The need for health care workers is higher than ever. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts the United States will see a shortage of nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032. Much of this can be attributed to population growth and the advancements that have allowed more people to live longer lives. With the increase in older citizens, more health care workers will be needed to care for our elderly, young, healthy, sick, and everyone in between.
To assist in mitigating this national need, more pathways have been created to expand the practicing capabilities of medical professionals. Advancements in interstate licensure are allowing physicians to broaden their reach. Some states are also taking steps to expand psychological services.
What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact “is an agreement among participating U.S. states to work together to significantly streamline the licensing process for physicians who want to practice in multiple states.” This practice is typically carried out through telehealth.
Traditionally, medical professionals who wanted to take their services across state lines have faced challenges—even if their practice was through telemedicine. The interstate compact, as its name suggests, compacts and unifies the requirements for licensure so that all participating states abide by the same doctrines.
The benefits go beyond the expansion of doctor’s ability to practice. Participating states can also expand their offerings to patients who live in more rural or underserved areas.
How does it work?
Physicians aspiring to practice outside of their state of residence will need to comply with the IMLC guidelines.
Some requirements include:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school or a school listed in the International Medical Education Directory
- A full, unrestricted medical license in an IMLC member state
- Be in good standing as a physician (no criminal history, not under investigation, no history of disciplinary actions, etc.)
For physicians to join the Compact, their state must be participating. A state’s inclusion in the Compact is dependent on its legislature. For more information about requirements, eligibility, and whether or not your state participates, visit the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact website.
What does this mean for those in psychological science?
The IMLC is a pact that includes medical and osteopathic professionals in participating states. Where does that leave professionals in psychological sciences hoping to practice outside of their state of residence and bring mental health services to more people?
Luckily, an expansion of medical services extends to psychologists. In fact, they have their own interstate compact called the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPACT). The concept for this compact is nearly identical to the IMLC. Their initiative involves the facilitation of “telehealth and temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across jurisdictional boundaries.”
Legislation is still forthcoming for PsyPACT to have the same wide reach as IMLC. The IMLC currently includes 26 U.S. states. The PsyPACT includes seven formally endorsed states with several others having legislation enacted but not yet effective, and more with pending legislation.
If you’re a practicing psychologist, studying to become a psychologist, or just someone in support of the development of access to mental health services, you can play a role in expanding and supporting the PsyPACT. If this is something that interests you, take a look at the PsyPACT’s tools to get involved.
In a landscape that’s experiencing a national shortage of doctors, interstate licensure can provide medical care to more people who need it.
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