Colorado Medical License

Colorado Medical Board: A Guide to Licensing

The Colorado Medical Board was established under the Medical Practice Act to regulate and oversee the practice of healing arts in the state. This includes setting and enforcing licensing standards for Medical Doctors (M.D.s), Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s), Physician Assistants (P.A.s), and Anesthesiology Assistants (A.A.s). In Colorado, holding a valid license is mandatory to practice medicine or treat patients. While there are a few exceptions—such as physicians working for the Veterans Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Department of Defense—the requirement is otherwise strict.

The CMB takes the unlicensed practice of medicine seriously, investigating any such cases that arise. However, it does not have the power to resolve fee disputes. Notably, decisions made by the CMB are final and not subject to administrative review. As a Type I Board, the CMB operates autonomously, with a mix of professional and public members, including eight M.D.s, three D.O.s, two P.A.s, and four public representatives.

To maintain high standards across the healthcare professions it oversees, the Colorado Medical Board has established rigorous licensing requirements. These standards apply to recent graduates, those transferring from other states, and professionals seeking to continue their practice in Colorado. Additionally, the Board serves as a disciplinary authority, with the power to revoke licenses if a practitioner violates professional rules or regulations.

Each year, the Board grants licenses to 800 to 1,000 new physicians. However, currently, 31.2% of Colorado’s doctors are nearing retirement age, exacerbating the issue. By 2030, the state is expected to be short 2,424 doctors overall, with primary care alone projected to need an additional 1,773 providers. In rural regions east of Denver, the ratio of residents to primary care providers can be as high as 5,636 to one. Alarmingly, 54 of Colorado’s 64 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), meaning there are 3,500 or more patients for every provider, disproportionately affecting low-income citizens.

To address this critical shortage, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has allocated nearly $19 million to 17 organizations aimed at expanding the healthcare workforce. One innovative solution is a nine-month program designed to train international doctors who are Colorado residents. After completing the program, participants can apply for primary care residency programs within the state.

For instance, Denver Health’s Clinical Readiness Program has set specific criteria for its participants, including:

• At least two years of Colorado residency
• No entry into the US on a J1 visa or similar non-immigrant visa
• Successful completion of an MD Degree or international equivalent as per Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) guidelines
• ECFMG Certification, including passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 & 2 within three attempts
• Demonstrated typing proficiency
• Fluent English language skills
• Complete vaccination record

The program’s goal is to prepare participants to stand out as top candidates for primary care residencies in Colorado. By offering opportunities to refine clinical skills and immerse themselves in U.S. medical practices, the program aims to equip these doctors with the tools they need to excel in primary care and make a meaningful impact on Colorado’s healthcare system.

Colorado Medical License Application Process

The Colorado Medical Board is known for processing applications efficiently. Once you submit your Colorado Medical License Application, the Board typically reviews it and informs you of any deficiencies that need to be addressed within a couple of weeks. The process in Colorado is straightforward, with easy access to licensure analysts for quick confirmation of received verifications. The staff is known for being helpful and responsive, minimizing issues like mail loss, which aids in expediting the process.

When considering a medical license in Colorado, it’s important to know your options beyond just a standard physician license.

• If you already hold an active license in another state, you might qualify for a pro bono license, which allows you to provide medical services in Colorado for up to 60 days each year at no charge.
• For those currently in residency or fellowship programs, a physician training license is available to cover your needs during this period.
• Those practicing under the “occasional” practice provision of the Medical Practice Act are also allowed to practice temporarily.

Unlike some states, Colorado doesn’t offer automatic reciprocity with other states. Every license is granted based on examination and a thorough review of your credentials

If your Colorado medical license has lapsed and you want to return to practicing, you have two paths:

• Reactivation for inactive licenses.
• Reinstatement for expired licenses.

For either option, you’ll need to provide verification of your licenses in other states and submit your employment history for the last two years. Additionally, you must prove your competency and current malpractice insurance coverage, with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per incident and $3,000,000 annually.

