The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is designed to simplify the licensing process for physicians who wish to practice medicine in multiple states. By submitting a single application, providers can obtain licenses in any of the participating states, effectively saving time and reducing the amount of paperwork. This is particularly helpful for providers working in telemedicine, locum tenens or those working in underserved areas, enabling them to expand their services more quickly and with less administrative hassle. For more information, visit imlcc.com.

What Exactly is the IMLC?

The IMLC is a partnership among participating U.S. states and territories that simplifies the licensing process for physicians who want to work across state borders. Rather than applying individually to each state, physicians can submit one application through their State of Principal License (SPL) to be considered for licensure in multiple states simultaneously. To see a complete list of states involved, visit the IMLC Participating States page.

Advantages of Using the IMLC for Healthcare Providers

The IMLC offers a variety of benefits, particularly for locum tenens physicians, telemedicine providers, or those working in underserved areas. These advantages include:

Quicker Licensing: The IMLC significantly speeds up the licensing process, allowing physicians to get licensed in participating states more quickly than if they applied individually to each one.
Greater Flexibility for Telemedicine and Locum Tenens Work: The compact makes it easier to provide telehealth services and take on locum tenens positions in multiple states, giving healthcare providers more control over their own schedules and the option to work where they’re needed most.
Access to Underserved Regions: By reducing licensing barriers, the IMLC enhances access to healthcare in rural or underserved areas, helping to fill gaps in physician availability.
Simplifying Telemedicine: For telemedicine providers, the IMLC reduces the complexity of practicing across state lines, facilitating broader reach and service provision.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the IMLC

Navigating the IMLC application process is straightforward, but there are important steps to follow. Here’s how it works:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

The first thing you’ll need to do is check if you meet the eligibility requirements:

You must hold a full, unrestricted medical license in your State of Principal License (SPL)
You must either:
- Reside in the SPL state,
- Conduct at least 25% of your practice in the SPL state,
- Be employed to practice medicine in the SPL, or
- Consider the SPL as your primary state for federal tax purposes.

These criteria ensure that physicians have a meaningful connection with the state where your principal license is based. For more detailed eligibility information, refer to the IMLC Information for Physicians page.

2. Complete Your Application

After confirming eligibility, submit your application to the medical board of your SPL. The application will require you to verify your identity, education, training, and undergo a background check. A non-refundable fee of $700 applies, and some states may charge additional fees. Find the full application process details on the IMLC Apply page.

3. Obtain Your Letter of Qualification (LOQ)

Once your application has been processed, your SPL will issue a Letter of Qualification (LOQ) confirming your eligibility for the IMLC. This process typically takes between 30 to 60 days. The LOQ is valid for one year, giving you sufficient time to apply for licenses in other participating states.

4. Apply for Licenses in Other States

Once you’ve received your LOQ, you can begin applying for licensure in other Compact states. Each state has its own fee structure and may require further documentation, such as a state-specific exam (e.g., the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Exam).

Application Volume and Processing Time

The IMLC has gained widespread popularity among physicians. As of October 2024, over 77,000 applications for Letters of Qualification (LOQs) have been submitted, resulting in more than 121,000 licenses being issued. In October alone, there were 2,456 new LOQ applications and 3,788 license approvals. It’s important to know physicians do not receive a single license to practice in multiple states. Rather the application process will result in your being issued separate licenses by each state in which you would like to practice. Each license is given by the individual state – not the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact itself and license expiration dates are based on each states licensing policies.

The typical timeline for receiving your LOQ is 30 to 60 days after submitting your application. Afterward, each additional state application typically takes about two weeks to process. Most applications (approximately 90%) are approved, with the remaining 10% being rejected due to eligibility issues or incomplete submissions.

Considerations When Using the IMLC

While the IMLC simplifies many aspects of obtaining a license, there are still important considerations:

State-Specific Requirements: Physicians must still adhere to each state’s individual regulations, including additional exams, fees, and continuing education obligations.
Renewal of Licenses: Each license issued through the IMLC must be renewed independently. Ensure you keep track of the varying renewal timelines and requirements for each state. More information on license renewal can be found at the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
Disciplinary History: Physicians with restrictions or disciplinary actions on their primary license may not be eligible for the IMLC.

Maximizing the Benefits of the IMLC