Illinois is projected to have a shortage of over 6,200 doctors by 2030, but a law that took effect this year cuts regulations and will help foreign-educated doctors start treating patients sooner. [Illinois Policy] 

Inequitable occupational licensing laws are a barrier to economic opportunity in Illinois across a broad range of vocations. A staggering 24.7% of Illinoisans need an occupational license – essentially a government-issued permission slip – to work the job of their choice while another 5% require workforce certification.

These regulatory obstacles hurt Illinois’ economy, including an estimated 135,000 lost jobs and $15.1 billion in misallocated resources. They also resulted in Illinoisans being unable to access medical care, at least until the licensing law passed in 2023 took effect this year.

Senate Bill 1298, championed by state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, amended the Medical Practice Act of 1987 to allow foreign-trained doctors to apply for a limited license. The limited license allows foreign-trained doctors to practice in Illinois for two years under supervision in an area with underserved populations or “unmet medical needs.” After two years, the doctors receive a provisional license that allows them to practice independently under limited supervision for another two years. Afterwards, if in good standing, doctors receive a full, unrestricted medical license to work in Illinois.

This much-needed change addresses a severe doctor shortage in Illinois. It also extends opportunity to a greater number of qualified medical practitioners. The Migration Policy Institute finds Illinois among the states most dramatically underusing immigrant talent, both foreign- and U.S.-educated, to shore up health care personnel shortages.

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