Illinois becomes 9th Compact state to serve as state of principal licensure
Physicians may now select Illinois as a "State of Principal Licensure" as part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Physicians licensed in Illinois can file a request through the Compact's website to have their education, training and background reviewed by the state of Illinois to determine Compact eligibility. If a physician meets the requirements, a "Letter of Qualification" will be issued. The Letter may then be presented (via the Compact Commission) to other Compact states to request issuance of an "expedited" physician license for the applying physician.
Illinois has been issuing expedited licenses to physicians from other states for several months, but with the passage of recent legislation, physicians already licensed in Illinois will be able to fully take part in the Compact and receive licenses in other Compact states.
Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming also qualify as Compact States of Principal Licensure. Remaining Compact states are working to clarify that their respective state medical boards have the authority to conduct criminal background checks.
The AMA strongly supports the Compact and stands ready to assist any state medical association in pursuing Compact-enabling legislation. Contact Kristin Schleiter of the AMA to learn more.
