We’ve previously written on this blog about the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, a voluntary agreement aimed at making it easier for physicians to become licensed to practice in other states. The agreement is a response to the requirement that physicians apply for licensure separately in each state, which can be frustratingly time-consuming.
At present, 19 states have signed the compact, though only eight of the signatory states have signed on to act as primary states of licensure. In other words, these states both accept applications for licensure from physicians principally practicing in other states and act as the principal state of licensure for physicians seeking licensure in other states. Wisconsin is among this group of states.
The rest of the states that have signed the agreement, and this includes Minnesota, still accept licensure applications, but don’t participate in the expedited process of licensure for their own physicians. This means then, at least for now, that Wisconsin physicians have an easier time seeking licensure in Minnesota than Minnesota physicians seeking licensure in Wisconsin.
One of the important features of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact is that state medical boards retain regulatory authority over their physicians. This means that physicians are investigated by the medical boards of the states in which they practice. Each state has slightly different rules and procedures when it comes to the disciplinary process, due process rights, and so on.
Working with an experienced attorney is important to ensure a physician’s rights are fully protected in navigating the physician discipline process.