90th General Assembly · Iowa Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

SF 439: Relating to the licensure of internationally trained physicians and including effective date provisions

Became SF 477 · Its progress continues under the new number.

What it does

This bill relates to the licensure of international medical graduates in Iowa. The bill defines “international medical graduate” as a person who holds a medical doctorate or substantially similar degree issued by an international medical program, is in good standing with the medical regulatory body of the person’s country of residence, has completed a residency or similar post-graduate education program, and has a basic fluency in English. The bill defines “international medical program” as a medical training program or entity that provides physicians with a medical education or training outside of the United States that is substantially similar to the practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in Iowa.

Cost

See the fiscal note

0 FTE position for a Clerk Specialist to process the additional licenses, as well as additional supervisory time from the Board’s Licensure Director and the Board’s Executive Director. 0 FTE position is estimated to add approximately $17,000 to the cost of adm…

Senate subcommittee · named February 28, 2023

Sen. Mike Bousselot (R) · mike.bousselot@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Carrie Koelker (R) · carrie.koelker@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Janice Weiner (D) · janice.weiner@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 0 against

For: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; Americans For Prosperity; Cicero Action; Iowa Medical Society; World Education Services

In plain words

February 27, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the State Government committee
February 28, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Bousselot, Koelker and Weiner
March 1, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it
March 1, 2023Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 477