How to Get Your Idaho Medical License

So you’re looking to get your medical license in Idaho. Some states are very direct with what they need, laying out everything in front of you in a concise manner so that you know exactly what’s expected and what the requirements are in order to get your medical license. Other states require a bit more digging to find all of the necessary information.

How exactly do you navigate the Idaho Medical Board website in order to learn what requirements are expected of you before you get your license, or how do you go about applying? Let us help you navigate the medical licensing process in Idaho so you know exactly what you need to do before becoming a physician in the state.

Why a Physician Should Consider Getting Their Medical License in Idaho

There are plenty of reasons why a physician should consider getting their license in Idaho. Speaking from a resident perspective, some of the highlights of living in Idaho include affordable housing and plenty of small-town charm for those who are looking to live in a more tight-knit community, captivating natural beauty and plenty of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy, and an agricultural focus that makes it an excellent state for foodies.

Speaking from the viewpoint of physicians who have made their home in the state, physicians are satisfied with practicing in Idaho because of the community-focused aspects of the many rural areas that litter the state, the wide range of patients and treatment opportunities you will encounter while practicing there, and the ability to make a real difference. If all of this appeals to you, you might wish to approach the medical board in Idaho to get your license. But what does this process look like?

How to Get Your Medical License in Idaho

There is a lot of information to sift through when you’re ready to begin the licensing process. Let’s take a look at some of the information provided by the Idaho Medical Board that will help you better understand the licensing process at a glance and give you a better idea of what you need in order to expedite the process.

Idaho Medical Board: What Are the Basic Applications Needed to Acquire Your Medical License?

The medical board’s website is a little difficult to navigate, but they do spell out all of the necessary requirements for prospective Idaho physicians. Here’s an overview of what’s required and what’s requested if you’re looking to fill out an application form:

• Proficiency in English.
• Have graduated from an approved medical school and pass an acceptable exam or complete the USMLE and a year of postgraduate training approved by recognized medical organizations.
• Submit a completed application form with a non-refundable fee.
• Non-English documents need a certified English translation.

Related reading: USMLE, CBSE NBME, MCCQE, + More: Medical Licensing Exams Explained

While going through the application form will make you aware of any and all questions/documentation in there you will need to answer or provide, some of the additional information that the Board of Medicine requires you to provide in your application includes:

• Your current mental and physical health, and any past conditions affecting your ability to practice medicine.
• Details of past or ongoing medical malpractice actions against you, especially those over $250,000.
• Any disciplinary actions by medical boards, institutions, or other authorities.
• Details of any refusals to issue or renew a medical license.
• U.S. military service status.
• Fingerprints for criminal history checks.
• States or countries where you have applied for or are currently licensed to practice medicine.
• Any other relevant information for evaluating your credentials and competency, which will ultimately help the Board make a decision regarding licensure.

The Board of Medicine notes that, while Idaho residency isn’t mandatory, applicants must be legal U.S. residents. The Board requires original documentation of lawful U.S. presence, and they will deny licensure or renewal to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S.

Processing each medical license application incurs a $200 fee, and you must pay the license fees after we approve your application. This fee applies to those who are seeking a license by exam as well as a license by endorsement.

Breaking Down Requirements According to the Licensure Checklist

The Idaho Medical Board gives you a step-by-step checklist for completing your application, which can be an invaluable resource as you navigate the process. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know moving forward.

If you’re NOT using FCVS to verify credentials:

1. Submit a completed online application (UA) and Attestation Questions. Make sure to enter your full social security number, not the USMLE #.
2. Return the provided fingerprint card from the Board after submitting the UA.
3. Complete and return the relevant parts of State Addendum Part 2.
4. Send a $200.00 application fee to the Board.
5. Submit the completed “Affidavit and Authorization for Release of Information” form to the Board.
6. Provide proof of identity (e.g., copy of birth certificate or current passport) and documentation of any legal name change to the Board.
7. Send the Medical Education Verification form from all attended medical schools to the Board.
8. Have your medical school send Medical School Transcripts to the Board.
9. Submit the Postgraduate Training Verification form from all ACGME-certified programs attended.
10. Send all Examination Transcripts to the Board.
11. If applicable, send the ECFMG Status Report to the Board.

If you’re using FCVS to verify credentials, all of the same steps are relevant. However, in reference to steps 7 through 11, all of these are completed through the Federal Credentials Verification Service (FCVS). The Board actually doesn’t require the use of the FCVS like other states might when going through the licensing process, but it can be helpful.
If you currently have a profile, ensure that you set it to be received by the medical board in Idaho. You can easily start your application through the FSMB website.

What If I Want to Get My License in Idaho but Already Have a License?

Some physicians are looking to move their practice to another state rather than establish themselves in one for the first time. In this case, you’ll need to get a license by endorsement rather than by exam. But what does this look like? Here are some of the requirements offered by the Idaho Medical Board if you’re looking to get your license there and currently practice medicine.

