A Letter of Qualification (LOQ) is a document issued to medical professionals who are seeking licensure in states that participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) or the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). These compacts are agreements among certain U.S. states that allow eligible physicians and nurses (and nurse practitioners) to practice across state lines more easily.
As a medical professional, it is important to understand why obtaining a Letter of Qualification is beneficial to you.
5 Reasons Reasons to Obtain a Letter of Qualification
- Increased mobility: With a Letter of Qualification (LOQ), you can practice medicine across state lines more easily. Participating in the IMLC or NLC allows you to provide healthcare services in multiple states without having to obtain individual licenses for each state. This flexibility is especially beneficial for locum tenens physicians and nurse practitioners.
- Streamlined licensure process: The IMLC and NLC aim to streamline the licensure process for medical professionals. Once you have a Letter of Qualification, you can apply for licensure in other compact states through an expedited process, often referred to as “licensure by endorsement” or “expedited endorsement.” This process reduces the administrative burden and the time required to obtain licensure in additional states.
- Cost and time savings: Traditional licensure processes in different states can be time-consuming, requiring significant paperwork, fees, and verifications. By participating in the IMLC or NLC, you can save time and money by avoiding duplicative processes and paperwork associated with individual state licenses.
Pro Tip: Working with a locum tenens staffing company also helps to alleviate the headaches and cost associated with obtaining new licenses. Wellhart’s team will work with you to obtain additional licenses, and even help with the paperwork!
- Enhanced professional opportunities: Having a Letter of Qualification can open up new professional opportunities, especially if you are planning to work as a locum. It allows you to pursue employment or telemedicine opportunities in multiple states, expanding your patient base and potentially increasing your income.
- Collaboration and continuity of care: The compacts promote collaboration among healthcare professionals by facilitating the provision of telemedicine services and the sharing of expertise and resources across state lines. This collaboration can improve patient care, especially for patients who may require specialized or remote services.
Overall, obtaining a Letter of Qualification under the IMLC or NLC can enhance your professional flexibility, create opportunities for career growth, and facilitate the delivery of healthcare services in a more efficient and effective manner.
How to Obtain a Letter of Qualification as a Medical Provider
To obtain a Letter of Qualification, medical professionals must follow these general steps:
- Determine eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for the IMLC or NLC. These requirements typically include holding an active, unrestricted license in a participating state and meeting certain education and examination criteria.
- Select a home state: Choose a participating state in which you hold or plan to hold your primary medical license. This state will be your “home state” for compact purposes.
- Complete the application: Submit an application to your home state’s licensing board, expressing your intention to participate in the IMLC or NLC. This application will require you to provide relevant personal and professional information, including your educational background, work history, and current licensure status.
- Background check: Undergo a background check as required by your home state’s licensing board. This process usually involves providing fingerprints for a criminal background check and may require a fee.
- Review and verification: The licensing board in your home state will review your application, credentials, and background check results to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for participation in the compact.
- Issuance of the Letter of Qualification: If your application is approved, the licensing board will issue a Letter of Qualification confirming your eligibility to participate in the IMLC or NLC. This letter serves as proof that you meet the necessary qualifications and allows you to pursue licensure in other compact states.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and processes may vary slightly between states participating in the IMLC and NLC. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the respective licensing boards or websites of the compact states for detailed information and instructions. Wellhart’s licensing team will support you along the way!
Check out our map below, outlining which states participate in the IMCL and which participate in the NLC to learn more about .
Ready to get started with your Letter of Qualification? Reach out to the Wellhart team using the form on this page to get in touch with a recruiter!
IMLC State Map
