Pa. Announces Plan to Bring More Out-of-State Physicians

August 26, 2024

The State Department today announced a plan to make it easier for physicians from other states to work in Pennsylvania.

Starting today, physicians in states participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) who obtain a “letter of qualification” will be permitted to apply for expedited licensure to practice in the commonwealth, state officials said.

“HAP thanks the Shapiro administration for prioritizing the health care workforce infrastructure and its continued work to fully operationalize interstate licensure compacts. Today’s announcement will help clinicians get to work caring for patients faster,” Nicole Stallings, HAP president and CEO, said in a statement.

“Pennsylvania is facing a persistent shortage of health care workers across all settings, and hospitals continue to report vacancies for patient care professionals statewide, with rural communities under the greatest strain,” she added. “Implementing the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact will give Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems another tool to build their workforce and meet the growing need for care across the commonwealth.”

Here’s what you need to know:

• What’s changing:  Today, physicians in the ILMC who obtain a qualification letter can apply to the Pennsylvania state boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine for expedited licensure to practice in Pennsylvania.
• The issue:  Growing the physician workforce is a key priority to promote access to care. Creating a path for additional physicians to practice (both in-person and via telehealth) in Pennsylvania is especially valuable to support rural and underserved areas.
• Growing the workforce:  State officials are working with state and federal partners to satisfy the preconditions necessary to fully implement the IMLC and allow Pennsylvania licensed physicians to obtain expedited licensure in other compact member states and territories.
  • Released earlier this year, HAP’s Workforce Survey highlighted the need for more physicians in several specialties.
• Legislative priority:  During July, state lawmakers passed House Bill 2200, which addresses administrative issues associated with federal background checks that have prevented the interstate licensure compacts from being fully implemented.
• Quotable:  “Making it easier for out-of-state physicians to practice in the commonwealth will meaningfully improve Pennsylvanians’ access to health care,” said Al Schmidt, state secretary. 

Last fall, state officials announced registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact would be able to practice in Pennsylvania. The change has allowed additional nurses from other compact states to work in Pennsylvania while lawmakers work to address the administrative issues that have prevented full implementation of these compacts.

Additional information about the IMLC and today’s announcement is available online.