A bill to help deal with the shortage of medical professionals in Indiana was approved in the full House this week.

It was written by Republican Representative Beau Baird of Greencastle. He says it would provide relief to struggling hospitals, support rural communities, and improve healthcare access while controlling costs. Baird says he was inspired to write the bill because of how the shortage is hurting rural and underserved communities.

“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 this legislation enables 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 still 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. The bill was supported by the Indiana State Medical Association.

It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.