Florida Joins IMLC: What Does That Mean for You?

Florida Joins IMLC: What Does That Mean for You?

Florida’s entry into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) on December 20, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the compact that became operational in 2017. The implications of Florida joining the IMLC are far-reaching, as it opens substantial opportunities for physicians inside and outside of the Sunshine State.

But what exactly is the IMLC and what does it mean for you?

What is the IMLC?

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC, or Compact) is an agreement among participating states that streamlines the licensing process for physicians who wish to practice in other states. It offers a voluntary, expedited path to obtain a license in more than 40 states for qualified physicians.

The IMLC significantly reduces the time and paperwork traditionally associated with obtaining licenses in different states. It allows physicians to obtain licenses through a single application process, while maintaining the rigorous standards of each state’s requirements.

The licenses are still issued through the individual state, but because of an agreed-upon application process that’s routed through the IMLC, the process of gaining a license is much faster and easier, often taking just a few weeks. You can also renew licenses that were originally obtained through the IMLC.

The IMLC increases access to healthcare across its member states, particularly for underserved populations and rural areas. Medical specialists can reach rural clinics, facilities can attract high-quality physicians in emergency situations, and telemedicine is more widely available. The IMLC also allows states the ability to share investigative and disciplinary information, strengthening public protection.

What it means if you are a physician in Florida

For Florida-based physicians, joining the IMLC brings a host of new opportunities to you. The IMLC allows you to more easily obtain licenses in other IMLC member states, broadening your potential patient base and career prospects, including locum tenens. This means you can now practice through short-term assignments in cooler climates during Florida’s hot and humid summers or explore new locations during hurricane season, effectively pre-evacuating yourself while continuing your medical practice.

The simplified (and faster) licensing process through the IMLC means you can apply for one or multiple state licenses outside of Florida using one website. This streamlined approach is particularly beneficial for telemedicine expansion, increasing your ability to provide care across state lines and meeting the growing demand for remote healthcare services.

Additionally, the IMLC offers greater professional mobility, giving you the flexibility to practice in different locations without the hassle of navigating multiple licensing processes. You could even experience winter hobbies like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating on your time off while working in other states.

What it means if you want to practice in Florida

Physicians residing outside Florida will find several advantages with this development. This is particularly advantageous for those interested in locum tenens, as temporary positions in Florida are now easier and quicker to access, particularly during a natural disaster or rise in illness among a vulnerable population. The ability to quickly obtain a Florida license also allows for better coverage during the snowbird season, when the state’s population swells with seasonal residents and tourists, creating an increased demand for healthcare.

The IMLC also facilitates quicker deployment for hurricane relief efforts, enabling out-of-state physicians to provide crucial medical support during natural disasters more efficiently. This means you can cross the border to help during times of crisis, offering your expertise where it’s needed most.

Whether you’re looking to escape harsh winters, explore new practice settings, or contribute to disaster relief efforts, Florida’s entry into the IMLC makes it easier than ever to practice in the Sunshine State and enjoy its natural beauty during your time off. Experience Florida warmth during the winter, including its 663 miles of beaches, or take a weekend getaway to the amusement parks. Florida’s low cost of living stretches your locums income, too.

With the third highest population in the U.S. of more than 22.6 million people, the high demand for healthcare in Florida is wide open for you to experience.

Requirements for using the IMLC

While the IMLC helps expedite licensing, it isn’t available for every clinician. To qualify for licensure through the IMLC, you must meet several requirements, including (but not limited to):

• Hold a full, unrestricted medical license in a member state (State of Principal License or SPL).
• Have graduated from an accredited medical school, or a school listed in the International Medical Education Directory.
• No criminal history, disciplinary or controlled substance actions toward your medical license, or be under investigation.

There are other requirements as well, and each physician is responsible for understanding IMLC rules and keeping track of renewal dates.

In addition, there is a non-refundable fee to apply through the IMLC. The cost is $700 plus the cost of a state’s license, which varies for each state. The major benefit of the IMLC comes when you either 1) need expedited processing of one license application, or 2) want to apply for multiple licenses at once (or both!). It’s $100 for each additional license when you add them onto your initial state.

Military discounts or waivers are not offered through the IMLC, however they may be offered through the individual state medical boards. If a Compact member state grants a waiver, they will authorize the IMLC to return the appropriate portion of the license or renewal fee that was paid.

These requirements ensure that all IMLC-licensed physicians have met rigorous standards and maintain high ethical standards across all member states.

States in the IMLC

As of January 1, 2025, the IMLC includes more than 40 states and territories, spanning United States. The extensive network of participating states offers physicians unprecedented mobility and opportunities to practice in new settings.

*Non-State of Principal License

**Implementation in process

How does the IMLC help me?

The IMLC is particularly beneficial for physicians interested in locum tenens work, offering a pathway to a more flexible and balanced career.

How would you like to keep practicing medicine and regain control over your schedule? What would it be like to earn extra income or try out a new situation without committing to a long-term contract?

As a locum tenens professional, you can reimagine your career without sacrificing your personal goals. Each assignment offers a new chapter in your journey and the chance to explore different areas of medicine. You can gain invaluable experience in a variety of clinical settings, broaden your skill set, and travel to places you might not visit otherwise. Locums allows you to enjoy flexible scheduling and achieve a better work-life balance. You can choose assignments that fit your personal and professional goals.

The IMLC’s expedited out-of-state licensing process makes it easier than ever to accept assignments in multiple states, giving you the freedom to tailor your career to your unique preferences and aspirations.

• Enjoy true time off without guilt
• Enjoy traveling and housing at someone else’s expense
• Earn lucrative pay to reach your goals faster
• Control when and how long you work
• Reduce administrative duties and focus on patient care

What is Concierge Locums?

At Floyd Lee Locums, we offer a unique approach to locum tenens staffing. We prioritize taking care of real people – YOU. Our work is personal because you take care of us.

Our concierge service goes beyond filling positions. We take the time to understand your skills, interests, and career goals to match you with opportunities that truly align with your aspirations. We provide comprehensive support, handling time-consuming processes of credentialing, licensing, and travel arrangements.

We even help you manage your personal life, from identifying a church or daycare at your new assignment to ordering your spouse a gift for your anniversary. At Floyd Lee Locums, we believe in building long-term relationships with our physicians. We aim to be your partner, supporting your personal and professional lives and helping you navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

Floyd Lee Locums was born out of a desire to provide best-in-class service and support to clinicians so they could focus on patient care and meet their own personal and professional goals. We serve more than 50 specialties across the United States from Allergy to Vascular Surgery. At Floyd Lee Locums, you’ll have a specialty-specific Concierge Consultant who will help you navigate applications, travel, credentialing, negotiations, and more. Whatever the specialty, we can serve you.

Ready to Connect?

Florida’s entry into the IMLC opens up a world of opportunities for physicians. Whether you’re looking to expand your practice, explore new locations, or find a better work-life balance, locum tenens could be the solution you’ve been seeking.

At Floyd Lee Locums, we’re committed to providing you with concierge service that puts your needs first. We understand that your work matters, but you matter, too. Let us help you navigate your career and find the perfect fit for your needs and desires.