What is the IMLC, in short?
The short answer
The IMLC lets a qualified physician use one state license as a base, called the State of Principal License, to receive a Letter of Qualification, then apply for licenses in other member states through one process. Each state still issues and regulates its own license. Membership changes over time, so check the current list at imlcc.com.
- 1 baseState of Principal License
- 1 letterLetter of Qualification
- Many stateslicenses issued by each member state
How does the IMLC process work?
- 01
Choose your State of Principal License
A member state where you hold a full, unrestricted license and that is your primary residence, where at least 25 percent of your practice occurs, where your employer is located, or your state of residence for federal income tax.
- 02
Apply to the IMLC
Apply through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission at imlcc.com.
- 03
Your principal state verifies eligibility
The state of principal license reviews your record and issues a Letter of Qualification if you’re eligible.
- 04
Select the states you need
Choose the member states where you want licenses and pay each state’s fees.
- 05
Each state issues its license
Each member state issues its own license, and you then hold and renew it under that state’s rules.
Who is eligible for the IMLC?
- A full, unrestricted license in a member state that qualifies as your State of Principal License
- No history of disciplinary action against your medical license
- No criminal history
- No history of controlled substance actions against your license
- No active investigation at the time of application
There are additional education, training and certification requirements. Confirm the current criteria at imlcc.com before you apply.
IMLC licenses vs applying state by state
Applying to each state separately
- A full application for every state
- Primary-source documents gathered again and again
- Each state on its own timeline
Through the IMLC
- One eligibility review by your principal state
- One Letter of Qualification used for every member state
- Licenses in several states from one process
Why does the IMLC matter for teleradiology?
A teleradiologist needs a license in every state where the patients they read for are located, and licensing is usually the longest step before a radiologist can start at a new hospital. For eligible radiologists, the IMLC shortens that step for member states. Licensing is only half of it: the radiologist still needs privileges at each hospital. See our teleradiology credentialing guide for that side.
For hospitals, it means a teleradiology provider with IMLC-eligible radiologists can usually add licenses for your state faster, which helps hit a go-live date. TeleRads radiologists are licensed in your state and approved by your medical staff office before they read, and most hospitals are live in 30 days.
What medical staff offices should know
- An IMLC license is a full license issued by your state, not a temporary or special license
- It still has to be verified at the source like any other license
- Hospital privileges are separate and still go through your process
- Check each radiologist’s license in your state, not only their principal state
Radiologists interested in reading with us can see teleradiology jobs at TeleRads.
Questions
What is the IMLC?
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact is an agreement among member states that offers eligible physicians an expedited path to licenses in additional member states. Each state still issues its own license.
What is a State of Principal License?
The member state where you hold a full, unrestricted license and that is your primary residence, where at least 25 percent of your practice occurs, where your employer is located, or your state of residence for federal income tax.
What is an IMLC Letter of Qualification?
A notice from your state of principal license that you are eligible for expedited licensure through the Compact, used to apply for licenses in other member states.
Which states are in the IMLC?
Most US states plus the District of Columbia and Guam participate, and membership changes over time. Check the current list at imlcc.com.
Does an IMLC license replace hospital privileges?
No. The IMLC speeds licensing only. A radiologist still needs privileges at each hospital they read for.