The survey of nine State medical boards and a review of the literature revealed some of those differences. The difficulty arises from the absence of a formal accreditation process that would certify the quality of medical education in medical schools outside the United States and Canada. This advance, implemented incrementally between 1992 and 1994, levels the playing field for IMGs who have not yet taken an examination. Of the 28 jurisdictions that require three years of graduate training for the initial licensure of IMGs, only one requires three years of such training for USMGs, two require two years, while the remaining twenty-five require only one year of graduate training for USMGs. Despite advances in some respects, considerable diversity exists among State medical boards with respect to both the primary and additional requirements for licensure imposed on IMGs.
Many boards insist on documenting the authenticity of medical school diplomas and other credentials.
In some instances, the State law authorizing the medical board mandates such documentation. The Workgroup anticipates additional progress toward the achievement of uniform licensure requirements. Maximum uniformity among States in licensure requirements is a recommended goal. While the Workgroup acknowledges the need for State medical boards to address the licensure issues mandated by their respective legislative bodies, it is recommended that the Federal government work with the FSMB to encourage States to seek greater uniformity of requirements. An effective, expedient licensure process is needed for both IMGs and USMGs.