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Multi-State Licensure Plan for Physicians Nears Reality

by Karen Appold •

Among the draft eligibility requirements being considered at press time are practicing for three years with no criminal record, disciplinary actions, or violations according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Once the physician is approved, other states that are party to the compact will no longer have to formally review the credentials to provide licensure.

Taking advantage of the compact will be completely at a physician’s discretion. “We aren’t pushing the multistate practice of medicine on physicians,” Dr. Chaudhry said. “The compact is simply an additional pathway for achieving state licensure in many states for physicians who wish to obtain this privilege.” Additionally, it will not preclude physicians from getting multiple state licenses using the current pathway.

Physicians would be required to adhere to the laws of each state they practice in. According to the compact, “the practice of medicine occurs where the patient is located at the time of the physician-patient encounter,” regardless of the physician’s location.

Backers of the legislation are hoping for widespread support. “If a lot of states adopt it quickly, then the benefit will be realized rapidly,” Robinson said. “If fewer states adopt it in the beginning, then the benefit will be smaller.”

Given the positive response thus far, Dr. Chaudhry is confident that most states will indeed endorse the compact. “With the access-to-care issue, the physician shortage, and advances in telemedicine, the timing is right to move forward with this legislation,” said Dr. Thomas.

Karen Appold is a medical writer based in Pennsylvania.

The Road to Realization: A Closer Look

From the outset, the initiative to get jurisdictions to adopt the compact that would allow physicians to obtain licensure in multiple states more easily has been well received. “When we formally presented this idea to the state licensing boards at our annual meeting in April 2013, there was unanimous support in aggressively exploring this idea,” said Dr. Chaudhry.

Fast forward to April 2014, when FSMB presented information for the state boards to consider. “There was still significant support across states,” Dr. Chaudhry said. Although the compact doesn’t require congressional support, FSMB has made Congress aware of its efforts. The federation also received a bipartisan letter of support from 16 U.S. senators.

While congressional members have suggested a larger federal role in the licensing and regulation of physicians, Jon V. Thomas, MD, the immediate past chair of FSMB, believes it makes more sense for states to resolve a problem on their own if possible.