Licensure

State Medical Boards have significant licensure jurisdiction and regulatory authority over the medical professionals in their states. The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution authorizes states to establish laws and regulations protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens. State Medical Boards ensure that the medical professionals in their state meet sufficient standards of education, training, competence, and ethics.

1. Most medical professionals are required to procure a license for every state in which they practice medicine. The location of the patient is a key component of medical licensure laws and regulations, and in most cases the medical professional must be licensed or recognized by the State Medical Board in the state that the patient is currently residing in or traveling to in order to administer care.

2. In recent years, several states have elected to join interstate medical licensure compacts (IMLC). Currently, 29 states, the District of Columbia and Guam have enacted IMLC agreements. Physicians licensed in IMLC states and territories are eligible for an expedited path to licensure in other IMLC states and territories.

   CTeL closely tracks licensure laws and regulations and keeps its members apprised of relevant policy updates for the following licensees:

1. Dentist and Dental Hygienist

2. Nurse

3. Pharmaceutical

4. Physician

5. Physician Associate

6. Physical Therapist

7. Occupational Therapist

Licensure Compacts in the Works:

1. Dietitians Compact*

2. School Psychologists Compact *

3. Respiratory Therapists Compact *