When you are a doctor who is eager to embark on a locum tenens assignment or help patients via telehealth, you likely don’t want to get bogged down in the time and red tape of medical licensure. 

<p>
  When you are a doctor who is eager to embark on a locum tenens assignment or
  help patients via telehealth, you likely don&rsquo;t want to get bogged down
  in the time and red tape of medical licensure.
</p>

<p>
  But physicians, even those who practice telehealth, must obtain medical
  licenses for the states where they wish to practice. Each state has different
  licensing requirements, timeframes, and fees. Some states have a reputation
  for making the process simple and affordable, while for others, it can take
  anywhere between three and nine months and more extensive costs.
</p>

<p>
  At MDA, we know that obtaining additional medical licenses can feel
  frustrating and time-consuming. However, when you partner with us, our skilled
  recruiters can help you navigate the process of obtaining your license to
  practice in a new state. Our licensing administrators will make the process
  easy. In the meantime, here are some tips to get you started:
</p>

<h2>Consider IMLC States</h2>

<p>
  Fortunately, a group of state medical board regulators recognized the need to
  streamline the medical licensing process and established the Interstate
  Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). The IMLC has implemented a pathway to help
  qualified doctors practice in multiple states.
</p>

<p>
  The IMLC mission is to increase access to health care for patients in
  underserved or rural areas and allowing them to more easily connect with
  medical experts through the use of telemedicine technologies. Additionally,
  the IMLC protects the public by facilitating state-sharing of disciplinary and
  investigative information. This compact can make life much easier for you if
  you want to work locum tenens or telemedicine. The status of participating
  states is currently evolving, but you can check the
  <a href="https://imlcc.org/">IMLC map</a> to read about specific legislation.
</p>

<p>
  The states and territory, as of January 2019, that are part of the IMLC are:
</p>

<div style="width:100%;">
  <div style="width:33.3%; height:auto; float:left">
    Alabama<br />
    Arizona<br />
    Colorado<br />
    District of Columbia*<br />
    Guam*<br />
    Idaho<br />
    Illinois<br />
    Iowa<br />
    Kansas
  </div>

  <div style="width:33.3%; height:auto; float:left">
    Maine<br />
    Maryland*<br />
    Michigan*<br />
    Minnesota<br />
    Mississippi<br />
    Montana<br />
    Nebraska<br />
    Nevada<br />
    New Hampshire
  </div>

  <div style="width:33.3%; height:auto; float:left">
    Pennsylvania*<br />
    South Dakota<br />
    Tennessee*<br />
    Utah<br />
    Vermont*<br />
    West Virginia<br />
    Wisconsin<br />
    Wyoming<br />
    Washington
  </div>

  <p>
    <strong>* IMLC Passed; Implementation In Process or Delayed.</strong>
  </p>

  <h2>Obtain an IMLC Letter of Qualification</h2>

  <p>
    The IMLC issued its first Letters of Qualification to physicians beginning
    in 2017. Letters of Qualification provide physicians access to expedited
    licensure with other states participating within the Compact. Letters of
    Qualification are valid for 365 days.
  </p>

  <p>
    To be issued a Letter of Qualification, you must have a full, unrestricted
    license to practice in a Compact Member State that is your designated State
    of Principal License (SPL). You must one of the following requirements to
    claim a state as your SPL:
  </p>

  <ul>
    <li>Your primary residence is in the SPL</li>
    <li>At least 25% of your practice is in the SPL</li>
    <li>Your employer is based in the SPL</li>
    <li>You use the SPL for tax purposes as your residence</li>
  </ul>

  <p>Other requirements are that you:</p>

  <ul>
    <li>Maintain your SPL license at all times</li>
    <li>
      Graduated from an accredited medical school or International Medical
      Education Directory listed school
    </li>
    <li>
      Successfully completed ACGME or AOA accredited graduate medical education
    </li>
    <li>
      Passed all components of USMLE, COMLEX-USA or equivalent in three or fewer
      attempts
    </li>
    <li>
      Have current specialty certification or time-unlimited certification by
      ABMS or AOABOS board
    </li>
    <li>Have no history of disciplinary actions toward license</li>
    <li>Have no criminal history</li>
    <li>Have no history of controlled substance actions toward license</li>
    <li>Not be under investigation</li>
  </ul>

  <h2>Apply in Your State</h2>

  <p>
    If you&rsquo;re applying for your initial license or an additional license,
    expect that it will take some time. To expedite the process, the
    <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/education/obtaining-medical-license"
      >American Medical Association</a
    >
    (AMA) recommends that when you contact your licensing board, you should:
  </p>

  <ul>
    <li>Obtain a copy of their current license requirements</li>
    <li>Send in your curriculum vitae upon first contact</li>
    <li>Disclose all information and avoid hiding anything derogatory</li>
    <li>
      Personally follow up with the licensing board, medical schools, hospitals,
      etc.
    </li>
    <li>
      Contact the Federation Credentials Verification Service (<a
        href="https://www.fsmb.org/fcvs/"
        >FCVS</a
      >) for credentialing
    </li>
    <li>Plan to wait 60 days or longer</li>
  </ul>

  <p>
    States which have a reputation for an efficient licensure process are
    Georgia, Tennessee, Connecticut, Nebraska, Maine, Michigan, and New
    Hampshire. On the other hand, Illinois, Oregon, Alaska, Arkansas, Nevada,
    Texas, and South Dakota can present a greater challenge. Of course, this is
    always changing, so refer to our
    <a href="https://www.mdainc.com/licensure-map---md">MDA Licensure Map</a> to
    find the requirements for your state.
  </p>

  <h2>Connect with a Recruiter</h2>

  <p>
    For physicians who take on locum tenens assignments, there are countless
    opportunities and immense rewards &ndash; like the joy of caring for
    patients in underserved regions, serve those who serve us with Veteran and
    DoD opportunities, the excitement of traveling to see new areas of the U.S.,
    or the ability to reach remote patients through telemedicine. Although
    licensure is a necessary and often cumbersome process, our recruiters are
    determined to make it as seamless as possible.
  </p>
  In addition to offering assistance with licensure, MDA offers:

  <ul>
    <li>Paid travel and housing</li>
    <li>A++ rated comprehensive professional liability insurance</li>
    <li>Fast, convenient, electronic direct deposit</li>
    <li>
      Access to many nationwide locum positions through our extensive network
    </li>
    <li>A wide range of assignments of varying length</li>
    <li>Experience in staffing since 1987</li>
    <li>
      Staffing awards that include the Diamond Award, Inavero Best of Staffing
    </li>
    <li>NCQA-certified CVO to assist with onboarding and risk management</li>
    <li>
      Fabulous testimonials and
      <a href="https://www.mdainc.com/testimonials">excellent reviews</a>
    </li>
  </ul>

  <p>
    To find your ideal locum tenens or telemedicine assignment,
    <a href="https://www.mdainc.com/contact">connect with a recruiter</a> who
    will guide you through every step of the process and ensure that you find
    the opportunity you want while receiving the superior service you deserve.
  </p>
</div>


Interstate Licensing for the Locum Tenens Physician