IMMIGRANT HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

SB 172 creates the Immigrant Health Care Workforce Development Act to support underemployed immigrant health care workers in New Mexico, particularly those with prior foreign health care experience seeking licensure. The bill establishes an Acceleration Program providing training in medical English, health IT systems, and licensing pathways, along with financial support for exam fees, living costs, and career navigation. It also creates a Primary Care Physician Readiness Pathway for qualified international medical graduates, including a 6-12 month clinical readiness program and exam preparation assistance. Participants must be New Mexico residents, commit to working in an underserved community for at least one year post-licensure, and meet specific eligibility criteria like having prior foreign health care experience.