What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is an agreement among more than 40 states and territories to significantly streamline the licensing process for physicians who want to practice in multiple states by offering an expedited pathway to licensure for qualified professionals. It is managed by the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission, which is made up of representatives from each member state.
Member states may serve as “states of principal licensure” (SPL) where the medical or osteopathic boards initially license a physician after ensuring the physician meets the qualifications for licensure. The SPL will issue a “letter of qualification,” which is transmitted to the IMLC and allows the physician to apply for and obtain expedited licensure from other member states.
A physician licensed through the compact will receive an unrestricted Pennsylvania medical license, with full practicing privileges and professional responsibilities. Overall, participation in the IMLC allows physicians to receive multiple state licenses much faster and with fewer burdens.
What is the current status of the IMLC in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania became authorized to join the IMLC with the enactment of Act 112 of 2016.
On August 26, 2024, Pennsylvania partially implemented the IMLC, allowing out-of-state physicians who received a license from an IMLC member state and a corresponding “letter of qualification” to apply to the IMLC to designate Pennsylvania as a state where the physician wants to practice and apply for expedited licensure.
Partial implementation has been a meaningful step in the process toward achieving the benefits of full IMLC membership and immediately helped address the healthcare workforce shortage across the Commonwealth.
At this time, Pennsylvania physicians are not yet able to designate Pennsylvania as their state of principal licensure (SPL).
Governor Shapiro and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt have made it a top priority to achieve full implementation of the IMLC, which is expected to occur in 2025.
Can Pennsylvania physicians designate Pennsylvania as their state of principal licensure with the IMLC now?
Not yet. Once the compact has been fully implemented, physicians can then designate Pennsylvania as their state of principal licensure (SPL).
Frequently Asked Questions About the IMLC
For Pennsylvania Physicians
Out-of-state physicians holding a license from an IMLC member state that can serve as a state of principal licensure (SPL) and with a current “letter of qualification” can apply to the IMLC to designate Pennsylvania as a state where the physician wants to practice and apply for expedited licensure from the relevant state licensing board.
In addition to holding a current “letter of qualification,” physician applicants will need to demonstrate that they have satisfied two Pennsylvania state requirements before obtaining a license: completing three hours of education in child abuse recognition and reporting, and completing four hours of education relating to pain management and opioid prescribing practices.
For more information about licensure under the IMLC, visit the IMLC’s website.
For Pennsylvania Healthcare Employers
Employers can verify the status of an employee’s license visiting the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
You can learn more on the IMLC’s About page.
About Other Healthcare Licensure Compacts
Yes. In 2020, Pennsylvania fully implemented the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows psychologists to obtain authorization to practice telepsychology and/or a temporary authority to practice (TAP) n participating states.
More than 900 Pennsylvania psychologists have obtained privileges through PSYPACT to practice across state lines.
Not yet.
Pennsylvania partially implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in September 2023, recognizing the practicing privileges of nurses who obtain multistate licenses through that compact.
The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact has not yet been implemented.