Senate Bill 124 aims to ease physician shortage by licensing foreign doctors in Nevada
May 10, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 124, which aims to address the physician shortage in Nevada by allowing limited licensure for certain foreign-trained physicians. The meeting featured multiple testimonies in support of the bill, highlighting its potential to improve healthcare access, particularly for underserved communities.
Sarah Bradley, Deputy Executive Director of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, opened the testimony by expressing the board's support for SB 124. She emphasized that the bill would enable the licensing of qualified individuals to provide essential care to Nevada citizens. Following her, Devin Aschoff from Touro University Nevada and Annie Bong from the Nevada Primary Care Association also voiced their support, thanking Senator Donate for his collaboration on the bill.
Eddie Diaz, representing the Libre Initiative, underscored the bill's importance for the Hispanic community, noting that it would enhance access to culturally competent care by allowing qualified foreign-trained physicians to practice in Nevada. He argued that the bill would not only address the physician shortage but also diversify the healthcare workforce, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Ronald Najaro from Americans for Prosperity echoed these sentiments, pointing out that nearly one million Nevadans live in areas lacking adequate medical professionals. He advocated for the bill as a practical solution to remove barriers for foreign-trained physicians, who are often more likely to serve in rural and underserved areas.
The Nevada State Medical Association, represented by Jacqueline Nguyen, also expressed support for the bill, highlighting the importance of maintaining high standards of care while addressing workforce shortages. She acknowledged the safeguards included in the bill to protect patient care.
The committee did not receive any opposition or neutral testimonies regarding SB 124, indicating a strong consensus in favor of the legislation. After concluding the testimony, the committee chair closed the hearing on SB 124 and proceeded to open discussions on Senate Bill 379, which revises provisions related to commerce.
Overall, the meeting underscored a collective effort to enhance healthcare access in Nevada through legislative support for SB 124, with a focus on addressing the critical shortage of medical professionals in the state.
Sarah Bradley, Deputy Executive Director of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, opened the testimony by expressing the board's support for SB 124. She emphasized that the bill would enable the licensing of qualified individuals to provide essential care to Nevada citizens. Following her, Devin Aschoff from Touro University Nevada and Annie Bong from the Nevada Primary Care Association also voiced their support, thanking Senator Donate for his collaboration on the bill.
Eddie Diaz, representing the Libre Initiative, underscored the bill's importance for the Hispanic community, noting that it would enhance access to culturally competent care by allowing qualified foreign-trained physicians to practice in Nevada. He argued that the bill would not only address the physician shortage but also diversify the healthcare workforce, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Ronald Najaro from Americans for Prosperity echoed these sentiments, pointing out that nearly one million Nevadans live in areas lacking adequate medical professionals. He advocated for the bill as a practical solution to remove barriers for foreign-trained physicians, who are often more likely to serve in rural and underserved areas.
The Nevada State Medical Association, represented by Jacqueline Nguyen, also expressed support for the bill, highlighting the importance of maintaining high standards of care while addressing workforce shortages. She acknowledged the safeguards included in the bill to protect patient care.
The committee did not receive any opposition or neutral testimonies regarding SB 124, indicating a strong consensus in favor of the legislation. After concluding the testimony, the committee chair closed the hearing on SB 124 and proceeded to open discussions on Senate Bill 379, which revises provisions related to commerce.
Overall, the meeting underscored a collective effort to enhance healthcare access in Nevada through legislative support for SB 124, with a focus on addressing the critical shortage of medical professionals in the state.
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