The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is an agreement between various U.S. states to expedite the licensing process for qualified physicians. Consider it a faster lane for doctors to get licensed in participating jurisdictions.
Why is the IMLC a crucial component of the physician licensure process? It helps to increase healthcare access across states, especially in underserved and rural areas. This option is also useful for those offering telemedicine, simplifying the requirements for doctors to deliver remote care.
To qualify for IMLC licensure, physicians generally need to meet a set of specific criteria, like having a full, unrestricted medical license in a compact member state. They also must pass the standard national exams and have a clean professional record.
Become Licensed in Other States in Days Instead of Months
Currently, 28 states belong to the IMLC. Practitioners can enjoy multi-state licensure if a physician holds a primary license in one of these jurisdictions.
More states are expected to join the compact soon, as legislation is currently introduced in New York, North Carolina, Missouri, and Hawaii.
Physicians are eligible to apply for IMLC licensing if the following criteria apply.
1. Board Certification
Providers must typically meet time-unlimited or board-certified eligibility requirements to qualify for consideration. They must also pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), or equivalent exams.
Physicians must have passed each component of the abovementioned exams within three attempts to qualify for IMLC consideration.
2. No Criminal Record
Physicians must not have any criminal history, including felony convictions. There should not be a history of investigations or disciplinary actions against one's medical license to have the most straightforward licensing experience. A background check is usually mandatory.
This category includes a requirement never to have a controlled substance license or permit suspended or revoked by a state oversight committee or the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
3. Education
The IMLC requires providers to have graduated from an accredited medical school. Institutions must be listed in the International Medical Educational Directory to qualify. To receive consideration, physicians must have completed an ACGME/AOA-accredited, graduate-level program.
4. Additional Documentation
States might ask for proof of identity, employment history, or other documents. These items must be provided before the IMLC application process continues. There could be fees involved with the submission of these materials.
A Simplified Way to Obtain Your IMLC
Credidocs simplifies the application process by keeping all the required documents in a digital wallet that physicians can readily share. Each state still reserves the right to impose additional requirements or refuse licensure, so there is no guarantee that IMLC credentials will get issued.
Providers can choose what licensure they want to pursue with flat-rate fees. Rush delivery is available for those needing expedited services, and a credential wallet allows for simplified CME and credentialing management.
Providers receive a Letter of Qualification that allows for an even faster process in other jurisdictions if approved. Check the fine print and review all the terms of the agreement if there is uncertainty about what to expect.
