Maryland SB489: Health Occupations - Physicians Trained in Foreign Countries - Exemption From Educational Requirements and Limited License
Status: Passed one chamber, April 13, 2026
Altering the exemption from certain educational requirements required for a license to practice medicine for certain applicants who have studied at an international medical school; authorizing the State Board of Physicians, beginning October 1, 2028, to issue a limited license to practice medicine to a physician trained and licensed in a foreign county under certain circumstances; and requiring the State Board of Physicians to consult with MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society on the development of certain policies and regulations.
What the bill says
From the chaptered text, April 13, 2026:
SB0489/633627/1 BY: Delegate Hill AMENDMENTS TO SENATE BILL 489, AS AMENDED (Third Reading File Bill) AMENDMENT NO. 1 On page 1 of the bill, in line 3, strike "Exemption From Educational Requirements and"; and strike beginning with "altering" in line 9 down through "school;" in line 12. On page 1 of the Health Committee Amendments (SB0489/173125/1), in line 7 of Amendment No. 1, strike "14-302(2)(ii)4.,". AMENDMENT NO. 2 On pages 1 and 2 of the Health Committee Amendments, in Amendment No. 2, strike beginning with "14-302." in line 2 on page 1 down through "history;" in line 7 on page 2.
SB489 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Health Occupations - Physicians Trained in Foreign Countries - Exemption From Educational Requirements and Limited License.
What does SB489 do?
Altering the exemption from certain educational requirements required for a license to practice medicine for certain applicants who have studied at an international medical school; authorizing the State Board of Physicians, beginning October 1, 2028, to issue a limited license to practice medicine to a physician trained and licensed in a foreign county under certain circumstances; and requiring the State Board of Physicians to consult with MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society on the development of certain policies and regulations.
What is the status of SB489?
Passed one chamber as of April 13, 2026. Latest action: Third Reading Passed with Amendments (128-9) (April 13, 2026).
Who sponsored SB489?
Clarence Lam (D, SD-012), with 4 co-sponsors.
Where is the official record for SB489?
On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0489?ys=2026RS