239.02.23 Ark. Code R. 008

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
Rule 239.02.23-008 - Rule 3 - Unrestricted License for Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools

Unrestricted license may now be applied for by graduates of foreign medical schools provided they can comply with the following requirements and meet the approval of the Arkansas State Medical Board;

1. Be twenty-one years of age.
2. Be of good moral character.
3. Demonstrated in personal interview the ability to read, write, and speak English fluently; and also demonstrate adequate training and ability sufficient to permit the practice of medicine in accordance with accepted medical practice in the State of Arkansas.
4. Present documented evidence that he or she:
(i) Served three (3) years as an intern, resident, fellow or a combination thereof in an accredited postgraduate medical education program in the United States;
(ii) Served three (3) years as an intern or resident in a postgraduate medical education program outside the United States, completed all steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, obtained Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification, and either completed one (1) year or more of fellowship training accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in the United States or received American Board of Medical Specialties certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties; or
(iii) Completed one (1) year as an intern or resident in an accredited post-graduate medical program in the United States and be currently enrolled in an accredited postgraduate medical program in Arkansas. The Applicant should further provide a Letter of Recommendation from the Intern or Residency Director, outlining the Applicant Physician's competence in the practice of medicine and his ability to appropriately interact with patients and other medical staff.
5. Provide indisputable identification.
6. Present a Standard ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Exam) Certificate.
7.
A. Present proof of successful completion of Steps 1, 2 and 3 of the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam).
B. The applicant must successfully complete each step in no more than 3 attempts per step. A waiver may be granted by the Board, if requested by the applicant, from the "3 attempt per step limit," for Step 1 and/or Step 2. The waiver will be granted if the Board finds that the applicant can show documentation and proof that he/she suffered from a significant health condition or personal problem, and that by its severity would necessarily cause delay to the applicant's medical education and successful completion of the step testing. The waiver will not exceed 4 attempts per step.

A waiver may also be granted to the "3 attempt per step limit: on step 3 not to exceed 4 attempts if:

The applicant has completed one year of approved graduate medical education after the 3rd failed attempt and before the fourth and final attempt at step 3; or

(1) The applicant can show proof that he/she is certified in a Specialty Board by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

239.02.23 Ark. Code R. 008

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume 49, Number 03, Effective 3/1/2024