For Locum Tenens, being licensed across multiple states isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) allows physicians to be licensed across multiple states through one streamlined application, saving both the physician and the employer valuable time. IMLC is an agreement between 46 medical and osteopathic boards that allows physicians in good standing to practice in multiple US states and territories.
With the help of The Locum Tenens Guy, we’ve compiled a complete guide to Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.
Who is qualified for IMLC?
In order to qualified for the IMLC licensing pathway, physicians must:
Be board-certified
Hold a full, unrestricted medical license in a Compact member-state that can serve as a declared State of Principal License (SPL)
Ensure that at least one of the following apply:
The physician’s primary residence is in the SPL
At least 25% of the physician’s practice of medicine occurs in the SPL
The physician is employed to practice medicine by a person, business or organization located in the SPL
The physician uses the SPL as his or her state of residence for US Federal Income Tax purposes
Additionally, physician must not currently be under investigation or have any criminal history or history of:
Disciplinary actions toward your medical license
Criminal history
Controlled substance actions toward your medical license
Which states participate in IMLC?
There are currently 32 Compact states accepting applications as a part of the IMLC pathway. These currently include:
Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Delaware
Georgia
Guam
Iowa
Idaho
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
North Dakota
Nebraska
New Hampshire
Nevada
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
West Virginia
Wyoming
Several other states, such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, are in the process of joining the IMLC, and others are awaiting legislation proceedings, such as North Carolina and Virginia.
Cost, approval timeframe, renewal, etc.
The IMLC Fee is $700 plus the license cost of the issuing state. The beauty of using the IMLC is that everything is streamlined which makes the process quicker than normal. The process typically takes only a few weeks to issue your license or licenses before you can begin practicing in your state of choice! Finally, to renew your licenses received through Compact, your information will have to be verified by the physician's primary medical board and he or she will need to pay the application and state license fee again.
What is the process for IMLC?
Once an individual reviews the qualifications and determines he or she is the right fit and selects a state or states to be licensed in, visit the IMLC website Apply Portal. From there, the user will be required to fill out a couple simple fields, pay the fee. From there, he or she will need to submit fingerprints. Once the application is reviewed and background check comes back approved, the user will be able to download the Letter of Qualification which is a document that is valid for 12 months and allows physicians to apply for any license with the participating medical boards. Once the applicable state fees have been paid, the individual states may require additional documents.
The IMLC process serves as a great resource for locum tenens and physicians looking to practice outside of their home state. There are still some states, like Florida and Hawaii, who are still not part of the IMLC, but don’t let that hold you back!
About the Locum Tenens Guy
Vlad Dzhasi, also known as the Locum Tenen’s Guy, coaches and supports physicians in their locum tenens careers. Through his blog, agency and other resources, Vlad helps physicians navigate the locum tenens world and provide an independent view on how to increase their income and improve their lifestyle. He has been a locum tenens hospitalist for many years and successfully practiced across multiple states. Learn more about Vlad and the services he offers.