Sen. Burgin files bill in North Carolina Senate to streamline physician licensing

A new bill filed by State Sen. Jim Burgin in the North Carolina Senate seeks to streamline physician licensing and enhance healthcare access through an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 336 on March 19 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Interstate Med.l Lic. Comp./Intern’l Phys.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to streamline the licensing process for physicians across member states, enhancing access to healthcare. It creates a process for licensing international physicians, requiring criteria such as full-time employment in North Carolina and verified qualifications. The bill outlines eligibility, application, and renewal processes, and empowers the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission to oversee licensure, disciplinary actions, and Compact administration. A coordinated information system will maintain physician data and facilitate information sharing for disciplinary purposes. The bill requires the North Carolina Medical Board to appoint commissioners to the Compact Commission and stipulates procedures for credential verification and fees. It underscores rules for international physician licensing, including supervision requirements and restrictions on practice locations, and takes effect Oct. 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Amy S. Galey proposed the most bills (26) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Burgin graduated from The University of Tennessee Knoxville with a BS.

Burgin, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 12th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Ronald Rabin.