Colorado is also part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. This allows you to obtain a medical license not only in Colorado but also in any of the other 28 participating states with a more streamlined process. This option comes with a fee of $700 and requires fingerprinting and a background check, which differ from the typical Colorado licensing process.

For the Colorado DEA License, you’ll need to visit the DEA Diversion Control Division’s website. This portal provides access to initial and renewal application forms, Form 222, and the Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) application, which you can submit online.

Colorado Medical License Requirements

To practice medicine in Colorado, whether you’re fresh out of medical school, relocating from another state, or an international graduate, you need to meet the state’s licensing requirements.

Here’s what every applicant must:

• Complete medical education at an accredited medical school.
• Undergo one year of postgraduate training for U.S. graduates.
• Maintain good standing with any State Medical Licenses held.
• Achieve a score of 75 or higher on national exams such as the USMLE, FLEX, or NBME.
  • No limits on attempts for USMLE Step 3.
  • Complete the USMLE within 7 years (or 10 years for MD/PhD candidates).
  • State exam accepted if taken before 1975.
  • No SPEX exam requirement.
• Submit a NPDB-HIPDB Report (National Practitioner Data Bank and Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank).
• Provide an AMA Profile (American Medical Association).
• Include a FSMB Disciplinary Action Report (Federation of State Medical Boards).

For those seeking licensure by endorsement, you’ll also need to submit details about your most recent year of practice. If you’ve had any malpractice claims filed against you, you’ll be required to complete and submit the Claims Information Form for each case to the Board.

Licensing Requirements for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

To obtain a medical license in Colorado, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must meet the following requirements:

1. Graduate from a medical school approved by the Colorado Medical Board.
2. Complete one year of clinically-based postgraduate training in the United States or Canada.
3. Pass one of the following exams:
   • FLEX Exam (along with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Exam)
   • State written exam
   • USMLE as outlined in Rule 1.5
4. Submit fingerprints and undergo a background check.

How to Get a Colorado Medical License

When you’re ready to apply for a medical license in Colorado, whether it’s your first or through endorsement, there are a few steps to get you started.

Registering an Account

Head over to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ portal and create an account. This portal is your central hub where you’ll submit your application and upload all the required documents. Keep in mind that your application is only valid for one year from the date you submit it. If you don’t provide all the necessary documents within that timeframe, your application will expire, and you’ll need to start over—complete with new documents and fees.

Application Details

The application requires you to disclose any pending malpractice suits or those resolved in the past five years. Be ready to provide a detailed account of the circumstances, including the clinical care involved. You’ll also need to submit original source verification documents, such as:

• Proof of medical school graduation
• Verification of postgraduate training (internships, residencies, fellowships)
• Reference letters
• Proof of malpractice insurance or a claim of exemption
• Proof of passing required medical exams (NBME, USMLE, state exams)

Screening Questions

As you fill out the application, you’ll encounter a series of screening questions that cover topics like disciplinary actions, malpractice claims, criminal charges, and substance abuse. If you answer “yes” to any of these, be prepared to explain your situation in detail and provide supporting documentation. 

If there’s any negative information in your application, such as disciplinary actions (though malpractice claims are not considered negative), the Board will assign your file to a senior analyst for a thorough review. The Colorado Medical Board is known for being fair and reasonable, especially when issues arise. 

Colorado Physician Assistant License

Physician assistants need to:

• Graduate from an NCCPA-approved physician assistant program and pass the NCCPA National Board Exam.
• Complete the Physician Assistant License Application online and pay the application fee of $210. 
• Provide supporting documentation, such as verification of the NCCPA certification, verification of any licenses in other states or jurisdictions, and verification of the disciplinary history.
• Undergo a criminal background check by submitting your fingerprints to the Bureau of Investigation.

The Colorado Medical Board joined the “Physician Assistant Licensure Compact,” which aims to make it easier for physician assistants to operate in numerous jurisdictions. If a physician assistant possesses a license in one of the states that have joined the compact, they will have an easier time obtaining authorization to practice in any other participating state, as long as they match the agreement’s specified standards.

