ARC 0202D

ARC 0202D

INSPECTIONS AND APPEALS DEPARTMENT[481]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to resident, special, and temporary physician licensure and licensure of acupuncturists and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing hereby proposes to amend Chapter 653, “Resident, Special and Temporary Physician Licensure,” and Chapter 656, “Licensure of Acupuncturists,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapters 147, 148, 148E, and 272C.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapters 147, 148, 148E, and 272C.

Purpose and Summary

    Chapters 653 and 656 set the minimum requirements for special licensure and foreign-trained provisional licensure. These rules were reviewed and revised during the 2024 Red Tape Review process. The proposed amendments allow for an additional testing option for applicants to provide proof of English language proficiency. 

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on December 10, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   December 30, 2025

Fiscal Impact

    This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Board of Medicine for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 481—Chapter 6.

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Board no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 5, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    No public hearing is scheduled at this time. As provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)“b,” an oral presentation regarding this rulemaking may be demanded by 25 interested persons, a governmental subdivision, the Administrative Rules Review Committee, an agency, or an association having 25 or more members.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Amend paragraph 653.4(2)“g” as follows:

    g.  Demonstrate proficiency in English by providing a valid ECFMG certificate or verification of a passing score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination administered by the Educational Testing Service or verification of a passing score on the OET medicine test;

    ITEM 2.  Amend subparagraph 653.4(3)“a”(4) as follows:

    (4)  Provide a valid ECFMG certificate or verification of a passing score on the TSE or TOEFL examination administered by the Educational Testing Service or verification of a passing score on the OET medicine test;

    ITEM 3.  Amend paragraph 653.6(2)“f” as follows:

    f.  Demonstrate proficiency in English by providing a valid ECFMG certificate or verification of a passing score on the TSE or TOEFL examination administered by the Educational Testing Service or verification of a passing score on the OET medicine test;

    ITEM 4.  Amend subparagraph 653.6(3)“a”(6) as follows:

    (6)  Provide a valid ECFMG certificate or verification of a passing score on the TSE or TOEFL examination administered by the Educational Testing Service or verification of a passing score on the OET medicine test; and

    ITEM 5.  Amend subparagraph 656.3(1)“c”(2) as follows:

    (2)  An applicant who passed NCCAOM written or practical examination components in a language other than English shall pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examinations administered by the Educational Testing Service or shall pass the OET medicine test.