Expedited Licensing for Non-Connecticut Doctors starts October 1st

Physicians licensed in one of 34 other states will be able to take advantage of an expedited licensing process with Connecticut’s Department of Public Health starting on October 1, 2022. Public Act 22-81, signed into law by Governor Lamont earlier this year, adopts the 34-state Interstate Medical Licensing Compact (IMLC) and the 28-state Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).

Before the passage of Public Act 22-81 Connecticut was one of only 8 states that was not a member of this kind of interstate compact for physician licensure.

It is hoped that entering into these interstate licensing compacts will facilitate access to quality telehealth care, increase cross-border access to care, as well as ease the burden on providers of maintaining multiple licenses.

 While out-of-state license holders will find it easier to become licensed in Connecticut, Connecticut physicians will have to wait before realizing a similar benefit under the compact.   Christian D. Andresen, the Section Chief of Practitioner Licensing and Investigations for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, recently informed the Board of Medical Examiners that a legislative fix is required to provide Connecticut license holders the benefits under the compacts.  Such benefits will not be available until the summer of 2023 at the earliest, but the Department would endeavor to notify Connecticut providers once the program is operational. 

Of course, opportunities can also present challenges.  Navigating licensing can be challenging, particularly if the applicant has a disciplinary history with a licensing board or department in any state.  If you have questions about health care or professional licensing in Connecticut or Massachusetts, or are facing investigation or discipline in either state, contact Cody N. Guarnieri for a consultation today.