(1) A person who was trained in a medical school that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools published by the World Health Organization and is located in a country other than the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico may apply to take Step III of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, if the person:

(a) Legally practiced medicine for at least 5 years in the country in which the school is located;

(b) Has passed Steps I and II of the United States Medical Licensing Examination;

(c) Is certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates as qualified for a restricted license to practice medicine;

(d) Is not subject to discipline, investigation, or prosecution in any jurisdiction for acts that threaten the public health, safety, or welfare or violate chapter 456 or this chapter; and

(e) Has been a resident of this state since July 1, 1996.

(2) A person applying for licensure under this section must submit to the Department of Health on or before December 31, 2000:

(a) A completed application and documentation required by the Board of Medicine to prove compliance with subsection (1); and

(b) A nonrefundable application fee not to exceed $500 and a nonrefundable examination fee not to exceed $300 plus the actual cost to purchase and administer the examination.

(3) A person applying under this section may take the examination a maximum of 5 times within 5 years.

(4) A restricted licensee under this section must practice under the supervision of a licensee approved by the board, with the first year of licensure under direct supervision and the second year in community service under indirect supervision, including practicing with organizations that serve indigent populations, such as s. 501(c)(3) agencies, public health units, prisons, or other organizations approved by the board.

(5) Notwithstanding s. 458.311(1)(f), a person who successfully meets the requirements of this section and who successfully passes Step III of the United States Medical Licensing Examination is eligible for full licensure as a physician.

(6) The board shall adopt rules to implement this section.

History.—s. 110, ch. 97-261; s. 214, ch. 97-264; s. 44, ch. 98-166; s. 17, ch. 99-332; s. 185, ch. 99-397; s. 103, ch. 2000-160.