In 2015, Arkansas passed the Arkansas Graduate Registered Physician Act. This act created an Assistant Physician equivalent. The highlights of the act include:
- The use of ECFMG and ACGME is not used but the phrasing "accredited allopathic medical school or osteopathic medical school" is used which is to be assumed is to be the simiar.
- Although the term Collaborative Physician Agreement is not specifically used the act states "Works under a physician-drafted protocol approved by the Arkansas State Medical Board"
- shall be licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board
- Has successfully completed Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE, COMPLEX-USA, or the equivalent of both steps...within the two-year 2 period immediately preceding application for licensure... but not more than two (2) years after graduation from a medical school (DO or MD).
- Has not completed an approved postgraduate residency.
- Has no revocation, suspension, or probation for cause resulting from the applicant's medical practice, unless the board considers the conditions and agrees to licensure
- Enters into a physician-drafted protocol within six months of initial licensure
- to include prescribing, ordering, and administering Schedules III-V controlled substances."
House of Representatives Amendment No. 1 to House Bill No. 1162 introduced the additional statement:
- "A license issued under this subchapter shall only be renewed for a maximum of two years." This was changed once more because the the regulations application says 3 years.
This is only a summary with highlights. This is far from a complete list. Before applying or hiring it is suggested that to read the act and the amendments in their entirety.
The Arkansas State Medical Board gives most of the information for license The Graduate Registered Physician Licensure Pack given via their web site. It is a "how to" for applying to be a GRP in the state.
Click here for GRP Licensure Pack
Click here for the Regulations PDF