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Physicians

Physicians are eligible for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which streamlines the licensing process for physicians seeking to practice in multiple states. Note: While the IMLC streamlines the process for multistate licensure, it DOES NOT provide a single multistate license.
 

 

To qualify for expedited licensure through the IMLC, applicants must:

  • Hold a full, unrestricted medical license, in a state that can serve as a State of Principal License (SPL). To designate Pennsylvania as an SPL, at least one of the following must apply:
    • The physician’s primary residence is in Pennsylvania
    • At least 25% of the physician’s medical practice occurs in Pennsylvania
    • The physician is employed to practice medicine by an entity located in Pennsylvania
    • Pennsylvania is the physician’s state of residence for U.S. federal income tax purposes
  • Submit fingerprints to the designated criminal justice agency for a criminal background check
  • Complete 3 hours of training in child abuse recognition and reporting
  • Complete 4 hours of training in pain management and opioid prescribing

Upon meeting these criteria, physicians will receive a Letter of Qualification, enabling them to apply for licensure in other compact member states via a centralized application.

 

Steps to Apply:

  1. Review the IMLC eligibility requirements: here
  2. Register for an IMLC Portal Account: here
  3. Apply for the initial IMLC License Application and designate your SPL: here
  4. Once your eligibility is verified by your SPL, apply for licensure in additional states through the IMLC Portal
    1. Application fees must be paid for each state
    2. You will be issued a full and independent license from each respective state selected
  5. Renewals: Physicians will receive separate renewal notice from each licensed state
    1. Renewals can be completed via the Compact website by selecting the “Renew” tab in the “Go” bar

Additional Information and Resources:

  • PA Department of State IMLC Page: here
  • IMLC FAQ: here
  • IMLC Cost: here

Nurses

Nurses are eligible for the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which streamlines the licensing process for nurses seeking to practice in multiple states. Starting July 7, 2025, nurses in Pennsylvania can apply for the NLC through the PALS portal. Upon approval, you’ll receive a multistate license, granting you the ability to practice (in-person or via telehealth) in any NLC member state or jurisdiction.

 
 

 

To qualify for a multistate license through the NLC, applicants must:

  • Be a legal resident [Primary State of Residence (PSOR)] of a NLC Member State
  • Meet the NLC’s Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs):
    • Meets the requirements for licensure in the home state (state of residency)
      • Has graduated from a board-approved education program; or
      • Has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency)
    • Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native language)
    • Has passed an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN Examination or predecessor exam
    • Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)
    • Has submitted to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks
    • Has not been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony offense under applicable state or federal criminal law
    • Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis)
    • Is not currently a participant in an alternative program
    • Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program
    • Has a valid United States Social Security number

 

Steps to Apply:

  1. Review the NLC eligibility requirements: here
  2. Log into your PSOR Board of Nursing portal and apply for a multistate license
    1. In Pennsylvania, Nurses can apply via the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS): here
    2. Once logged into your PALS account, there will be an option to apply for multistate license or upgrade your existing single state license to a multistate license

 

Additional Information and Resources:

  • PA Department of State NLC Page: here
  • NLC FAQ: here
    • The fee to convert an existing Pennsylvania license to a multistate license is $105

 

Physical Therapists

 

Physical Therapists are eligible for the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact), which streamlines the licensing process for physical therapists seeking to practice in multiple states. Note: While the PT Compact streamlines the process for multistate licensure, it DOES NOT provide a single multistate license.

 
 

 

To qualify for expedited licensure through the PT Compact, applicants must:

  • Hold a current, valid PT or PTA license in your home state, which must also be a Compact member state
  • Maintain permanent residency in that home state (verified via a current driver’s license)
    • Exceptions exist for active-duty military and spouses
  • Have no active encumbrances or disciplinary actions on any PT/PTA license for at least 2 years
  • Pass any required state Jurisprudence (law) exam for each remote state before applying
    • This requirement is not required by all states
    • Here is a table showing which states mandate this requirement before applying

Steps to Apply:

  1. Review the PT Compact eligibility requirements: here
  2. Apply via the PT Compact Portal: here
    1. You will need to use your Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Identification (FSBPT ID) number and password. This is the same information you used to purchase any service from FSBPT, including registering for the NPTE.

Additional Information and Resources:

  • PA Department of State PT Compact Page: here
  • PT Compact FAQ: here
  • PT Compact Cost: here