Physicians and surgeons: licensure: expedite fee.

Assembly Member Valencia's proposal to establish an expedited medical licensure pathway would allow out-of-state physicians to fast-track their California licensing process by paying an additional fee of up to $250. The Medical Board of California would oversee this new option for doctors who hold unrestricted licenses in other U.S. jurisdictions and plan to begin practicing within 90 days.

To qualify for expedited processing, applicants must provide documentation from their prospective employer confirming their accepted position, start date, and practice location. The expedited pathway maintains all existing licensure requirements and standards, while the fee is designed to offset additional administrative costs. Applications processed under this provision would not take priority over other accelerated licensing programs, such as those for military families.

The measure includes a sunset clause that would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030. This temporary authorization allows the state to evaluate the program's implementation before determining whether to extend or modify it. The Medical Board of California would retain authority to set the exact fee amount within the specified cap based on actual processing costs.