Connecticut Medical License

Connecticut Medical Board: A Guide to Licensing

Connecticut, also referred to as “The Land of Steady Habits,” is nestled between New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Because of its long southern shoreline, this little New England treasure has a more temperate climate than its northern neighbors and is renowned for its magnificent seasonal transitions, beautiful fall hues, and attractive vistas.

Healthcare professionals account for 12.5% of the Connecticut workforce. The state has 9 nursing schools and 3 medical schools, yet the state’s Department of Public Health reports a high need for nurses, certified nursing assistants, technicians, and social workers.

The sector’s total salaries increased by 8.9%. Pediatricians made roughly $167,900, while surgeons earned the most, at $392,080. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants earned an average of $136,980 and $149,300, respectively.

The Connecticut Board of Medical Examiners consists of 21 members—13 physicians from various areas of expertise, one physician assistant, as well as seven public members. Elected by the Governor, the members are responsible with a number of vital functions:

• Issue licenses to healthcare professionals.
• Verify the current status and validity of medical licenses.
• Ensure that medical personnel engage in necessary ongoing education.
• Regulate patient access to medical records, and oversee the transfer of records.
• Sets the bar for educational attainment necessary for medical licensure in the state.
• Define the professional standards for practicing medicine in Connecticut.
• Investigate complaints and discipline those who fail to meet regulatory standards.

Despite their crucial role, engaging with the Connecticut Med Board can be challenging. Responses to emails are slow, calls often redirect to voicemail, and callbacks are rare. Much of the interaction with the state involves persistent efforts to connect directly to receive updates. However, once in contact, their processes are notably efficient and streamlined.

Connecticut  Medical License Requirements

To receive a medical license in Connecticut, physician candidates must meet requirements set by the Board:

1. Graduate with an M.D. or D.O. degree from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
2. At least two years of advanced postgraduate clinical training in an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program.
3. Successfully passing one of the following:
   • A State Board Licensing examination, if taken before June 1, 1979.
   • United States Licensing Examination (USMLE).
   • National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
   • Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX).
   • National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME).
   • The examination for registration as a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).

It is vital to note that combining elements of the NBOME with components of FLEX or USMLE does not fulfill Connecticut’s licensure requirements.

Nurses must have:

• Completed a recognized nursing program or a comparable program in another jurisdiction.
• Completed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RNs or LPNs.
• Completed a criminal background check

CT Medical License Requirements for IMGs

For foreign medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice medicine in Connecticut, the process to licensing entails numerous particular steps and criteria.

1. Graduating from a medical school that is either listed in the 1970 World Health Organization (WHO) Directory of Medical Schools or has completed a program that fulfills all educational requirements as per the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

DO degrees received from colleges outside the US or Canada are not eligible for licensing in Connecticut.

2. Currently qualified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or having completed an American Medical Association-approved Fifth Pathway Program.
3. Completing a minimum of two years of progressive postgraduate training in medicine as a resident physician in an ACGME-accredited program or equivalent.
4. To qualify for licensing, you must successfully complete one of the following exams:
   • United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
   • National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
   • Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX)
   • National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME)

Note, that IMGs are required to submit a verification of ECFMG certification or completion of a Fifth Pathway Program, a School Verification Form and an official transcript, directly from the educational institution.

Connecticut Medical License by Reciprocity

The Connecticut Medical Examining Board grants licensing by reciprocity if candidates satisfy certain criteria:

1. Have a valid and active license in no less than one other jurisdiction in the United States.
2. Actively practicing for at least four years.
3. There are no revoked or suspended licenses, or any disciplinary measures in any state.
4. There are no current complaints, claims, or investigations into unprofessional conduct.

Connecticut Compact Licenses

Connecticut has entered the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) to simplify the licensure for physicians wishing to practice medicine across state lines. Also, nurses who hold licenses in states that are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact are eligible to work in Connecticut without obtaining a state specific license.

Connecticut Medical License Application Process 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) oversees the application process, ensuring each step from application submission to license issuance is managed with precision.

The DPH has the authority to assess the eligibility of applicants based on their professional conduct and public health standards. Each application is reviewed on its merits, with considerations given to the nature of any offenses, the timeline of such actions, and demonstrated rehabilitation efforts.

The DPH Office accommodates visitors solely by scheduled appointments to maintain an organized flow and dedicated service. For submitting documents, the DPH recommends digital or mail submissions to streamline processing, although a drop-box is also available on-site for convenience.

It is important to note that the Department cannot provide licenses to individuals with pending complaints in other jurisdictions.

All supporting documentation must be obtained directly from the company that issued it in order to ensure validity and trustworthiness. The Department scrupulously conforms to privacy rules, particularly when it comes to sensitive information like social security numbers, that are only shared to approved government agencies and protected from public access.

How to Get a Connecticut Medical License

Applying for a medical license in Connecticut is a streamlined online process that you can initiate at the eLicense website www.eLicense.ct.gov.

1. Account Creation

Start by selecting the “Register” link to create a new account. Fill in all required fields such as account information, personal details, public and mailing addresses, and complete the Captcha Verification to ensure security.

2. Starting Your Application

Once registered, log in, verify your email, and navigate to the ‘Initial Application’ section. You’ll find it at the bottom left of the screen. Expand the ‘Public Health Practitioners’ grouping and select ‘Start’ for the specific profession you are applying for.

3. Filling Out Details

Carefully read through the start instructions and eligibility requirements. It’s crucial to answer all questions truthfully and provide complete and accurate responses. Supporting documentation may be required depending on your answers.

