Ohio now licensing out-of-state doctors after joining medical compact

As the health care sector faces ongoing staffing challenges, some hope a new tool can attract more health professionals to Ohio.

Last year, Ohio became the 35th state to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which allows physicians from one state to get another state’s license without having to redo the entire licensure process that a first-time doctor would have to go through.

At least 175 out-of-state doctors have applied for a license to practice in Ohio through the compact, according to the State Medical Board of Ohio. About 141 of those have been granted since the board began accepting applications in early August. There are a total of 95,668 active medical licenses in Ohio as of June.

Around 130 Ohio doctors have also taken steps to get licensed in another state through the compact, per the medical board.

How the compact will help

The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for the compact, said medical organizations. Nearly 1 in 5 health care workers in the U.S. have quit their job since the virus appeared, according to a poll last year.

It “would be a crucial tool to help hospitals address difficult situations while providing safe staffing,” said Stephanie Gilligan, advocacy director at the Ohio Hospital Association, during testimony to state lawmakers. “If Ohio were a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, we would be able to supplement our current workforce with other licensed, qualified and competent physicians.”

Others say the compact will allow Ohio physicians to expand the use of telehealth. It will strengthen investigations into bad actors who practice across multiple states with information being shared more efficiently across different medical boards. Business-minded advocates see it as cutting red tape.

Safety guardrails are in place. A doctor can get an expedited license in Ohio as long as one meets the following conditions:

• is licensed in a state
• has not faced disciplinary or criminal issues
• meets certain education requirements
• passes a criminal background check
• pays any required fees

At least 30 states, including Michigan, West Virginia and Kentucky, are already part of the compact. Indiana, Pennsylvania and three other states have passed legislation entering into the compact but are waiting on implementation.

Those who want to apply through the normal process outside of the compact can still do so.

Any initial effects from the compact on workforce supply or telehealth is still too early to be determined until six to 12 months in, said Todd Baker, CEO of the Ohio State Medical Association, which represents physicians and medical students.

Ohio recently joined multi-state compacts for nurses, counselors and physical therapists as well.

Titus Wu is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

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