What is it?
The IMLC, or Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, is an agreement between 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam that offers an expedited licensing alternative to physicians wanting to practice medicine in multiple states. Through this agreement, physicians can be licensed quickly and easily by 43 different medical and osteopathic boards — if they meet the necessary eligibility requirements.
While the primary purpose of the IMLC is to provide quick licensure for physicians, an additional benefit of the IMLC is that it provides accessible healthcare to those in rural and underserved communities. Through the IMLC, the safety of the general public is promoted through the ability of states to exchange investigative and disciplinary information with one another with ease.
How do I qualify for it?
First, it is required that you possess a complete, unrestricted medical license in a Compact Member State. The license you have in that participating state is known as the SPL, or State of Principal License. You may reassign your SPL if necessary, and you’ll need to maintain the status of your SPL throughout your association with the IMLC.
In addition to holding a license, at least one of the four items below must apply:
- Your primary residence is in your SPL.
- At least 25% of your practice of medicine takes place in your SPL.
- Your employer is located in your SPL.
- Your SPL is claimed as your state of residence for United States federal income tax purposes.
Here’s what else you’ll need to qualify for the IMLC, in conjunction with the above requirements:
- To have graduated from an accredited medical school (or a school listed in the International Medical Education Directory).
- Completion of ACGME or AOA graduate medical education.
- Passed — in no more than three attempts — each component of the USMLE, COMPLEX-USA, or an equivalent.
- Hold a current specialty certification (or time-unlimited certification) issued by an ABMS or AOABOS board.
- No disciplinary actions toward your medical license.
- No criminal history (and not currently under investigation).
- No controlled substance actions toward your medical license.
How much does it cost?
After selecting your SPL, you’ll need to pay the IMLC application fee. The IMLC application fee is a non-refundable $700 plus the licensing costs required by the state you designate as your SPL. These additional licensing costs can range between $75 and $700 depending on the state.
Once your application is submitted and approved, you’ll have the opportunity to request additional state licenses. This requires a non-refundable $100 handling fee and the license fees associated with the states you choose.
To learn about individual state licensing costs, click here.
How long does it take?
Upon submitting your IMLC application, your SPL will contact you with instructions regarding how to proceed. You will be required to provide your fingerprints in order to run a national criminal background check, in addition to other documents and materials necessary to complete the credentialing process. You will have 60 days to fulfill these requests.
Your SPL will then need to verify your qualifications. This can take several weeks to complete. However, once you are approved for licensure and receive your Letter of Qualification, issuing the license will take only a matter of days.
Looking to apply?
To apply for the IMLC, you can do so here.
If you find the licensing process to be overwhelming and you’d like assistance, Fusion Healthcare Staffing has a team of skilled licensing specialists that can navigate the process by your side. Contact us at 855-537-8353 for help!