Hawaii Medical License

Hawaii Medical License Application Process

Located in the blue of the Pacific Ocean, the state of Hawaii shines as a particularly exotic state in the United States, as well as a blend of natural beauty and distinct culture. Since joining the United States in 1950, the state has preserved its separate character. Both Hawaiian and English are used across the islands, reinforcing their status as the official languages and strengthening the local cultural fabric.

For healthcare professionals who want to live on the island, acquiring a medical license through the Hawaii Medical Board (HMB) can be affordable and quick. With expenses around $600 and a simple process which can take roughly 45-60 days, practicing in a paradise is shockingly affordable.

The Hawaii State Medical Board’s principal objective is to ensure the well-being and health of the public. This is accomplished by establishing and maintaining excellent standards for the regulation of medical practice, so that the provision of healthcare is both efficient and safe. The Board’s dedication is demonstrated via rigorous licensure, disciplined monitoring, and ongoing education of healthcare practitioners.

Board Composition:

• 7 Physicians or Surgeons
• 2 Osteopathic Physicians
• 2 Public Members

The Hawaii Medical Board oversees more than 10,000 MD licenses, scattered across the islands. The majority of these licenses are located in Mainland (5,726) and Oahu (3,824), reflecting the widespread need for medical professionals across diverse locales.

As a participant in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), Hawaii also offers an expedited pathway to licensure for eligible physicians across various states, further simplifying the transition for medical professionals.

Hawaii Medical License Requirements

If you’re applying for a medical license in Hawaii, here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re ticking all the right boxes:

HI Educational Requirements for U.S. and Canadian MDs

• Make sure your medical degree is from an institution approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
• Complete at least one year of postgraduate training in a program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
• You must’ve successfully completed any of these examinations:
  • The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME
  • Federation Licensing Exam (FLEX)
  • Exams: USMLE and MCCQE.
  • For credentials issued before 2000, a combination of the aforementioned tests or the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) and a state-produced examination may be accepted.

Osteopathic Physician Requirements in Hawaii

• Graduated from an American Osteopathic Association (AOA)-approved osteopathy school.
• Complete a one-year internship in an AOA or American College of Surgeons-approved healthcare facility, or a year-long ACGME-accredited program.
• Acceptable exams are the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA), Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX), and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Combinations of sections of the USMLE and FLEX are also permitted.

Hawaii Medical License Requirements for International Graduates 

• If you are a foreign graduate, make sure you completed residency in a program approved by the ACGME, RCPSC, or CFPC.
• The requirements include a two-year residency accepted by the aforementioned accrediting agencies, certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or Fifth Pathway certification, and clearing one of the recognized licensure tests.
• This pathway also accepts combined USMLE, FLEX, and NBME results from before 2000, as well as completing the SPEX.

There is another path for those who didn’t finish their medical school in the United States or Canada, or who do not fit the above criteria.

• A degree from a non-U.S./Canadian medical school is required, as is three years of postgraduate study in a Council on Medical Education and Hospitals-approved facility, and satisfactory results on the FLEX, USMLE, or a combination of tests prior to 2000.
• Applicants for the Second Pathway must have completed the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates’ VISA Qualifying Examination before 1984.

While US citizenship is not required, candidates for a permanent license must be legally authorized to operate in the United States.

For Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) If applying through the second pathway, provide proof of at least three years of medical training or experience. The hospital must send this verification directly, ensuring it is recognized by the AMA’s Council on Medical Education and Hospitals.

For temporary licenses, providers must also provide verification of state or county government employment.

Note, that all documents should be sent directly by the issuing institutions to the Hawaii Medical Board to streamline the process and ensure accuracy.

Hawaii Physician License by Endorsement

When applying for a medical license via endorsement, start by filling out the necessary application form and paying any applicable costs. Next, you’ll have to gather and submit a complete collection of documentation to back up your qualifications. This includes verifying all your licensure credentials to confirm your eligibility and good standing. Attach proof of your educational background, specifically your MD degree and details of your residency training, to demonstrate your fulfillment of the required educational standards.

Additionally, include detailed reports from the National Practitioner Data Bank and your AMA Profile to provide a clear record of your professional history. A Federation report should also be included to complement your application with further insights into your medical credentials. Finally, ensure you provide your examination scores, which play a crucial role in verifying your medical knowledge and competence.

The Board with then issue a license if you meet the following requirements:

• You must have an MD degree from a medical school approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in the United States or Canada.
• Complete one year of residency training at a program approved by either the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in the United States or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)/College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) in Canada.
• You should have passed one of the following exams: National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX), United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), or Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE).
• If you got your credentials before to 2000, you have to prove that you passed an appropriate combination of the foregoing tests or the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX), assuming you were licensed in another state via a state-produced examination.
• Maintain a valid, active, and unrestricted license in the state whose standards comply with or exceed the ones of this State.
• You must’ve been practicing medicine for no less than two of the previous five years in another state or province.
• Make sure there are no disciplinary measures.
• You should not have received any adverse rulings or settlements relating to medical care

How to Get a Hawaii Medical License

When you begin your path to earn a medical license in Hawaii, your initial task is to complete a detailed application form. This paper establishes the foundation for the entire procedure. To avoid delays, be sure that all fees have been paid.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find on the application:

• Your personal details like legal name, social security number, and contact information.
• Essential questions verifying your eligibility, such as being over 18 and a legal U.S. resident.
• A series of yes/no questions probing your professional integrity, any disciplinary histories, or prior investigations.
• Information on your educational background, previous licenses, hospital affiliations, and postgraduate training.
• A declaration confirming the truthfulness of your provided information.
• An option for authorizing a third party to assist with your application, if applicable.

