OLYMPIA – The Senate passed legislation today that would reduce barriers for international medical graduates who want to continue their professional careers in Washington state.
Senate Bill 6551, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), is based on recommendations from the International Medical Graduates Work Group, which was established by the legislature last year. The work group included experts from state medical schools, hospitals, the Department of Health, and others. SB 6551 addresses professional barriers for medical providers who graduate from institutions outside the U.S. and Canada.
“There are many highly qualified medical professionals in our state who are refugees or immigrants and who are currently unable to work in their profession,” said Stanford. “By eliminating barriers for these providers to practice their professions, we can ensure immigrants and refugees know they are welcome to participate fully in our communities while also addressing public health challenges in our state. We have a shortage of physicians, a lack of access to culturally competent care, and a need for access to quality care for vulnerable communities. We can address these challenges while keeping high standards with the oversight of the Washington Medical Commission.”
“International medical graduates are among the most inspiring and talented individuals I’ve met, committed to making the biggest difference they can here in Washington state,” said Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), a co-sponsor of SB 6551. “This bill advances recommendations about how we can ensure our state has the multilingual and diverse workforce of doctors necessary to address health disparities and other public health challenges.”
The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
