U.S.
3. The law was sponsored by state Sen. Jason Lewis and state Reps. Jack Lewis and Mindy Domb.
4. "[The law] will strengthen our physician workforce here in the Commonwealth, with more multilingual, culturally competent, skilled doctors treating patients, especially in underserved communities," said Mr. Lewis.
5. A spokesperson from the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition told Metro West that she estimates hundreds of foreign physicians will utilize the program.