Interstate Medical Compact (IMLC) Licensing Information

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) aims to simplify the process of acquiring medical licensure across multiple states.

Understanding the IMLC

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (IMLCC) provides an accelerated path to medical licensure through an agreement among 35 participating states. The IMLCC serves as a central hub, enabling the exchange of information between state medical boards for eligible physicians. This approach streamlines the licensing procedure, removing the necessity for repeated credential verification for each new state application.

IMLC Licensing Process

Initial Steps

Form Completion: Physicians receive necessary forms to review, sign, and date.

Fingerprinting: A fingerprint packet is dispatched for required background checks.

IMLC Compact Conversion Application: The conversion application is submitted to the IMLCC.

Employment Verification: Employment history is validated for the sponsoring state.

Criminal Background Check: A background check is executed for the sponsoring state.

NPDB-HIPDB Report: This report is obtained as required by the sponsoring state.

State Medical Licenses: Necessary state medical licenses are requested.

Post-Conversion Steps

Additional State Applications: Applications are filed for each additional state the physician wants to include.

Notary and Signature Forms: Necessary forms are forwarded to the physician for completion.

NPDB-HIPDB Requests: Reports are acquired per individual board requirements.

Physician Reference Forms: Reference forms are collected from the physician’s references as required by individual boards.

Exam Scores: USMLE/NBOME/NBME/FLEX exam scores are requested as needed by individual medical boards.

Cost of the IMLC Process

Initial Application Fee: $700 to convert the primary medical license to IMLCC.

Subsequent State Application Fee: $100 for each additional state.

State Medical Board Application Fees: $75 to $1425 (varies by state).

Criminal Background Check Fee: $12 to $76.

Miscellaneous Verification Fees: $0 to $300 (varies by state and physician).

Key Considerations

Before initiating the IMLC process, it is crucial to understand the following:

Time Constraints: Each application must be finalized within 30 days. Non-compliance can lead to expired applications and forfeited funds.

Board Discretion: Individual state medical boards have the authority to deny licensure even if IMLC requirements are met.

Reinstatement Restrictions: Physicians cannot use the IMLC to reinstate previously held licenses in an "Add On" IMLC state. Licenses obtained outside the IMLC must be reinstated directly with the state medical board.

Cost Planning: Effective planning can minimize licensure expenses. Seeking licensure in all 35 states can substantially increase costs due to verification requirements.

IMLC Compact Renewal

The IMLC has revised the Letter of Qualification (LOQ) renewal process. Physicians now need to reapply through the IMLC for a new LOQ from the sponsoring state to maintain qualification beyond the initial one-year period. The application window opens 30 days before the current LOQ's expiration date.

Medical License Information Links

For complete medical license information under the IMLC Compact and each state medical board, please refer to the following links:

IMLC Compact Medical License Information

State Medical Board License Information

State Medical Board Renewal Service Information

State Medical License CME Tracking Service