Locum tenens physicians who have completed a number of assignments have no doubt amassed a collection of state licenses.
The trouble with having multiple state licenses is that it takes some work to make sure they are all active. Each state has different renewal processes, CME requirements, and expiration dates, which can be hard to keep track of. However, it is worth the effort.
Letting state licenses expire can limit the number of locum tenens jobs that are available to you, and lead to more headaches and hassles down the road. Here are some of the reasons why locum tenens providers should make sure all their state licenses remain active.
More opportunities
Clients who are looking for a locum tenens provider are more likely to select a candidate who has an active license in their state because they can being working immediately. Getting a state license can take weeks or even months, depending on the state. Clients that have an immediate need may not be willing or able to wait that long.
Having a number of active licenses will ensure you have the greatest number of locum tenens jobs available to you. Even if you completed an assignment and have no plans to return to that state, it’s always better to have the option available should you need it.
Renewing is cheaper
The cost of renewing a state license is typically much lower than the cost of reinstating an expired state license.
Let’s take North Carolina for example. The cost to renew a license in North Carolina is $175. If a physician lets the license expire he or she can apply to reactivate it for $263 so long as it expired within the calendar year, but if the license is inactive for more than one year, it costs $392.75 to apply for reinstatement.
Renewing is easier
One of the advantages of doing locum tenens assignments with Barton Associates is our new license assistance program. Our dedicated team of licensing professionals works with each of our locum tenens providers to secure a state license as quickly and efficiently as possible.
However, once you have completed the application process for a state license, you don’t want to have to repeat it. If you renew your license, you won’t have to. In North Carolina, renewals can be completed online in less than 15 minutes. Applicants will also receive their new license in 24 hours.
Physicians that let a license expire essentially start from scratch, submitting a litany of credentials and documents. It will also take 12-16 weeks for the application to process.
