4-Attachment B Scope of Work.docx

Attachment B: Scope of Work Internationally Trained Physicians Evaluation Tool

1. Introduction

This project focuses on creating a comprehensive assessment toolkit. This toolkit will evaluate foreign-trained physicians' ability to practice in the United States Medical system under the supervision of a Utah-licensed physician. Additionally, the project involves identifying and collaborating with employers who will serve as test entities for this alternative pathway. Finally, this will help transition our Limited Supervised Training Permit (LSTP) Pathway for Internationally Trained Physicians into the testing phase and eventual implementation.

The contractor will be responsible for designing the assessment framework, helping source suitable employers and candidates for pilot testing, and refining the tools based on initial feedback. Responsibilities also include conducting user training, providing 36 months of post-implementation support, and participating in weekly progress check-ins.

2. Background

Establishing an alternative licensure pathway for internationally trained professionals requires several key phases: pathway development, pilot testing, and full implementation. Following more than a year of dedicated effort to design an optimal pathway, our team is now prepared to advance to the testing phase. This next stage involves collaborating with candidates and employers to evaluate clinical competence according to U.S. medical standards. To accomplish this, we must create a robust assessment tool that is both ready for implementation and adaptable across diverse medical specialties. Engaging an experienced contractor during this phase will streamline our progress toward full implementation. This initiative directly supports our agency's goal of maximizing efficiency while leveraging specialized expertise to address critical professional shortages across the state.

3. Scope of Work

1. The contractor shall be responsible for the following key objectives:

2. Design and build an adaptable assessment tool to evaluate internationally trained physicians practicing under the supervision of a Utah-licensed physician. The tool must incorporate a scoring framework to measure and track the levels of entrustment granted by the supervising physician, with sufficient flexibility to accommodate various medical specialties and practice settings. The contractor may conduct this work at their own discretion, provided the assessment tool is fully completed within the specified timeline.

3. Collaborate with the Division to identify internationally trained physicians who meet all pathway criteria to participate as test candidates during the pilot phase.

4. Partner with the Division to identify prospective healthcare employers for pilot testing the pathway and assessment tool. Note: Should an employer engage the contractor for advisory or implementation support within their own organization, any associated costs will be covered directly by the employer, not the Division.

5. Oversee, in collaboration with the Division, activities throughout the 3-year project lifecycle and deliver a comprehensive summary report upon conclusion.

4. Requirements Contractor relevant experience:

The contractor must possess a minimum of two years of healthcare industry experience supporting organizations with program implementation and assessment design for internationally trained physicians (ITPs). Demonstrated success in placing ITPs across healthcare entities is required, alongside proven experience operating in at least 3 of the 27 U.S. jurisdictions that have established alternative licensure pathways for ITPs.

Contractor Responsibilities:

1. Develop and assist with the implementation of the assessment tool, ensuring it is completed and ready for use no later than February 1, 2027.

2. Identify one or more prospective employers by February 1, 2027. If no employer is identified by this date, the contract may be subject to termination.

3. Partner with the Division to identify suitable candidates and employer testing sites for the alternative pathway and assessment tool.

4. Share prospective employer details with the Division and extend invitations for the Division to attend all informational meetings with potential employers.

Division Responsibilities:

1. Deliver licensing technical support, including guidance on alternative pathway requirements and the drafting of formal agreements among supervisors, employers, candidates, and the Division.

2. Issue limited supervised training permits allowing international physicians to practice under supervision for the agreed-upon timeframe.

3. Maintain assessment records and conduct necessary follow-up evaluations.

4. Provide the Contractor with information on potential applicants by November 6, 2026, to facilitate placement opportunities.

Joint Commitments:

Throughout the contract duration, both parties agree to collaborate closely and continuously share insights to refine and enhance the assessment process.

5. Compliance

a. The Contractor shall submit biweekly progress updates every Friday detailing current task statuses, summaries of site visits, and any project delays. The project manager will evaluate all submissions to ensure compliance with the division's standards.

b. Bi-annual project evaluation reports must be submitted by the Contractor every six months to review ongoing development, evaluate performance, explore growth opportunities, and address any operational challenges or bottlenecks.

c. To maintain project momentum and support collaborative decision-making, the Contractor and the Division will participate in virtual meetings on an as-needed basis.

d. Key performance metrics include candidate placement figures, which support the active deployment of the pathway and assessment framework. The Contractor is required to place at least 10 candidates with participating employers throughout the term of this contract. Complete the assessment tool so it is ready for use by the end of February 2027.

6. Project Deliverables

An adaptable, implementation-ready assessment tool designed to evaluate foreign-trained physicians' clinical competency to practice within the U.S. healthcare system under the supervision of a Utah-licensed physician.

7. Project Timeline

This project will have a duration of 3 years Kickoff Meeting – November 2, 2026 Potential Candidates Review – November 6, 2026 Assessment Tool Development – February 1, 2027 List of potential employers - February 1, 2027 Division Training – February 5, 2027 Implementation - March 1, 2027 Project 1st Evaluation Report - September 6, 2027 Project 2nd Evaluation Report - March 3, 2028 Project 3rd Evaluation Report - September 1, 2028 Project 4rd Evaluation Report - March 2, 2029 Project Closeout Report – November 2, 2029

8. Project Budget

The agency has budgeted $0 for this project.

9. Reference Documents

Physicians LSTP PATHWAY OVERVIEW