Medical License Direct
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Solution for your medical license needs.
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State Medical Board License Requirements
Physicians who practice medicine are required by all state medical boards to acquire a full, unrestricted
medical license before practicing medicine in that state.
Medical License Direct provides medical licensing services to physicians who are seeking state medical
licenses in one or more states. The service includes professionally preparing the application, requesting
third-party verifications required by the boards and follow-up for the physician until the license is issued.
Our experience and expertise with the medical licensing process, knowledge of board procedures,
requirements and excellent relations with medical board personnel has taught us how to help you avoid
pitfalls. We coordinate the medical licensing process and, in most cases, complete it a lot faster than
you can.
Perhaps you need multiple state medical licenses or information about a telemedicine license. Licensing
consultants are standing by to assist you and answer your questions about licensing requirements,
determine your eligibility for any of the U.S. Medical Boards and discuss the service we offer.
Discounts are available for multi-state acquisitions.
Call, 850-623-1302, weekdays 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 to noon CST for a FREE initial
consultation or quote.
Or email your questions to info@medicallicensedirect.com and you can expect a reply within an hour
or two during business hours.
We also offer a pre-qualification form for your convenience. Or, please click here for our paper or
online form and we'll get started right away.
medical license before practicing medicine in that state.
Medical License Direct provides medical licensing services to physicians who are seeking state medical
licenses in one or more states. The service includes professionally preparing the application, requesting
third-party verifications required by the boards and follow-up for the physician until the license is issued.
Our experience and expertise with the medical licensing process, knowledge of board procedures,
requirements and excellent relations with medical board personnel has taught us how to help you avoid
pitfalls. We coordinate the medical licensing process and, in most cases, complete it a lot faster than
you can.
Perhaps you need multiple state medical licenses or information about a telemedicine license. Licensing
consultants are standing by to assist you and answer your questions about licensing requirements,
determine your eligibility for any of the U.S. Medical Boards and discuss the service we offer.
Discounts are available for multi-state acquisitions.
Call, 850-623-1302, weekdays 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 to noon CST for a FREE initial
consultation or quote.
Or email your questions to info@medicallicensedirect.com and you can expect a reply within an hour
or two during business hours.
We also offer a pre-qualification form for your convenience. Or, please click here for our paper or
online form and we'll get started right away.
| PHONE: 850-623-1302 FAX: 904-339-9671 info@medicallicensedirect.com |
NOTES:
The LMCC is accepted with the following caveats:
ECFMG - Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates. This certification is required for all foreign medical graduates.
ABMS - American Board of Medical Specialties. This certification is required for Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas if you have not taken a major medical exam like the
USMLE within the last 10 years. You may also take the SPEX exam in lieu of specialty board certification.
IMG - International medical graduate. A doctor that graduated from a medical school outside of the US and Canada.
AMG - American medical graduate. A doctor that graduated from an American medical school.
State medical board requirements are subject to change without notice.
The LMCC is accepted with the following caveats:
- Florida requires that the SPEX exam be taken in addition to being licensed in the U.S. or Canada for at least 10 years.
- Illinois accepts the LMCC if received after 4/1970, otherwise board certification, SPEX or USMLE 3 is required.
- Iowa requires the LMCC be endorsed by a provincial licensing board.
- Michigan accepts the LMCC if you hold another U.S. or Canadian license and have practiced for the last 10 years.
- Missouri requires graduation from a Canadian medical school.
- New Jersey requires that physicians be licensed in another U.S. state and be board certified.
- New York requires applicant to have a valid provincial license.
- Pennsylvania accepts the LMCC if received after 5/1970. English version
- Puerto Rico accepts the LMCC if you hold another U.S. medical license.
- Washington accepts the LMCC if received after 1969.
- Wisconsin accepts the LMCC if received after 1/1/78.
- Kansas, Louisiana, Guam and Virgin Islands do not accept the LMCC.
ECFMG - Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates. This certification is required for all foreign medical graduates.
ABMS - American Board of Medical Specialties. This certification is required for Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas if you have not taken a major medical exam like the
USMLE within the last 10 years. You may also take the SPEX exam in lieu of specialty board certification.
IMG - International medical graduate. A doctor that graduated from a medical school outside of the US and Canada.
AMG - American medical graduate. A doctor that graduated from an American medical school.
State medical board requirements are subject to change without notice.
