AMN Healthcare's Guide to State Medical Licensing for Locum Tenens Assignments
When it comes to gaining the appropriate state medical licensing needed to work locum tenens assignments, there are several key issues to keep in mind:
• Verification
• Malpractice Documentation
• State-Level Controlled Substance Registration (CSR)
• Interviews
• Follow-ups
• Time
Locum Tenens License Requirements: Each State Is Different
It's also important to note that each state medical board will vary in its efficiency and specific processes. In many states, the medical licensure process takes six months or more — and that's assuming all documentation requirements are perfectly met. If you've practiced medicine at multiple locations, some boards will require that you verify privileges at each location with standards forms. And all of these verifications must come directly from the site; extensive follow-up is also sometimes necessary.
A few more common aspects of state medical licensing to remember:
• The hectic pace of residency and post-graduate can easily lead to neglect to assemble your most important documentation. (Many states require prime source verification, in addition to training certificate copies.)
• Practicing via videoconferencing, telemedicine or even interstate phone consultation usually requires licensure in each state.
• Third-party references and verifications typically require several follow-up calls to assure prompt action. Some boards will void applications that are incomplete after 60 days.
• Too often, physicians fail to retain basic malpractice documentation, such as names and contact numbers of colleagues, administrators, and lawyers.
• Boards require extensive documentation for anyone named in a malpractice action. Unfortunately, many residents are named without their knowledge, so it's all the more important to retain the names and contact information of all supervising physicians.
• Keep deadlines in mind. Some states will void applications not completed on time, including incomplete applications with errors.
That being said, there are still some important facts to bear in mind when planning your next assignment. Some states take longer than others; knowing which states take the longest, and which the least, amount of time will help you avoid any unexpected surprises down the road.
The Most & Least Difficult States for Medical Licensing
The easiest states for medical licensure are based on the following criteria. First, their application process is simple and easy to understand. Everything required for licensure is stated upfront, with no extra "surprise" requests along the way. Second, their process for reviewing documentation is quick and efficient, with timely letters or emails sent that detail any outstanding items or incomplete requirements. Third, the state board employs friendly customer service people who respond to questions and requests for information in a timely manner.
With those criteria in mind, our Locum Leaders recruitment experts agree that, currently, the easiest medical licensing states are:
1. Connecticut
2. Indiana
3. Michigan
4. Georgia
5. Tennessee
6. Maine
7. Nebraska
When it comes to the most difficult states for medical licensure, we've looked at the following criteria: First, the state requires that all care providers undergo the Federal Credentials Verification System (FCVS). This requirement is not time-consuming or difficult for physicians who have already gone through it. In fact, it saves quite a bit of time. But for those who have never gone through the process, it can add as many as six to eight weeks to the state licensure processing, in addition to more board time. And when the FCVS verifies credentials, they do so via regular mail services, with no follow-up to ensure verification is expedited.
The most difficult states' application processes do not always clearly list each item required to complete the application. The board sometimes asks for additional malpractice information or court dockets after all requested material has been submitted. More important, though, is communication. When board representatives do not answer questions or provide reliable status updates for a physician's medical licensure application, the process could drag on for months.
With that in mind, then, here are the most difficult states in which to acquire a medical license :
1. Texas
2. Arkansas
3. Mississippi
4. Florida
5. New Jersey
6. North Dakota
Get Assistance with Medical State Licensing from AMN Healthcare
If all this sounds intimidating — worry not. Although it's certainly a good idea to be familiar with the ins and outs of state medical licensing in the area where you'll be working, we understand that, particularly for those physicians, PAs, and NPs who choose to work locum tenens jobs as a lifestyle, keeping track of the ins and outs of licensure in each and every state you travel is simply impractical.
After all, devoting hours to assembling and processing the documents necessary for state medical license applications may not be the most productive use of your time. Tracking down contact names, old traffic citations, missing documentation from defunct facilities, military release forms, and other items often required by state boards may delay your practice by nine months or more. Your AMN Healthcare recruiter will work with you to make sure all of your documentation is ready and in the best shape for approval, easing the burden of state medical licensure that falls on your shoulders, and allowing you to do what you do best.
Additional Locum Tenens Resources
While you continue your physician job search for the perfect position, AMN Healthcare provides great resources to keep your career moving in the right direction. Begin the application process now, and then learn more about how AMN Healthcare can help you keep your career on the move.
- EAP: Our locum tenens gain access to a valuable set of Employee Assistance Program benefits.
- Physician Jobs by Specialty: Explore physician jobs and learn about hourly salaries and the benefits of working locum tenens.
- Search All Physician Jobs: Uncover new possibilities in your physician career by exploring both short and long-term options and permanent choices.
- Candidate Benefits: AMN Healthcare takes care of our locum tenens with a variety of amazing benefits. Check out what's in store for our locums.
- Physician Licensing: Check out how we help move your career in amazing directions, both professionally and geographically.
- More Physician Resources: Use the content here to learn everything you need to know about our physician recruitment process.
