Staffing shortages continue to challenge healthcare facilities across the country. One solution helping to bridge gaps in patient care is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), a streamlined pathway that makes it faster and easier for qualified physicians to practice in multiple states.

Whether you’re a healthcare leader trying to expand your provider pool or a physician looking to explore opportunities across state lines, understanding the IMLC is essential.

What Is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?

The IMLC is an agreement between participating states that allows physicians to obtain licenses in multiple states more quickly and efficiently. Instead of starting from scratch with each state board, physicians can use the compact to fast-track their eligibility, ensuring patients in underserved areas get timely access to care.

As of 2025, more than 35 states, plus Guam and Washington D.C., participate in the compact, with more expected to join.

How the IMLC Works for Physicians

To qualify, physicians must meet specific criteria, including:

Holding a full, unrestricted medical license in a participating state (the “State of Principal License”)
Being board certified or board eligible
Having no disciplinary actions on record

Once approved, physicians can quickly apply for additional state licenses within the compact—dramatically cutting down on wait times.

Why It Matters for Healthcare Facilities

For healthcare administrators, the compact provides access to a larger pool of locum tenens and permanent providers who are already cleared to practice in multiple states. This reduces:

Credentialing delays
Time-to-fill open shifts
Gaps in patient coverage

Facilities in rural or high-demand regions benefit most, since they can more easily bring in qualified physicians from other states.

The Benefits of Interstate Licensure

Speed – Licensing that once took months can now take weeks
Flexibility – Physicians can accept opportunities across multiple states
Access to Care – Facilities can fill urgent needs faster, improving patient outcomes
Provider Satisfaction – Physicians have more mobility and choice in assignments

Challenges and Considerations

While the IMLC offers clear advantages, it’s not without limitations:

Not all states participate (meaning facilities must confirm provider eligibility by location)
Costs add up since each state still charges its own licensing fees
Eligibility restrictions exclude some providers, such as those with past disciplinary actions

How Alumni Staffing Helps

At Alumni Staffing, we specialize in helping facilities navigate the complexities of provider licensure and credentialing. Our team ensures that the physicians we place are properly licensed and ready to work—often leveraging the IMLC to speed up the process.

By partnering with Alumni, healthcare systems gain access to a nationwide network of qualified locum tenens providers, supported by a team that prioritizes compliance, speed, and quality care.

✅ Ready to learn more?
If your facility is looking to fill gaps quickly or you’re a provider exploring multi-state opportunities, our team can help.

Contact Alumni Staffing today to learn how the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact can benefit you.

Contact us