Licensing and credentialing is important for locum tenens, who typically have to produce such documents before a position can be offered. Knowing how this works can make your time as a locum tenen productive and efficient.
How Licensing and Credentialing Work as a Locum Tenen
Since locum tenen positions often involve temporary employment in various medical facilities in different states, licensing and credentialing must be valid, current and easily verifiable. Depending on where you’ll be working, you may need to obtain new credentials, privileges, verifications or certificates. In some cases, you may need to reactivate lapsed state licenses. Here’s what you need to know to be prepared for your next locum tenen position.
Adhering to State License Procedures
Each state has a specific process for granting licenses to physicians. Most states have a complex series of requirements that include licensing boards and licensing statutes. Start by contacting the medical boards in states where you’ve applied for locum tenen positions to get a list of specific requirements.
The licensing process typically takes about five to six months in most states, as long as your documentation is sufficient. If you need to obtain a new license or reactivate an expired one, there will usually be a fee. The exact amount varies by state. Generally, licensing is a process that includes:
• Verification of education
• Malpractice documentation
• Controlled substance registration
• Interviews with medical board members
Providing Required Credentialing Documentation
Each hospital or medical facility has a process in place to verify the credentials and privileges of any physician applying for a locum tenen position. It’s largely a process that involves confirming everything that was stated on your application in reference to your capabilities, education and experience as a medical practitioner. The verification process often includes an in-depth interview with a credentialing committee and possibly individuals from the hospital’s board of directors and medical executive committee.
Often, each facility will reach out to previous employers where you had privileges to confirm that those privileges are still in good standing. They may also check any references you mentioned on your application or talk to staff you worked with previously. Documentation usually required for credentialing confirmation includes:
• Medical school diploma
• Proof of residencies and fellowships
• Board certifications
• Life support certifications
Accurate record-keeping is a must. Set up a system that allows you to easily access any credentialing or licensing information and the proof you’ll need to provide. Fully complete all necessary applications and keep copies of any training certificates you’ve obtained.
References:
1. State Medical Boards. Available at: “https://www.locumtenens.com/physician-resources/medical-state-board-licenses.aspx”. Accessed April 21, 2017.
2. Obtaining a Medical License. Available at: “https://www.ama-assn.org/education/obtaining-medical-license”. Accessed April 21, 2017.
3. Physician Credentialing and Privileging. Available at: “http://www.acmq.org/policies/policy21.pdf”. Accessed April 21, 2017.