State medical license renewal applications are much simpler than initial applications and re-licensure applications. The vast majority of state medical boards now offer on-line renewal.
The process generally requires the following:
• Verifying personal data
• Answering questions regarding discipline, criminal matters and mental health conditions
• Certifying completion of mandatory CME for the prior one- or two-year registration period
CME requirements range from 12 hours per registration year in Alabama to 50 per registration year in Illinois, Maine, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Specific class content may be required such as risk management, palliative care, and ethics.
Additionally, a certain percentage of your CME must be designated Category I. Make sure to keep your CME certificates, because boards often conduct audits and may request proof of CME. You may also want to apply for the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award, which measures Category I CME content. This certificate is accepted as an equivalent for licensure renewal by more than 75 percent of state medical boards.
You will usually receive your renewed license certificate in 15 to 30 days after the application is submitted.