Be thorough—review your application multiple times to ensure every required section is completed, particularly those marked in blue. If you answer “yes” to any of the integrity questions, be prepared to provide detailed explanations and official documents pertaining to any disciplinary actions directly to the Hawaii Medical Board (HMB).

Next, you’ll need to validate your licensure history. This includes detailing all your previous and current medical licenses, even those obtained during your residency or while working as a locum tenens. Each relevant licensing authority must send a direct verification to the HMB.

If you’ve held or sought hospital positions in the last three years, whether for work, teaching, or training, you’ll need to list each and ensure the hospitals send their verifications directly using the specified MD-08 form.

For degree verification, attach your MD diploma, transcripts, or a letter from your medical school’s dean. Documents in a foreign language must include a certified translation.

Attach evidence of your completed residency training as well, either as a certificate or a letter from your residency program director.

For those who have passed medical exams like the NBME or USMLE, coordinate with the Federation of State Medical Boards to send an Examination and Board Action History Report to the HMB. This report should include your exam scores and any relevant details.

You will also need to offer a thorough overview of your medical practice spanning from residency to the present. If you have gaps , explain them clearly.

Remember that if you cannot finish the licensing process within a year, don’t take the required exams after turning eligible, or fail to submit a Social Security number, your application is going to be dismissed.

Processing Time for Hawaii Medical License

Obtaining a physician license in Hawaii might take between 45 and 120 days from the time you submit the application to the HI Medical Board. The Board demands verification of your whole job and labor history over the last five years. Be mindful that the procedure may be delayed if the Board requires further information from you.

You may track the status of your application by going to the Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing search website, Hawaii PVL Search. This web-based tool allows you to check the status of your application and confirm that it is progressing as intended.

Hawaii Medical License Cost

The cost of acquiring a medical license in Hawaii differs according to when you apply within the state’s biannual licensing cycle. If you file for an MD license between the February 1 of an even-numbered year through January 31 of the next odd-numbered year, the total fee is $392. This comprises a $50 application cost, a $97 license fee, a $148 donation to the Compliance Resolution Fund, with a $97 charge to cover half of the renewal price.

If you submit between February 1 of an odd-numbered year through January 31 of the next even-numbered year, your overall charge is reduced to $221. This fee structure includes the same $50 application fee and $97 licensing fee, but the Compliance Resolution Fund contribution is reduced to $74.

For those applying for an MDG license, the total cost is $164, regardless of the timing of the application.

Hawaii Medical Board License Renewal

Physicians, osteopaths, physician assistants, and podiatrists must renew their licenses by January 31 of each even-numbered year. Emergency medical personnel’s licenses must be renewed every odd-numbered year. The fee for renewal is $240. Delaying renewal may result in additional fees and impede the reinstatement of your license.

Physicians have to accumulate 40 Category 1 or 1-A hours every two years.

• Those who got their licenses before February 1, 2014, must complete 40 hours.
• For individuals who were licensed between February 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015, only 20 hours are necessary at first.
• Following the 2018 renewal term, the full 40 hours will apply.

Hawaii Telemedicine License

In Hawaii, a physician cannot set up a patient connection only through telemedicine unless they have a valid Hawaii medical license. Nevertheless, there are exemptions to the rule that allow for remote healthcare consultations under certain conditions:

• Referral-Based Telehealth Relationships

A physician-patient relationship can be formed via telehealth if the patient is referred by another HI-licensed healthcare provider. This referring practitioner must have already done a personal interview with the patient and have provided all pertinent patient information to the telehealth provider. This method guarantees that the telehealth professional is well-informed and can deliver appropriate care.

• Continued Care and Consultations

Once established, the physician-patient relationship allows for ongoing telehealth interactions. This includes consultations where a Hawaii-licensed physician may engage with medical providers licensed in other states, as long as these interactions are authorized by the relevant sections of Hawaiian law or other applicable regulations.

Out-of-state practitioners must not establish an office or meet patients in Hawaii.  The supervising Hawaii-licensed provider must maintain primary control over the patient’s care, ensuring that the treatment provided aligns with the local standards of practice and patient needs.

Hawaii Medical License Lookup

If you need to lookup a medical license in Hawaii, the jurisdiction has an official internet lookup tool. You may find it by going to Hawaii’s Professional and Vocational Licensing. Simply input the license number, practitioner’s name, or business name to see information like the initial licensing date, expiring date, current standing, and any disciplinary measures taken.

If online access is not available or more formal proof is required, you may seek a written verification. Submit your inquiry to the Licensing Branch-License Verification, along with a $15 charge. Provide the licensee’s name and number, as well as your full name and postal address.

Hawaii Medical Licensing Service

MedicalLicensing.com provides a simple and effective solution for healthcare providers navigating Hawaii’s medical licensing landscape. Our services are geared to fulfill a wide range of requirements, including new applications and renewals, verifications, and accelerated processing.

Our staff is familiar with Hawaii’s special licensing requirements. We diligently handle your application to ensure its timely submission. MedicalLicensing.com handles all of the bureaucratic paperwork, allowing you to focus on the thing you do best: providing great patient care. We are committed to making your license process easier, faster, and overall more effective; so you may begin operating in Hawaii with no delay.