About State Medical Boards
Purpose
Medicine is a regulated profession because of the potential harm to the public if an incompetent or
impaired physician is licensed to practice. To protect the public from the unprofessional, improper,
unlawful, fraudulent and/or incompetent practice of medicine, each of the 50 states, the District of
Columbia, and the U.S. territories has a medical practice act that defines the practice of medicine
and delegates the authority to enforce the law to a state medical board.
State medical boards license physicians, investigate complaints, discipline those who violate the
law, conduct physician evaluations and facilitate rehabilitation of physicians where appropriate. By
following up on complaints, medical boards give the public a way to enforce basic standards of
competence and ethical behavior in their physicians, and physicians a way to protect the integrity of
their profession. State medical boards also adopt policies and guidelines related to the practice of
medicine. There are currently 70 state medical boards authorized to regulate allopathic and
osteopathic physicians.
AUTHORITY and STRUCTURE
The 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution authorizes states to establish laws and
regulations protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens. In response to the
10th Amendment, each state legislature enacted a Medical Practice Act that defines the proper
practice of medicine and responsibility of the medical board to regulate that practice.
The structure and authority of medical boards vary from state to state. Some boards are
independent and maintain all licensing and disciplinary powers, while others are part of a larger
umbrella agency, such as a state department of health. State medical boards are typically made up
of volunteer physicians and members of the public who are, in most cases, appointed by the
governor and paid a nominal stipend for their service. The majority of state boards employ an
administrative staff including an executive officer, attorneys, investigators and licensing staff. The
state legislature determines the financial resources of most boards. Some boards are funded
directly from physician licensing and registration fees.
Protecting the Public: How State Medical Boards Regulate and Discipline
Physicians
Each state charges its medical board with protecting the public from the unprofessional, improper,
unlawful or incompetent practice of medicine. Boards carry out this mission based on the legal
authority defined in their state's Medical Practice Act and their financial resources, which are
determined by the state legislature.
Licensing
Obtaining a license to practice medicine in the U.S. is a rigorous process. State medical boards
ensure that those entering the profession have met predetermined qualifications that include
medical school graduation, postgraduate training, and passage of the United States Medical
Licensing Examination (USMLE), comprising a rigorous three-part written exam and an exam that
tests clinical and communications skills. Applicants must also provide details about their work
history, any arrests and convictions, and reveal information regarding past medical history that may
affect their ability to practice. Only those who meet a state’s predetermined qualifications are
granted permission to practice medicine in that state.
After physicians are licensed, they must re-register periodically to continue their active status.
During this re-registration process, physicians must demonstrate that they have maintained
acceptable standards of professional conduct and medical practice. In a majority of states,
physicians must also show that they have participated in a program of continuing medical education.
Investigatory and Disciplinary Powers
Medical boards also monitor licensed physicians’ competence and professional conduct. They
review and investigate complaints and/or reports received from patients, health professionals,
government agencies, health care organizations and other state medical boards about physicians
who may be incompetent or acting unprofessionally, and take appropriate action against a physician’
s license if the person is found to have violated the law. State laws require that boards assure
fairness and due process to any physician under investigation.
While medical boards sometimes find it necessary to suspend or revoke licenses, regulators have
found many problems can be resolved with additional education or training in appropriate areas. In
other instances, it may be more appropriate to place physicians on probation or place restrictions
on a physician’s license to practice. This compromise protects the public while maintaining a
valuable community resource in the physician. Probation and restrictions of a medical license can
also be in place while a physician receives further training or rehabilitation.
If a board determines a violation has occurred, common actions include:
The articles above are from the FSMB
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) is a national non-profit organization representing
the 70 medical boards of the United States and its territories. Based in Dallas, the FSMB serves as
the national voice for its member boards and is a recognized authority throughout the United States
on issues related to medical licensure and discipline. Their mission is: To continuously improve the
quality, safety and integrity of health care through developing and promoting high standards for
physician licensure and practice.
Purpose
Medicine is a regulated profession because of the potential harm to the public if an incompetent or
impaired physician is licensed to practice. To protect the public from the unprofessional, improper,
unlawful, fraudulent and/or incompetent practice of medicine, each of the 50 states, the District of
Columbia, and the U.S. territories has a medical practice act that defines the practice of medicine
and delegates the authority to enforce the law to a state medical board.
