Washington Medical License

Obtaining Washington medical license is detailed and rigorous process. It is designed to uphold the high standards of medical practice set by the Washington State Medical Commission. Applicants must first verify they meet all educational prerequisites. These include graduating from an accredited medical school. They must also successfully pass the USMLE or COMLEX exams.

In addition to meeting educational requirements. Applicants are required to complete a designated amount of postgraduate training. This must be done in an approved residency program. The requirement varies depending on the medical specialty.

Washington Medical License Application

The application process entails gathering all necessary documents. These include transcripts proof of postgraduate training, exam scores and evidence of any specialty board certifications. Applicants need to submit these. They do so along with detailed application through the Washington Medical Commission’s online portal. A non-refundable application fee is also required at the time of submission.

An essential component of the licensing process is successful completion of background check. This includes fingerprinting to ensure the applicant’s suitability for medical practice. Washington also requires applicants to pass jurisprudence examination specific to state laws. These regulations govern medical practice.

Once all documents are submitted and the requisite exams passed the application goes under review. This review is conducted by the Medical Commission. This process can take several months. During this time, the commission may request additional information. They may also ask for clarification. Upon approval of the application the applicant is granted a medical license to practice in Washington. This comprehensive process ensures that every licensed healthcare professional adheres to stringent standards expected in Washington. This safeguards patient safety. It maintains integrity of the medical profession.

Physician (MD) Licensing in Washington

You can obtain a physician’s license in Washington with one of the following options:

• Option 1: Exclusive Washington State Physician (MD) online application.
• Option 2: The Uniform Application for Physician State Licensure (UA) and Federation Credentials Verification, easing multi-state applications.
• Option 3: The expedited IMLCC pathway for physicians desiring licensure in multiple states.

Essential Application Requirements

Be mindful of these key components:

• Legal Attestation: Only applicants or licensees can legally attest. Unauthorized completion is a felony.
• Pre-Submission Preparation: Make AMA and FSMB profiles accessible and release relevant examination scores.
• Application Fees: $491, non-refundable.
• Additional Documentation: Notifications sent via email.
• Background Check: Required by law, it might involve an FBI check, especially for out-of-state residents or those with criminal records.

Physician Assistant Licensing in Washington

To obtain a physician assistant license in Washington you can apply online with one of the following options:

• Option 1: Specific State Physician Assistant application.
• Option 2: The Uniform Application for Physician Assistant State Licensure (UA) with Federation Credentials Verification.

Application Necessities

Don’t forget to:

• Complete the legal attestation.
• Make your FSMB profile accessible and obtain NCCPA certification.
• Pay the non-refundable application fees of $116
• Be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested.

Background Check: Similar to physician requirements, including potential FBI involvement.

Washington Medical License Renewal

Licensed physicians are required to complete 200 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every four years. This requirement is stated in Chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7. Special topics that need to be addressed include a one-time 6-hour course regarding suicide prevention and a one-hour course on the best practices for prescribing opioids if they are prescribing such medications.

In contrast, licensed physician assistants must complete 100 hours of CME every two years. The requirements for them are outlined in the same chapter of the Administrative Code.

The licensure cycle also differs between Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). While the MD licensure cycle lasts four years, the DO licensure cycle is only three years long.

Both groups must comply with the state’s regulations regarding specific training. There is a legal requirement under RCW 43.70.442(5)(c) to take a one-time six-hour course on suicide assessment, treatment, and management. Also, if opioids are prescribed within WA, a one-time, one-hour CME course must be completed.

The Medical Commission also requires the completion of a demographic census for workforce planning. This is an integral part of the renewal process and contributes valuable information for state planning.

When it comes to the financial aspect of renewing a medical license, physicians must pay a two-year renewal fee of $956. If the renewal is late, a penalty fee of $300 is charged. On the other hand, physician assistants face a two-year renewal fee of $379, and a late renewal penalty of $124.

Washington Telemedicine License

The Medical Commission (WMC) doesn’t mandate a license for out-of-state specialists providing second opinions or consultations. If a patient, for example, seeks advice from a cancer center outside of Washington, the specialist doesn’t need a Washington license to review medical records and provide their opinion. However, they are not authorized to administer treatment in such a scenario.

Another exemption comes into play when a patient crosses Washington’s border and requires medical attention from a practitioner in their home state with whom they have an established relationship. The law is lenient in such situations and allows the out-of-state practitioner to provide temporary continuous care without a Washington license. This exemption ensures the patient’s best interest by allowing for continuous care from a familiar medical professional.

Washington Medical License Lookup

To look up a Physician, Surgeon, or Physician Assistant in Washington, you can easily utilize the online search provided by the Department of Health. By visiting the Provider Credential Search, you can input specific criteria, including Credential Type, Credential Number, or the professional’s First and Last Name.

If you need to verify your Washington Physician and Surgeon license, particularly for submission to another state medical board, the Washington State Medical Commission offers two distinct methods.

Firstly, the Commission has collaborated with Veridoc, Inc., an online service providing immediate licensure verification. By visiting Veridoc’s website and following the step-by-step instructions, you can create and send verification almost instantly. The service is streamlined and efficient but comes with a fee of $67.00.

Alternatively, you can obtain a verification of a Physician and Surgeon (MD) license at no cost via the Department of Health’s Provider Credential Search. Detailed instructions for printing this verification are provided on the website.

Verifying a Physician Assistant License

For those in need of verifying a Physician Assistant license, the process is slightly different. The Washington Medical Commission has ceased providing email or paper license verifications for Physician Assistants. However, you can access your verification through the Provider Credential Search and send it directly to the state medical board you are applying with. The recipient state may also obtain the verification from the website.

Washington Medical Licensing Service

At MedicalLicensing.com, our philosophy revolves around providing customized and attentive support tailored to each individual’s unique situation. From seasoned practitioners to those new to the medical field, our personalized support guarantees precise application preparation, meeting all necessary deadlines and requirements. 

While you remain dedicated to patient care and medical advancement, we handle all the administrative details of licensing, ensuring your journey is both smooth and effortless. Trust in our meticulous preparation and focus on what truly matters to you: providing quality care for your patients. 

With our tailored assistance, your licensing needs are met with the utmost professionalism, allowing you to concentrate on contributing to the vital field of healthcare. We’re here to support you every step of the way.