It’s probably the most important document in your healthcare career – your medical license. Without one, you won’t be able to legally practice medicine, and with an expired one, you’re liable to some serious offenses. When we say “renewing your license,” you might have flashbacks to sitting in the DMV. Luckily, you won’t need to take a ticket, sit in an uncomfortable chair, or wait in an endless line. Fortunately for you, you can take care of your medical license renewal all from the comfort of your own home. Below we’re going to go over the process and some tips and tricks for navigating your medical license renewal.
Guide to Your Medical License Renewal
The Basics
Before we jump into the process of your locum tenens license renewal, let’s take a look at some of the basics surrounding your medical license. I don’t need to go into detail when it comes to what a medical license is. However, you should know that it’s the key to your employment and becoming a practicing healthcare professional. The more important thing to know about is your medical license number. Not only is this used to identify you when it comes to the healthcare system, but it gives patients the opportunity to verify your locum tenens license status as well.
One of the most common questions when it comes to the medical license renewal process is just how long your medical license is good for before you need to renew it. The length between renewals from state to state but there are plenty of resources online that can help make this process run as smoothly as possible.
The Web is Your Friend
One of the best things about the medical license renewal process is that you can do it entirely online if you want to. There are a lot of variables from state to state that includes the website itself, the renewal fee, and the penalty fee, but the concept and process is essentially the same. Most states with locum tenens license will have a portal specifically designed for the renewal process. During this process you’ll use the portal to complete your application, entering a variety of info to verify that you’re the one renewing your locum tenens license. Most sites will ask that you digitally sign a few forms and answer a few survey questions, but before you know it, you’ll be renewed in no time. Finally, you’ll be asked to pay a renewal fee which will vary from state to state. Once you’ve done this, you’re finished with your medical license renewal process.
Don’t forget, for those less computer-savvy health professionals, you can also do this by filling out an application and sending it in via mail. All of this information should be found on your state’s government website.
Don’t Get Fined
Remember, you don’t want to slack off when it comes to your medical license renewal. If you do not renew your medical license in time, you could be looking at a hefty penalty. Penalty fees usually are in the hundreds of dollars range. This is on top of the renewal fee that you’ll have to pay regardless. The bigger penalty though is not legally being able to practice medicine. This isn’t something that you can leave for another day. Once your license expires you will no longer be able to work in the health field until you renew your license.
The license renewal process can be a pain, but trust me, it’s well worth it in the long run. Renewing sooner rather than later is always the best course of action.
What has your experience been like during the renewal process? Tell us in the comments below!
