What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is a collaboration between participating states and territories in the U.S., aimed at streamlining the licensing process for physicians who wish to practice in multiple states. Qualified physicians benefit from a voluntary, fast-tracked pathway to licensure.
The goal of the Compact is to improve healthcare access, especially in rural or underserved areas. It enables physicians to extend their reach, enhance access to medical specialists, and utilize innovative medical technologies like telemedicine. While making it easier for physicians to obtain licenses to practice in multiple states, the Compact also strengthens public protection by improving states' ability to share investigative and disciplinary information.
Currently, 37 states, the District of Columbia and the Territory of Guam are part of the Compact, where physicians are licensed by 50 different medical and osteopathic boards. Other states are in the process of adopting the Compact through legislation.
Physicians who are eligible can practice medicine in multiple states by completing one application within the Compact. The Compact streamlines the process of gaining a license, as physicians receive licenses faster and with fewer burdens. The Compact does not issue a "Compact license" or a nationally recognized medical license. Only states and territories that have formally joined the Compact can participate in the streamlined licensure process, which requires passing legislation authorizing it.
Physician Eligibility Requirements
Physicians must hold a full, unrestricted medical license and live in one of the Compact member-states in order to get a license in another participating state.
In addition, at least ONE of the requirements below must apply:
Your primary residence is in the SPL (State of Principal License)
At least 25% of your practice of medicine occurs in the SPL
Your employer is located in the SPL
You use the SPL as your state of residence for U.S. Federal Income Tax purposes
In addition to having basic SPL status, there are several General Eligibility requirements. You must:
Have graduated from an accredited medical school, or a school listed in the International Medical Education Directory
Have successfully completed ACGME- or AOA-accredited graduate medical education (GME)
Have passed each component of the USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or equivalent in no more than three attempts for each component PLEASE NOTE: Passing the Canadian Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, or LMCC, DOES NOT meet this requirement
Hold a current specialty certification or time-unlimited certification by an ABMS or AOABOS board
In addition, you must:
Not have any history of disciplinary actions toward your medical license
Not have any criminal history
Not have any history of controlled substance actions toward your medical license
Not currently be under investigation
Application Cost
The initial cost to participate in the Compact is $700.00 PLUS the cost of a license(s) in any Compact state where a physician wants to practice. All fees are non-refundable. The applicable fees per state can be found here. It is important to note these are the initial cost for participation in the Compact. Renewal costs are determined by the medical boards of individual Compact states, and will be provided by the boards.
For answers to more frequently asked questions, check out the IMLC FAQ.
For more information on the compact, visit imlcc.org or call Alumni Healthcare Staffing’s credentialing department at (908) 842-8235.
