A new bill introduced in the California State Senate could pave the way for leading international cancer researchers to practice and teach in the Golden State. Senate Bill 387 (SB 387), authored by Senator Susan Rubio, proposes key changes to California’s special faculty permit system, aiming to support cancer centers in recruiting world-class experts.
Under current law, to qualify as an academic medical center eligible for special faculty permits, institutions must train at least 250 resident physicians annually and hold accreditation from both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
SB 387 seeks to amend these criteria specifically for National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers. The bill would lower the required number of residents or fellows trained annually from 250 to 25 and remove the WASC accreditation requirement. These changes would allow institutions such as City of Hope—a nationally recognized leader in cancer research and care—to bring in highly specialized faculty from around the globe.
“Cancer continues to impact countless lives. I am proud to have introduced #SB387—a bill that will help California recruit top international cancer research physicians to advance life-saving treatments,” Senator Rubio wrote in a Facebook post. “SB 387 ensures that City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, can bring in world-class experts to develop cutting-edge therapies for cancer patients. Honored to continue to strengthen cancer research and bring hope to those who need it most.”
The Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) has also voiced strong support for the legislation. In a letter to the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development, LACMA President Dr. Po-Yin Samuel Huang stated:
“They practice medicine at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. By modifying the threshold of resident physicians, SB 387 will give City of Hope and other highly ranked NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers access to key physician experts that can make a significant difference in the ability to excel in cancer research and life-saving treatments for cancer patients. For these reasons, LACMA is proud to support this important measure.”
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development on February 26 and is scheduled for a hearing on April 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 2100 at 1021 O Street.
Supporters of SB 387 argue that loosening these requirements will enable California to stay competitive in cancer research by attracting top-tier international talent. If passed, the legislation could help position the state as a global hub for innovation in cancer treatment and academic medicine.
For more information and to follow the bill’s progress, visit legiscan.com.
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