SENATE Bill 23-67, which would allow licensed physicians from foreign countries to practice medicine at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., is now on its way to the desk of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
On Wednesday, the 15 present members of the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.L.B. 23-67, which was authored by Senate Vice President Donald M. Manglona.
According to the bill, a physician licensed to practice in a foreign country may be granted a license to practice here subject to the requirements and conditions provided in the regulations of the Healthcare Professions Licensing Board.
Eligible foreign physicians must have education, training, examination results, and experience comparable to those of a person qualified for licensure in the CNMI.
The House Committee on Health and Welfare chair, Rep. Malcolm Omar, said the bill “is a plus for our dire situation where some [health] providers [are] going out.” He urged his fellow House members to support the bill’s passage.
For his part, Rep. Roman C. Benavente said he likes the bill because it would also apply to healthcare providers in the private sector such as the Marianas Eye Institute, for example.
He applauded the author of the bill and said he looks forward to its passage, which could reduce the need for costly medical referral travel.
The bill is also supported by CHCC’s deputy chief medical officer, Martin Rohringer, who informed lawmakers last month about the nationwide shortage in primary care physicians, which, he added, is now “upon us.”
Marianas Eye Institute Medical Director David Khorram, MD also urged lawmakers to pass S.B. 23-67, saying that the CNMI is facing an “imminent loss” of medical and surgical eye care.
CHCC Chief Strategy Officer Eleanor Cabrera said the bill would help address the islands’ physician shortage, a challenge compounded by the CNMI’s remote location, limited resources, and complex healthcare needs.
