Navigating the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
Physicians
Telemedicine
Locum Tenens
If you are a physician looking to practice in multiple states, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is a great option to simplify the process. The IMLC allows qualified healthcare providers to obtain licenses in several states through one application, saving time and reducing paperwork. This is especially helpful for telemedicine providers and those working in rural or underserved areas, allowing you to expand your practice with minimal delays. For more details about the IMLC, check out imlcc.com.
What is the IMLC?
The IMLC is an agreement between 42 U.S. states and territories it streamlines the licensing process for qualified physicians who want to obtain a license in multiple states. Instead of applying separately to each state, physicians can submit one application and be considered for licensure in multiple states at once. This is a huge benefit for those in telemedicine or working temporary assignments in various locations. You can find a list of all the participating states on the IMLC Participating States page.
The IMLC is an agreement between 42 U.S. states and territories it streamlines the licensing process for qualified physicians who want to obtain a license in multiple states. Instead of applying separately to each state, physicians can submit one application and be considered for licensure in multiple states at once. This is a huge benefit for those in telemedicine or working temporary assignments in various locations. You can find a list of all the participating states on the IMLC Participating States page.
How Does the Application Process Work?
The application process through the IMLC is simple, but it’s important to follow each step. Here is how it works:
The application process through the IMLC is simple, but it’s important to follow each step. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
First, you will need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. To apply, you must have an unrestricted, full medical license in one of the Compact member states. This state will be your State of Principal License (SPL). You will also need to meet one of the following criteria:
First, you will need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. To apply, you must have an unrestricted, full medical license in one of the Compact member states. This state will be your State of Principal License (SPL). You will also need to meet one of the following criteria:
- You live in the SPL state.
- At least 25% of your medical practice is based in the SPL.
- The SPL is your primary state for federal income tax purposes.
In addition to the SPL requirement, you must meet these criteria:
- Education: You must have graduated from an accredited medical school, or one listed in the International Medical Education Directory.
- Training: You must successfully complete an ACGME- or AOA-accredited graduate medical education (GME) program.
- Exams: You must have passed each component of the USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or an equivalent exam in no more than three attempts per component.
- Certification: You must hold a current specialty certification or time-unlimited certification from an ABMS or AOABOS board.
Additionally, the following conditions must apply:
- No history of disciplinary actions against your medical license.
- No criminal history.
- No history of controlled substance actions related to your medical license.
- Not currently under investigation.
These requirements ensure you have a strong connection to the state you are using as your principal license. For more on eligibility, visit the IMLC Information for Physicians page.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once you have confirmed you meet the eligibility requirements, you will submit your application through your SPL’s medical board. The application includes verifying your identity, education, training, and undergoing a background check. There is a $700 non-refundable fee, and some SPLs may charge additional fees. You can find the official application details on the IMLC Apply page.
Once you have confirmed you meet the eligibility requirements, you will submit your application through your SPL’s medical board. The application includes verifying your identity, education, training, and undergoing a background check. There is a $700 non-refundable fee, and some SPLs may charge additional fees. You can find the official application details on the IMLC Apply page.
Step 3: Get Your Letter of Qualification (LOQ)
After your application is reviewed and approved, your SPL will issue a Letter of Qualification (LOQ), confirming that you meet the requirements for the IMLC. This usually takes 30–60 days. The LOQ is valid for 365 days, so you will have plenty of time to apply for licenses in other Compact states.
After your application is reviewed and approved, your SPL will issue a Letter of Qualification (LOQ), confirming that you meet the requirements for the IMLC. This usually takes 30–60 days. The LOQ is valid for 365 days, so you will have plenty of time to apply for licenses in other Compact states.
Step 4: Apply for Licenses in Other States
With your LOQ in hand, you can apply for licensure in other Compact member states. Each state will have its own licensing fee and may require additional documentation, such as a jurisprudence exam. For example, Texas requires the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Exam
With your LOQ in hand, you can apply for licensure in other Compact member states. Each state will have its own licensing fee and may require additional documentation, such as a jurisprudence exam. For example, Texas requires the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Exam
Renewing a License Through Compact:
Renewing a license through the IMLC is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you start. First, physicians can only renew licenses that were originally issued through compact. If not sure how the license was obtained, reach out to the state medical board for clarification. Providers are to know the renewal deadlines and fees for the licenses you plan to renew. The renewal form must be filled out by the physician who holds the license, as all the information provided is legally binding and submitted under penalty of perjury. The good news is that an active Letter of Qualification is not required for renewal.
Renewing a license through the IMLC is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you start. First, physicians can only renew licenses that were originally issued through compact. If not sure how the license was obtained, reach out to the state medical board for clarification. Providers are to know the renewal deadlines and fees for the licenses you plan to renew. The renewal form must be filled out by the physician who holds the license, as all the information provided is legally binding and submitted under penalty of perjury. The good news is that an active Letter of Qualification is not required for renewal.
Start by entering your contact details and paying the required fees. Along with the state’s renewal fee, there is a $25 Compact application fee. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the state medical board to confirm your eligibility. You will then get an email with the final decision. You can preview the renewal documents online here.
Insights on Application Volume and Timing
Since the IMLC launched, it has gained a lot of traction in the medical community. As of October 2024, more than 77,000 applications for Letters of Qualification (LOQ) have been submitted, and over 121,000 licenses have been issued. In October 2024 alone, the IMLC received 2,456 LOQ applications and processed 3,788 license requests. This shows how many physicians are turning to the IMLC to help expand their practice across states. For more details, visit IMLCC Processing Information.
Insights on Application Volume and Timing
Since the IMLC launched, it has gained a lot of traction in the medical community. As of October 2024, more than 77,000 applications for Letters of Qualification (LOQ) have been submitted, and over 121,000 licenses have been issued. In October 2024 alone, the IMLC received 2,456 LOQ applications and processed 3,788 license requests. This shows how many physicians are turning to the IMLC to help expand their practice across states. For more details, visit IMLCC Processing Information.
On average, it takes about 30 to 60 days for physicians to receive their LOQ after submitting their application through their SPL. After that, applying for additional licenses usually takes about two weeks per state, but this can vary. The approval rate is around 90%, with the remaining 10% of applications being rejected, often due to eligibility issues or incomplete paperwork.
Benefits of the IMLC for Healthcare Providers
- Faster Licensing: The IMLC speeds up the licensing process, so physicians can get licensed in multiple states more quickly than applying separately to each state.
- More Flexibility: It is easier to offer telemedicine or locum tenens services across state lines, giving physicians more options to practice where they are needed most.
- Improved Access in Underserved Areas: The IMLC helps bring healthcare to rural and underserved areas by allowing more physicians to practice in those regions.
Limitations of the IMLC for Healthcare Providers
- State-Specific Regulations: Physicians still must comply with each state’s specific rules, including additional fees, exams, and continuing education requirements.
- Ongoing License Maintenance: Each license obtained through the IMLC must be renewed individually, which means physicians will need to keep track of the different renewal requirements for each state.
- Eligibility Restrictions: Physicians with disciplinary actions or restrictions on their license may not be eligible for the IMLC.
The IMLC offers a streamlined path for healthcare providers to practice in multiple states, opening doors to care for patients and expanding access through telemedicine. It is more than just a licensing solution—it is a way for physicians to break down barriers in healthcare and deliver critical services where they are needed most. By leveraging the compact’s benefits and understanding the application process, providers can make a meaningful impact on patient care.
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