Have you moved recently or closed your practice? Did you notify every State Medical Board where you currently hold licensure? This small task may seem inconsequential, but left undone it could be costly.
You must always be aware of and follow state specific rules and regulations in order to practice. One requirement is to update the board anytime you have a change of address (COA). Additionally, many states, like Idaho require a separate physician profile be kept up to date.
Idaho’s Patient Freedom of Information Act enacted January 1, 2000, requires health care providers to update the physician profile on an annual basis. Please note that new profiles must be entered within 30 days of initial licensure. If a licensee fails to provide full and truthful disclosure of information within the required time frame, the board may fine the licensee up to fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for each day the licensee is not in compliance. The board may also take disciplinary action it deems appropriate, short of revoking, suspending, or refusing to issue or renew a license or registration
A physician was recently fined $30K by the Idaho Board for not updating his IDACARE profile. Another physician was fined $5K. In both cases, the physicians were notified of the fines when they tried to renew their Idaho State License. The board simply did not have their correct address to remind them to update their profile and they were not able to return to work until the fines were paid.
You have worked hard to obtain your license to practice medicine. Don’t take any chances; contact every state you are licensed in when you move. If you are licensed in Idaho, we encourage you to review the entire Idaho Patient Freedom of Information Act and to visit the IDACARE website to enter your profile information. If you have any questions, you can reach the VISTA Licensing Department at 800-366-1884.
