Physicians and surgeons: special faculty permits: academic medical centers.

Senator Rubio's proposal to modify California's academic medical center requirements would create distinct qualification pathways for National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers. The legislation adjusts residency training thresholds and accreditation requirements, allowing these specialized centers to qualify as academic medical centers by training 25 resident or fellow physicians annually rather than the current 250-physician minimum. These centers would also be exempt from Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation while maintaining Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education certification.

The bill revises the special faculty permit system that enables distinguished physicians to practice within academic medical settings. Academic medical centers would be authorized to receive up to five special faculty permits annually, with permit reviews conducted by a committee that includes representation from facilities training at least 250 residents. The legislation maintains existing requirements that permit holders practice only within their affiliated institutions and cannot count this experience toward general medical licensure or examination waivers.

Under the proposed changes, academic medical centers must continue meeting core institutional requirements, including conducting peer review for academic appointments, performing clinical and basic research, maintaining over 100 research students annually, hosting foreign medical graduates in research roles, and offering clinical observer experiences. The Medical Board of California would retain authority over special faculty appointments to leadership positions, requiring express written authorization for permit holders to serve as division chiefs or department heads.