House Passes Baird’s Legislation

The Indiana House of Representatives recently supported a bill authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) to help combat the shortage of medical professionals, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Baird said his bill would provide relief to struggling hospitals, support rural communities and improve healthcare access while controlling costs.

“We all know access to quality health care is a fundamental need for Hoosiers across our state, yet too many families, especially in rural Indiana, continue to struggle with finding providers,” Baird said. “This forces families to travel long distances or wait for essential medical care. House Bill 1555 takes a common-sense, targeted approach to this issue by allowing qualified international medical graduates to practice in these underserved areas under a limited medical license.”

Baird said his legislation would enable international doctors to earn their medical license in Indiana without having to repeat their residency requirement if they complete their training in a program similar to one accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. After five years of service, they would be eligible for an unlimited license as determined by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Applicants would need a recognized medical degree, certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, at least five years of post-residency practice and be proficient in English.

House Bill 1555 is supported by the Indiana State Medical Association and passed out of the House Public Health Committee unanimously before passing the full House. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.

Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.