You’re likely aware of the buzz around the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. But how does it work exactly, and what does it all mean for you as a locum tenens physician? If you meet the qualifications and you’re licensed in one of the eight principal states designated by the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, you can apply for a letter of qualification and be issued new licenses in any of the participating states.
This is huge news for locum tenens physicians! Here’s what you need to know:
An Expedited Path to Licensure
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact—IMLC, or simply the Compact—was created because of increased patient demand and a shortage of licensed providers across the country. It allows physicians that have a valid license in any one of the principal states to become fully licensed in all participating states, without going through a traditional application process. In fact, through the Compact, multiple state licenses can be issued in a few weeks with a single application.
Do You Qualify?
In order to qualify for expedited licensure under the Compact, you must:
- Be board-certified
- Reside or practice in one of the eight states of principal licensure (see map below)
- Have no previous discipline on any state medical license or controlled substance license
- Not be under investigation by any licensing or law enforcement agency
- Have successfully completed a graduate medical education (GME)
- Have passed the USMLE or COMLEX within three attempts
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you are eligible to apply for licensure through the Compact in any of the states that are currently participating.
Note that each of the states that are part of the IMLC will eventually become SPL states. Many are expected to complete this process within the next few months, and many more states have legislation pending to join the IMLC.
6 Steps to Multiple State Licenses
Applying to the IMLC for a "letter of qualification" takes two to four weeks. Once completed, new licenses in the participating states can be issued in a matter of days! Consult our step-by-step chart for details:
Get On Your Way to Cross-Country Licensure Today!
If you are interested in taking advantage of this new path to multi-state licensure, contact VISTA and ask to speak with a recruiter to put our experienced, in-house licensing team to work for you.
