(a) The board shall develop a process to give priority review status to the application of an applicant for a physician and surgeon’s certificate who can demonstrate that they intend to practice in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population as defined in § 128552 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) An applicant may demonstrate their intent to practice in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population by providing proper documentation, including, but not limited to, a letter from the employer indicating that the applicant has accepted employment and stating the start date.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 625, Sec. 3. (SB 1443) Effective January 1, 2023.)