Navigating the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact: A Guide for Physicians

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)is anaccord among 30 states in the United States. It aims to expedite the licensing process for qualified physicians who want to practice medicine in multiple states. In addition, this agreement makes it easier for physicians to move across state lines and provide care to patients in different parts of the country.

However, navigating the IMLC process can be complicated and time-consuming. Here is a guide for physicians interested in obtaining an interstate physician licensure compact medical license.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before starting the application process, you must check your eligibility for the IMLC medical license. To qualify, You must:

• Hold a full, unrestricted medical license in any Compact member state.
• Never had a controlled substance license/permit suspended or revoked by a state or DEA
• Have graduated from an accredited medical school listed in the International Medical Education Directory
• Never held a license subjected to discipline (excluding action related to non-payment of fees related to license)
• Have passed each component of USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or equivalent examinations within three attempts
• Never been convicted, received adjudication, deferred adjudication, community supervision, or deferred disposition
• Hold a current specialty certification by ABMS or AOABOS board.
• Not be under any active investigation
• Have completed ACGME/AOA accredited graduate medical education

If you meet these requirements, you can determine the participating states.

Step 2: Determine Participating States

The next step is to determine which states participate in the IMLC. As of March 2023, there are 30 participating states, including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Note that not all states in the US participate in the IMLC. If you’re interested in practicing medicine in a state that isn’t a member of the IMLC, you’ll need to apply for a regular medical license through that state’s medical board.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Once you’ve determined your eligibility and started participating in the IMLC, you can submit your application. The IMLC has a centralized application process, meaning you only need to submit one application that all participating states will review.

To apply for an IMLC medical license, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Create an account on the IMLC website and pay the application fee.
2. Complete the application form and provide all required information, including your personal information, education and training, work history, and license verification.
3. Deliver documentation to support your application, such as transcripts, diplomas, and certifications.
4. Request that your state of primary licensure verify your license and provide a qualification letter.
5. Provide documentation of your continuing medical education (CME) credits.
6. Consent to a criminal background check.

Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the IMLC Commission, which comprises representatives from participating states. You’ll be issued an IMLC medical license if your application is approved. This will allow you to practice medicine in all participating states.

Step 4: Maintain Your License

You will obtain an interstate physician licensure compact medical license as a physician. You must maintain your license by meeting each state’s requirements in which you practice. In addition, you must complete any necessary CME credits, renew your license on time, and comply with state-specific laws and regulations.

It’s also important to note that you’ll still need to obtain malpractice insurance separately and comply with each state’s requirements for medical practice.

In addition, if you ever face disciplinary action or have your license revoked or suspended in one state, all other states participating in the IMLC will be notified. This can result in disciplinary action or revocation/suspension of your IMLC medical license in other states.

For those physicians who want to practice medicine in more than one state, the IMLC medical license can be of immense value. The IMLC medical license can be valuable. However, to begin with, you should understand the eligibility requirements, application process, and ongoing maintenance requirements to ensure a smooth and successful experience. With the right preparation and understanding, the IMLC can allow physicians to expand their practice and provide care to patients in multiple states.