All about Arizona Transitional Training Permit
What is the Transitional Training Permit?
An Arizona Transitional Training Permit is a type of permit that allows certain medical school graduates who have not completed a residency program to provide care while working with an Arizona-licensed, supervising qualified physician1. This permit was created by the Arizona Legislature in 2023 as a way to address the shortage of physicians in rural and underserved areas of the state2.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for this permit, the applicant must meet the following conditions3:
- The applicant must have graduated from an osteopathic school of medicine within the last two years.
- The applicant must have passed the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) Level 1 and Level 2-Cognitive Evaluation (CE) or an equivalent examination approved by the board.
- The applicant must have completed at least one year of postgraduate training in an accredited osteopathic or allopathic residency program.
- The applicant must have a written agreement with a supervising qualified physician who is licensed in Arizona and practices in the same specialty or a related specialty as the applicant.
- The applicant must pay a nonrefundable fee of $500 and submit a completed application form and supporting documents to the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners.
The permit is valid for one year and may be renewed once for an additional year, subject to the board’s approval. The permit holder must work under the direct supervision of the supervising qualified physician and comply with the scope of practice, reporting, and continuing medical education requirements set by the board. The permit holder must also notify the board of any change in their employment, supervision, or contact information within 10 days.
The Arizona Transitional Training Permit is not a license to practice medicine and does not confer any independent practice rights or privileges. The permit holder is not eligible to prescribe controlled substances, perform elective surgery, or provide care in an emergency department. The permit holder is also not eligible for malpractice insurance coverage through the Medical Liability Insurance Crisis Act (MLICA).
If you are interested in applying for this permit, you can find more information and forms on the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners website4. But first, let us breakdown some frequently asked questions about the Arizona Transitional Training Permit.
What is the purpose of the permit?
The permit allows certain medical school graduates who have not completed a residency program to provide care while working with an Arizona-licensed, supervising qualified physician. The permit was created to address the shortage of physicians in rural and underserved areas of the state5.
Who is eligible for the permit?
The applicant must have graduated from an osteopathic school of medicine within the last two years, passed the COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2-CE or an equivalent exam, completed at least one year of postgraduate training in an accredited residency program, and have a written agreement with a supervising qualified physician who practices in the same or a related specialty as the applicant6.
How long is the permit valid and can it be renewed?
The permit is valid for one year and may be renewed once for an additional year, subject to the board’s approval.
What is the scope of practice, reporting, and continuing medical education requirements for the permit holder?
The permit holder must work under the direct supervision of the supervising qualified physician and comply with the board’s rules and regulations. The permit holder must not prescribe controlled substances, perform elective surgery, or provide care in an emergency department. The permit holder must also notify the board of any change in their employment, supervision, or contact information within 10 days.
What are the responsibilities of the supervising qualified physician and the eligible entity?
The supervising qualified physician must be licensed in Arizona and practice in the same or a related specialty as the permit holder. The supervising qualified physician must provide direct supervision and guidance to the permit holder and review their performance at least quarterly. The supervising qualified physician must also notify the board, the eligible entity, and the permit holder in writing if the permit holder exceeds the scope of the delegated health care tasks8. The eligible entity is an organization that employs or contracts with the supervising qualified physician and the permit holder. The eligible entity must verify the credentials of the permit holder and ensure that they have adequate malpractice insurance coverage.
How can I apply for the permit and what is the fee?
You can find more information and forms on the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners website7. The nonrefundable fee for the permit is $500.
