Can you freely practice in other states?

[nychila]

From my understanding, doctors are licensed in a particular state after completion of their residency, but are they able to freely practice their field of medicine in every state, or can they only practice in their state of license? If not, what additional things are required in order to practice in other states and are they difficult/tedious to obtain? So would an IM residency graduate from NY going to MA for cardiology fellowship, then PA for interventional cardiology fellowship, and finally DC to practice require re-licensing every time the doctor crosses state borders?

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[Smurfette]

You must be licensed in every state you practice in. So yes, everywhere you train/work requires licensing (whether training license or permanent) in that state. You have to meet the requirements of each state, which may vary slightly with # board exam attempts allowed/#PGY years needed for permanent license, etc.

 

[projectlogic]

What about locum tenens? How does that work? Do you get a temporary license in whichever state you get a job in?

 

[theshellyb]

I'm also interested in the requirements for changing your state licensing. I'm sure we're all familiar with the fact that if you're a lawyer, you have to take a brand new state bar which is a big pain. Is there anything similar for medicine, or is it mainly just filling out new paperwork/ making sure your ducks are in order/ probably paying money.

 

[greg1184]

I know that in NY, you do not need a license if you are in a ACGME accredited program. Fellows are a different story.

 

[Stellar Clouds]

I'm also interested in the requirements for changing your state licensing. I'm sure we're all familiar with the fact that if you're a lawyer, you have to take a brand new state bar which is a big pain. Is there anything similar for medicine, or is it mainly just filling out new paperwork/ making sure your ducks are in order/ probably paying money.

Just paperwork, money, and time.

 

[michaelrack]

What about locum tenens? How does that work? Do you get a temporary license in whichever state you get a job in?

usually a permanent license; the locum tenens agency will help you get it.

 

[michaelrack]

From my understanding, doctors are licensed in a particular state after completion of their residency, but are they able to freely practice their field of medicine in every state, or can they only practice in their state of license??

One thing to add: any state license is acceptable for working at a VA or other federal institution

 

[nychila]

You must be licensed in every state you practice in. So yes, everywhere you train/work requires licensing (whether training license or permanent) in that state. You have to meet the requirements of each state, which may vary slightly with # board exam attempts allowed/#PGY years needed for permanent license, etc.

Just paperwork, money, and time.

Just to clarify, so the doctor must be licensed in every state that he/she practices, which requires a bit of paperwork, money, and time, but it's still easily manageable? (Like it's not writing the board certification exams all over again, which I don't think has anything to do with state legislation) For example, is it fairly (as in relatively) convenient for a doctor who just graduated from residency to accept a job in a different state on the opposite coast?

 

[sazerac]

Just to clarify, so the doctor must be licensed in every state that he/she practices, which requires a bit of paperwork, money, and time, but it's still easily manageable? (Like it's not writing the board certification exams all over again, which I don't think has anything to do with state legislation) For example, is it fairly (as in relatively) convenient for a doctor who just graduated from residency to accept a job in a different state on the opposite coast?

Yes, in every state except Illinois. In IL the licensing system is so backed up and so underfunded that MD graduates are finding it difficult to get their licenses by the time residency starts, according to some of the resident forums here.

 

[Stellar Clouds]

Just to clarify, so the doctor must be licensed in every state that he/she practices, which requires a bit of paperwork, money, and time, but it's still easily manageable? (Like it's not writing the board certification exams all over again, which I don't think has anything to do with state legislation) For example, is it fairly (as in relatively) convenient for a doctor who just graduated from residency to accept a job in a different state on the opposite coast?

Yes, in every state except Illinois. In IL the licensing system is so backed up and so underfunded that MD graduates are finding it difficult to get their licenses by the time residency starts, according to some of the resident forums here.

As Sazerac pointed out, the likely hitch you will run into is the length of time it takes.