Processing Time for Colorado Medical License

Generally, the licensing process takes about 60 to 90 days, provided all required documents are promptly submitted and there are no unusual circumstances that might delay the review process. A licensing sub-committee gathers monthly to review and decide on medical license applications. 

Colorado Medical License Cost

When you’re ready to submit your completed application and all necessary documents to the State Board, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Application Fee: Approximately $400
• NPDB Reports: $20 (covering both federal data banks at $10 each)
• FCVS (Optional): $375
• IMLC (Optional): $700+ (only if you’re seeking licensure in additional states)

At the minimum, securing your Colorado Medical License will set you back around $420. However, if you’re aiming to practice in multiple states, costs can rise significantly. Fees are reviewed and potentially adjusted every year on July 1. The application fee is nonrefundable and covers processing and licensing costs until your next renewal period.

Colorado Medical Board License Renewal

Currently, Colorado does not require physicians to meet Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements to practice. However, Governor Polis signed HB24-1153 into law, establishing new CME requirements for physicians. Starting with the 2027 renewal cycle, physicians will need to complete 30 credit hours of CME in the 24 months preceding their license renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation. These credits can be chosen by the physician, with certain topics mandated by the bill. To confirm compliance, physicians must affirm on their renewal form that they have fulfilled the CME requirement.

It is important to remember that those holding DEA registration must complete a one-time 8-hour training course focused on managing patients with opioid or substance use disorders.

For Physician Assistants, 100 CME hours are required every two years, and they must maintain their NCCPA certification. Additionally, they must complete 2 hours of training in substance abuse prevention or treatment during each renewal period.

Nurses are required to complete 90 contact hours of professional education every seven years, equivalent to six semester hours of college or university coursework, along with compliance with the READ Act’s literacy instruction requirements.

As for renewal intervals:

• Physician and Physician Pro Bono licenses expire on April 30 of odd-numbered years.
• Physician Training licenses expire on August 31, are valid for three years, and can only be renewed once (for a total of six years).
• Physician Assistant and Anesthesiologist Assistant licenses expire on January 31 of even-numbered years.
• New applicants with licenses that were issued within 120 days of the next renewal date will be matched with the forthcoming expiration date.

Colorado Telemedicine License

Another legislation change was SB24-141, which officially sets the framework for telehealth services in Colorado. Beginning January 1, 2026, this law permits out-of-state healthcare providers to offer telemedicine services to Colorado patients, provided they fulfill the following requirements:

1. Apply according to the Division of Professions and Occupations’ guidelines.
2. Hold an active, unencumbered license, certificate, or registration from another state, Washington D.C., or a U.S. territory.
3. Have a clear disciplinary record, with no actions taken against their credential in the past five years.
4. Pass a jurisprudence exam to prove the knowledge of relevant Colorado laws and regulations.

Once registered, out-of-state telehealth providers must ensure their services comply with Colorado’s healthcare standards, coordinate with local emergency services, and maintain an emergency protocol. They must report any credential restrictions or disciplinary actions to Colorado regulators, maintain adequate financial coverage, inform patients they have no physical location in Colorado, and are prohibited from establishing an office in the state.

Colorado Medical License Lookup

For Colorado Medical License lookup, navigate to the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations Online Services website. Here, you can search for licensed professionals or businesses within the Division of Professions and Occupations. Information such as license type, license number, first name, last name, business name, maiden name, city, or state can be entered to aid your search. A list of licensee/discipline information is also available for download.

Colorado Medical Licensing Service

MedicalLicensing.com is your one-stop solution. Our platform is designed to streamline the process of acquiring or renewing your medical license, offering custom services including initial applications, renewals, verifications, and fast-track licenses.

Our knowledgeable team is well-versed in the intricacies of state-specific licensure procedures and will ensure your application is filled out accurately and submitted on time. When you partner with MedicalLicensing.com, you can leave the paperwork to us, focusing instead on what you do best – providing excellent patient care. Our commitment is to get you licensed quickly and efficiently.