Legislation that would enroll Minnesota in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact was heard in State and Local Government Committee this week. Implementation would allow for an expedited licensure process whereby a physician treating a patient in another state would be subject to the regulations and under the jurisdiction of the visiting state’s medical board. The compact will enable physicians to practice across state lines – physically or via telecommunication – while still being subject to the state’s licensure standards, ensuring the safety of patients.
Currently, 12 other state legislatures are considering adopting the compact, including neighbors Iowa and South Dakota. Medical practice boards in participating states do not surrender any authority to regulate the physicians they license, but must share complaints and investigations with other compact states.
Physicians participating in the compact must meet the highest standards for licensure across all states, and a license can be revoked by any or all of the compact states. It is estimated that up to 80% of licensed physicians in the U.S. are eligible to participate in the compact based on the statute’s definition of a physician. The bill passed to Judiciary by a unanimous voice vote. (S.F. 253)
