As a physician, you understand the call to go where you’re needed. And sometimes, that may be outside the state where you received your license. 

To pursue the path of a traveling physician, you’ll have to obtain valid licensure in other states. 

After dealing with red-tape, forms, and applications while procuring your initial license, this probably sounds like a tedious task. 

Fortunately, Trusted Locum Staffing has devised a simple guide to help you navigate the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC).

• What Is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
• Which States Are in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?
• How To Qualify for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
• How To Apply for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
• FAQs About the IMLC
• Trusted Locum Staffing Specializes in Bridging the Gap Between Healthcare Facilities and Top-Tier Locum Talent

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is an expedited licensing process that allows qualified physicians to practice in multiple states. 

Instead of requiring physicians to undergo the licensing processes for each state they wish to work in, the IMLC creates a more straightforward pathway for obtaining medical licenses outside a holder’s primary licensure state. It also unifies licensure requirements across various states, strengthening public protection and enhancing states’ ability to share and investigate disciplinary or non-compliant actions.

Physicians with a Compact license can easily obtain a license from other states participating in the IMLC. 

While obtaining a Compact license may be relatively simple, you must navigate a host of other complexities if you wish to travel as a locum tenens.

Fortunately, Trusted Locum Staffing provides comprehensive aid to medical professionals who wish to work and travel. 

Along with helping you find potential travel assignments, our services include:

• Streamlined credentialing processes
• Comprehensive advocacy, support, and coverage
• Concierge and white glove service
• And more

Learn more about Trusted Locum Staffing.

Currently, 35 U.S. states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to some extent. The seven states that do not participate in the IMLC in any capacity include:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• California
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Virginia

• Georgia
• Guam
• Idaho
• Illinois
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

“Non-State of Principal Licensure” (Non-SPL) states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact but don’t issue licenses for their resident physicians. 

However, physicians from SPL member states can obtain interstate licenses for non-SPL states once they have entered into the compact. 

The following states are not considered States of Principal Licensure:

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Vermont

Certain states have passed the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact but are still in the process of implementing it. These states include:

• Florida
• Hawaii
• Missouri
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

Some states have introduced legislation regarding the IMLC and are currently working to get it passed. These states include:

• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Carolina

There are two types of eligibility for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which are:

1. State of Principal Licensure (SPL) eligibility 
2. General eligibility

To receive an interstate license through the IMLC, you must have a full, unrestricted medical license from one of the SPL member states.

In addition, the state must meet one of the following requirements of being:

• The primary residence for the physician
• Where at least twenty-five percent of the practice of medicine occurs
• The location of the physician’s employer
• Used as the state of residence for income tax purposes

To remain active within the Compact, the physician must maintain their SPL status at all times. Physicians may re-designate their SPL to another state after receiving their interstate licensure, but the state must be a member of the IMLC.

General eligibility applies to the educational qualifications and other conduct-related requirements mandated by all states participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. 

Along with meeting the SPL eligibility requirements, physicians must also:

• Have graduated from an accredited medical school or a school listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED)
• Have completed ACGME– or AOA-accredited graduate medical education (GME)
• Have passed each component of the USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or equivalent in no more than three attempts for each component
• Hold a current specialty certification or time-unlimited certification by an ABMS or BOS board

Participating physicians must NOT:

• Have any history of disciplinary actions toward their medical license
• Have any criminal history
• Have any history of controlled substance actions toward their medical license
• Be currently under investigation

To apply for an interstate license through the IMLC, you must complete an application. 

Here is a short summary of the nine steps in the application process:

1. Confirm you are eligible: Because Compact fees are non-refundable, it is important to ensure your eligibility before beginning your application. 
2. Begin the application process: Start filling out your online application through the IMLC website.
3. Choose an SPL: Select your state of principal licensure (the IMLC member state where you reside and work).
4. Complete the application form: Fill out all the necessary information in the form.
5. Pay the application fee: To submit your application, you must pay a non-refundable $700 fee.
6. Complete a mandatory fingerprinting and background check: Once your designated SPL has received your application, you’ll receive instructions for submitting your fingerprints and background check. You have 60 days to obtain these instructions and submit your fingerprints. If you qualify for participation in the IMLC, you will receive a Letter of Qualification (LOQ) from your SPL, which allows you to obtain licenses in other IMCL states.
7. Pay state license fee: In addition to the application fee, you must pay a state license fee for each state license you wish to obtain. These fees may vary depending on your state.
8. Receive your licenses: After your application and information have been submitted and approved, the medical boards of the Compact states you selected will issue your licenses.
9. Provide other requested information: After state medical boards issue licenses to physicians holding LOQs, they may ask for additional information to fulfill the requirements of the state’s respective medical practice act and operational requirements. Failure to comply may result in the interstate license being rescinded.

Have more questions regarding the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact? Trusted Locum Staffing may be able to assist you with the credentialing and licensing process and help you find answers to these FAQs.

As a traveling healthcare provider, you work hard. Let us support your efforts by working even harder to help you navigate processes like the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. 

At Trusted Locum Staffing, we give back to our physicians by helping them navigate the credentialing and placement process involved in working as a traveling healthcare provider. 

We provide our locum tenens with three teams that support:

• Travel assignments: When you partner with Trusted Locum Staffing, we provide you with your own recruiter and account manager. Together, they work closely with you to match your career goals and lifestyle with your ideal assignment. They handle everything from arranging your interviews to getting you settled into your new job.

• Compliance: Your Trusted Locum Staffing compliance team is dedicated to ensuring you meet all necessary facility standards while simplifying the certifications and licensing process. We focus on the fine details so you can focus on your job.

• Payroll: Our payroll team guarantees you are paid accurately and on time every time. We also answer any questions about your wages, benefits, or deductions.

Reach out to our team today to get started as a locum tenens with Trusted Locum Staffing.