Iowa Code § 148J.2: International physicians — provisional licenses.

1. a. The board shall grant a provisional license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state to an international physician with an offer for employment as a physician at a health care facility in this state. However, the board shall not grant a license pursuant to this subsection to an international physician who does not possess a federal immigration status allowing the international physician to practice as a physician in the United States, or to an international physician who fails to obtain a passing score on the United States medical licensing examination.

b. A provisional license granted pursuant to paragraph “a” may be converted to a full license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery after three years, unless the license has been revoked pursuant to subsection 2 or surrendered by the licensee.

2. a. The board may revoke a provisional license granted pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph “a”, if the board finds by clear and compelling evidence that the licensee has violated a provision of section 148.6. A licensee may appeal a revocation pursuant to this subsection in a court of competent jurisdiction within one hundred twenty days of the date of revocation.

b. The board may revoke a provisional license granted pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph “a”, if the international physician is not employed by a health care facility in this state during the entirety of the provisional licensing period.

3. This section does not require the board to grant a provisional license or full license pursuant to subsection 1 to an individual that does not do all of the following:

a. Complete training substantially similar to a physician and surgeon or osteopathic physician and surgeon.

b. Receive a passing score on the United States medical licensing examination.

c. Pass a background check as required by the board.

d. Complete a licensure application as required by the board.

e. Pay all required fees as required by the board.