If you need to pause your application, select ‘Save and Close.’ Your responses will be saved for 14 days, allowing you to return and complete the application without starting over.

4. Work Experience Verification

During the application, you’ll answer a question regarding four years of licensed work experience. Affirmative answers here will streamline your application process, as it leverages your professional experience for credentialing.

5. Required Documents

Organize the submission of essential documents directly from the source to the Connecticut Department of Public Health:

• The application fee and a charge for querying the National Practitioner Data Bank.
• Medical school transcripts.
• Postgraduate residency training transcripts.
• Examination transcripts.
• Previous license verification.

6. FCVS Option

For those who have it, an official FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service) report may be submitted as part of the documentation requirements, streamlining the verification of credentials.

7. Review and Notification

After submitting your application, you will be notified via email once it has been successfully logged into the licensing system for review. A decision on your application typically follows within three to four weeks, and upon approval, all relevant license details will be communicated to you.

Processing Time for Connecticut Medical License

For most applicants, the Connecticut medical licensing process concludes within 75 to 115 days. The exact duration depends largely on the applicant’s educational background—graduates from domestic medical schools may experience faster processing times compared to those from foreign medical schools.

Once your application is deemed complete, the Connecticut Department of Public Health generally processes it within three to four weeks. During this phase, they assess all submitted documents and ensure compliance with licensing standards.

Several elements can contribute to a longer licensing process, and being aware of these can help you anticipate any potential delays:

• A history of malpractice claims can prolong the review process as each claim requires thorough examination.
• If you have faced disciplinary actions in any jurisdiction, additional time may be needed to review the circumstances and outcomes of those actions.
• Arrests or criminal records necessitate a more detailed investigation, extending the overall timeline.

Note that applicants with a long practice history may also undergo a complex review process, because the board verifies every aspect of the professional background.

Connecticut Medical License Cost

The application fee for a medical license in Connecticut is $565. To maintain your medical license, Connecticut requires a renewal fee—$575. If your license lapses, the reinstatement fee is also $565, mirroring the initial application cost.

Additional fees might include background check cost and fees for document processing or verification services like the FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service).

Connecticut Physician Assistant License

To apply for a physician assistant license in Connecticut, follow these steps:

• Visit the Physician Assistant Licensure page and choose the link for Obtaining CT Licensure for the First Time.
• Download and complete the online application form and submit it along with the required documents and fees.
• Provide verification of your education, training, licensure, and examination scores.
• Provide verification of completion of not less than 60 hours of didactic instruction in pharmacology.
• Complete a criminal background check.

Connecticut Medical Board License Renewal

CT medical licenses must be renewed online. The fee is $575 for physicians and $190 for physician assistants. Physicians are required to complete at least 50 hours of CME biennially. This includes mandatory training in diverse subjects such as 

• infectious diseases, 
• risk management, 
• sexual assault, 
• domestic violence, 
• cultural competency,
• behavioral health.

Physicians may get a waiver for up to 10 CME hours if serving on the Connecticut Medical Examining Board or assisting with department duties.

Those renewing their license for the first time are exempt from CME requirements until the next renewal period. If exempt for less than two years, 25 hours of CME must be completed before returning to practice. If exempt for two or more years, the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) is required before resuming active practice.

Nurses also renew their licenses biennially, with fees set at $100 for registered nurses and $50 for licensed practical nurses. They are required to complete at least one contact hour in each mandatory topic: 

• infection control, 
• risk management, 
• pain management,
• sexual assault, 
• domestic violence, 
• cultural competency,
• substance abuse, 
• end-of-life issues, 
• medical errors, 
• human trafficking, etc.

Connecticut Telemedicine License

To provide telemedicine services in Connecticut, healthcare professionals must obtain a CT license, which has its set of requirements:

1. Active medical license in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
2. Register as a “telehealth registrant” with Connecticut’s Department of Public Health.
3. Apply for a Connecticut license within 60 days of registering as a telehealth provider.

It is important to keep in mind that the licensing process must be completed within 60 days of application submission.

Professional obligations for telehealth providers in Connecticut encompass several key responsibilities. Providers must ensure and document that informed consent is obtained from all patients. They are obligated to keep thorough records and follow all appropriate state confidentiality and privacy regulations. Furthermore, telehealth providers must have liability coverage at levels equal to or greater than those needed of in-state healthcare practitioners.

Connecticut Medical License Lookup

The online Connecticut medical license lookup service allows you to input the licensee’s license number, name, or business name. The system will provide data such as the initial license date, license expiry date, licensing status, and disciplinary action.

You can also check registered nurse aides in the Connecticut State Registry by entering the aide’s social security number or certification number and receiving information such as license status, expiration date, and abuse findings.

You can also submit a written request for verification of license to the Connecticut Medical Examining Board. This request should include the licensee’s name and license number, as well as their full name and address. You can also view the physician profile online, where you can enter the physician’s name or license number and obtain information such as education, training, specialized board certification, privileges, malpractice claims history, disciplinary proceedings, and so on.

Connecticut Medical Licensing Service

MedicalLicensing.com is your reliable source for obtaining and renewing Connecticut medical licenses. We provide a variety of services, including initial application submission, license renewals, verifications, and accelerated licenses, all tailored to your individual requirements.

With a team that understands every detail of state-specific licensing processes, we guarantee that your application is correct and filed on time. When you outsource your license requirements to MedicalLicensing.com, you may focus more on patient care while we handle the paperwork. Our objective is to expedite your path to licensure.