State medical boards license physicians, investigate complaints, discipline those who violate the
law, conduct physician evaluations and facilitate rehabilitation of physicians where appropriate. By
following up on complaints, medical boards give the public a way to enforce basic standards of
competence and ethical behavior in their physicians, and physicians a way to protect the integrity of
their profession. State medical boards also adopt policies and guidelines related to the practice of
medicine. There are currently 70 state medical boards authorized to regulate allopathic and
osteopathic physicians.
AUTHORITY and STRUCTURE
The 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution authorizes states to establish laws and
regulations protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens. In response to the
10th Amendment, each state legislature enacted a Medical Practice Act that defines the proper
practice of medicine and responsibility of the medical board to regulate that practice.
The structure and authority of medical boards vary from state to state. Some boards are
independent and maintain all licensing and disciplinary powers, while others are part of a larger
umbrella agency, such as a state department of health. State medical boards are typically made up
of volunteer physicians and members of the public who are, in most cases, appointed by the
governor and paid a nominal stipend for their service. The majority of state boards employ an
administrative staff including an executive officer, attorneys, investigators and licensing staff. The
state legislature determines the financial resources of most boards. Some boards are funded
directly from physician licensing and registration fees.
Protecting the Public: How State Medical Boards Regulate and Discipline
Physicians
Each state charges its medical board with protecting the public from the unprofessional, improper,
unlawful or incompetent practice of medicine. Boards carry out this mission based on the legal
authority defined in their state's Medical Practice Act and their financial resources, which are
determined by the state legislature.
Licensing
Obtaining a license to practice medicine in the U.S. is a rigorous process. State medical boards
ensure that those entering the profession have met predetermined qualifications that include
medical school graduation, postgraduate training, and passage of the United States Medical
Licensing Examination (USMLE), comprising a rigorous three-part written exam and an exam that
tests clinical and communications skills. Applicants must also provide details about their work
history, any arrests and convictions, and reveal information regarding past medical history that may
affect their ability to practice. Only those who meet a state’s predetermined qualifications are
granted permission to practice medicine in that state.
After physicians are licensed, they must re-register periodically to continue their active status.
During this re-registration process, physicians must demonstrate that they have maintained
acceptable standards of professional conduct and medical practice. In a majority of states,
physicians must also show that they have participated in a program of continuing medical education.
Investigatory and Disciplinary Powers
Medical boards also monitor licensed physicians’ competence and professional conduct. They
review and investigate complaints and/or reports received from patients, health professionals,
government agencies, health care organizations and other state medical boards about physicians
who may be incompetent or acting unprofessionally, and take appropriate action against a physician’
s license if the person is found to have violated the law. State laws require that boards assure
fairness and due process to any physician under investigation.
While medical boards sometimes find it necessary to suspend or revoke licenses, regulators have
found many problems can be resolved with additional education or training in appropriate areas. In
other instances, it may be more appropriate to place physicians on probation or place restrictions
on a physician’s license to practice. This compromise protects the public while maintaining a
valuable community resource in the physician. Probation and restrictions of a medical license can
also be in place while a physician receives further training or rehabilitation.
If a board determines a violation has occurred, common actions include:
- Reprimand or Censure -- physician receives a public admonishment;
- Administrative Fine/Monetary Penalty -- physician must pay a civil penalty fee imposed by the
board; - Restitution -- physician must reimburse a patient or entity for monies improperly earned;
- Probation -- physician's license is monitored for a period of time;
- Limitation or Restriction -- physician's license is restricted in some way (e.g. a physician is
prohibited from performing specific procedures or prescribing certain drugs); - Suspension -- physician may not practice for a period of time;
- Summary Suspension -- physician's license is suspended immediately, with evidence that
their medical practice presents a threat to public health and safety; - Voluntary Surrender of License -- physician surrenders license to avoid further disciplinary
action; - Denial -- physician isn't granted a license to practice or license isn't renewed;
- Revocation -- physician's license is terminated; physician can no longer practice medicine.
The articles above are from the FSMB
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) is a national non-profit organization representing
the 70 medical boards of the United States and its territories. Based in Dallas, the FSMB serves as
the national voice for its member boards and is a recognized authority throughout the United States
on issues related to medical licensure and discipline. Their mission is: To continuously improve the
quality, safety and integrity of health care through developing and promoting high standards for
physician licensure and practice.
