A lot has changed over the past three years in regards to getting physicians credentialed and ready for locum tenens assignments. Applications are longer, medical staff offices are understaffed and require more time to process applications, and the types of documents required have changed significantly.
In the past the focus was on the written word and the ability of your peers to express their ideas and opinions about their professional interaction with you in
State medical license renewal applications are much simpler than initial applications and re-licensure applications. The vast majority of state medical boards now offer on-line renewal.
The process generally requires the following:
• Verifying personal data
• Answering questions regarding discipline, criminal matters and mental health conditions
• Certifying completion of mandatory CME for the prior one- or two-year registration period
CME requirements range from 12 hours per registration year in Alabama to 50 per registration year in Illinois, Maine, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New
Your first step is understanding your eligibility, which varies by state, and is based on:
• Whether you are an American or international medical school graduate and, in some states whether your medical school is approved by the state. VISTA’s team will research a state medical board’s website or utilize the WHO Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG FAIMER Directory to determine if a school is acceptable.
• The length of post graduate training you have completed. International graduates
Tricky question. It’s tough to pin down processing time for a new state medical license because, although the requirements are the same for each applicant, a physician’s unique history and situation impact processing time.
For example, an American medical graduate with no malpractice claims or disciplinary issues, who has practiced in one location for the 10 years since completing training, will take much less time than an American medical graduate with the same length of
At VISTA we help physicians apply for licenses in anticipation of locum tenens assignments, and for new permanent positions through our Physician Licensing Resources Division. One of our medical directors has had up to 19 active state medical licenses at one time, so don’t let the prospect intimidate you. Concentrate on the steps that follow, and VISTA will make the process as simple as possible.
• Keep very thorough records of practice experience dates, locations and
Forget travel, forget rental cars, forget apartment keys under the mat at midnight...Getting licenses in new states can actually be one of the most challenging aspects of locum tenens practice—or medical practice in general for that matter. But there is a glimmer of “standardize this process for the betterment of humankind” hope on the horizon.
A new, on-line application process called the CLAF, Common License Application Form, has been launched. Ohio was the first board
When you are applying for medical licensure in the US for either a locum tenens or permanent license, remember that the majority of medical boards require a recent (within the last six months) photograph. The medical boards do not accept digital photos printed on regular paper. The photos MUST be passport quality of a physician’s head and shoulders. Some boards require this photo be black and white; others require color. It’s true, digital
Did you know that in 2008, 61 state licensing boards will require continuing medical education (CME) for licensure or licensure renewal? Some states also require specific courses such as HIV/AIDS, risk management, or preparedness for terrorism and mass casualty events.
The most common method for physicians to report that they have met their CME requirements to licensing boards is through the license application or renewal application. Generally you are not required to submit
Permanent License: This license is usually good for one to two years. It allows you to work in the state at any hospital or facility. Depending on the state, permanent licenses take between two months to over a year to obtain.
Temporary License: Not all states have temporary licenses. A temporary license is usually issued once a permanent application has been submitted and something, for example the FCVS, has not been received by the Board. As long