Applicant Requirements

• You must be in good standing with no disciplinary actions against your ability to practice medicine from any state, territory, or district of the U.S. or Canada.
• If you do have any disciplinary actions, regardless of their nature or location, you are unfortunately not eligible for licensure by endorsement.
• You must meet all requirements of IDAPA 24.33.03.102.
• You must hold a current license to practice medicine in another U.S. state or Canada without any disciplinary action, suspension, or restrictions or being currently ABMS or AOA board certified.
• You must disclose any conditions that could adversely affect your medical practice unless being treated appropriately to ensure safe practice.
• You must reveal any significant malpractice settlements or judgments (over $250,000) in the past 10 years or 3 malpractice judgments or settlements of any amount in the past 5 years.
• You must complete an affidavit confirming eligibility and undergo a criminal background check.
• Osteopathic physicians and surgeons who received degrees after January 1, 1963, and meet the necessary requirements can apply for licensure by endorsement. However, if you took any medical licensing examinations in Florida (from July 1969 through 1980) and Puerto Rico, we do not accept these exams for this endorsement.

Checklist

Much like with licensing by exam, there is a brief checklist provided by the board. All physicians looking to get an exam by endorsement must:

• Complete the online Attestation Questions and Uniform Application.
• Receive the acknowledgment packet sent by the Board.
• Complete and mail a fingerprint card (this is used for background checks) as well as pay the application fee of $200.00 and submit all required forms to the Board directly.
• Pay prorated fees once Board staff notifies you that they have processed and approved your application.

Additional Info

The Board also has a laundry list of additional notes that they want you to be aware of prior to starting your application as well as while you’re filling it out. Make sure that you:

• Provide your home address, and give the Board a separate address for business or postgraduate training (if applicable to your situation). For both Board Contact and Public Access, you can use the same address. All home addresses must be within the U.S. since we will send fingerprint cards and background information there.
• Input your full social security number. Do not use your USMLE number.
• List your training programs in the U.S. and Canada on the appropriate ACGME Training or Other Training pages. If you’re listing any training that took place outside these countries, you have to use the Chronology page.
• Email ua@fsmb.org if you are looking to modify license details. You cannot modify the MD or DO license details in the UA; this data comes directly from state boards to the FSMB system, and you cannot put input this info under “Other”.
• If you have received a license from countries outside the U.S. or Canada, you will need to submit the details on a separate paper to the Board.
• Document all activities from medical school graduation to the present in your chronology. Avoid gaps over 30 days. For each entry, default to the first day of each month for start and end dates (unless you have a list of all of the exact dates).
• Differentiate clinical time (seeing patients) from administrative time (paperwork, research, teaching).
• Only leave the malpractice liability claims section empty if you’ve had no claims. Document all claims, including pending or dismissed ones.

Related Reading: Malpractice Insurance Options (And How to Negotiate)

• After agreeing to terms and submitting the UA (and if you’re a first-time user), the system will direct you to a payment page for a one-time service charge. This fee is distinct from FCVS and state board licensing fees.
• You can access your payment receipt by going to the “Home” link. This payment link will be available and feature all of your FSMB receipts.
• You can edit your UA or send it to another board by signing in, selecting the appropriate board in the “State Board” section, changing any information as needed, and submitting or resubmitting your UA. Always reselect the “US Citizen” query on the Identification page when resubmitting to make sure that it’s properly processed.

What Else Do I Need to Know When Getting My Medical License in Idaho?

The Idaho Medical Board is very thorough when discussing requirements, but you may still have questions about licensure even after seeing all of this. Let’s take a look at some of the common questions other physicians ask when learning how to get their medical license in the Gem State.

How Long Does It Take Before You Get Your License?

There’s no estimate provided by the Board regarding how long it might be before you see your medical license. In fact, they state that the application processing time will depend heavily on the applicant and how well they’ve filled out the application. Simply put, if you fill out everything correctly and provide all the necessary documentation, we can process your application rather quickly.

Unofficially, some sources state that the application can take anywhere from as little as eight weeks to as long as 14 weeks (in some cases, even longer). Of course, this doesn’t include the amount of time it takes to ship your license to you. If you want to know beforehand, you might wish to reach out to the board to see if they can give you a closer estimate so you know how long it may be until you’ve become officially licensed in the state.

What If I’m an Active Member of the Military, a Veteran, or a Spouse of Someone in or Out of the Military?

If you’re an active member of the military, a veteran, or a spouse of someone in the military, you may actually be able to tap into special benefits to help you better navigate licensure. This includes benefits that may help you expedite the licensing process, allow you to put relevant military training toward the license that you’re seeking in the state, or even help you waive license renewal fees.

Are There Continuing Education Requirements I’ll Need to Meet?

There are. According to the Idaho Medical Board, any individual licensed to practice medicine and surgery, whether allopathic or osteopathic, must complete at least 40 hours of practice-relevant, Category 1, Continuing Medical Education (CME) every two years.

If you’re considering opening your own practice, read our guide on How to Start a Medical Practice

Wrapping it Up

Getting your license in Idaho can be an exciting endeavor, but it’s important to weigh all of your options before making a decision. Visit our guide on the Top 10 Places to Live and Work to learn more about where you might consider getting your license.

Interested in learning more valuable insights to help you navigate your medical career? Subscribe to our email newsletter for more tips on contract negotiation, income protection, and more.

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About the Author

Author: Betsy Rubendall

Last updated: October 6, 2023

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