Obtaining Your Independent Medical License

1. Obtaining Your Independent Medical License VBLSS, 2013

2. What we wish we had known… • You can do this AS SOON as your Step 3 score report is back – and you should! • The process goes much quicker if you move quickly and efficiently! • If you know what you need to do going in, you can reduce unnecessary delays! • You must have your license BEFORE you can begin credentialing processes at your future institutions – and credentialing can take up to 2 months! • Which means ---- your goal should be to have your license before May!

3. What we wish we had known… • This is a long process with multiple steps. • The entire process can and often takes up to 6 months. • Start ASAP and don’t forget to send all the required documents! • Document Checklist is KEY! • http://www.med.ohio.gov/pdf/Applications/mddoapp.pdf • Make sure to include all gaps or transitions in training and explain them clearly.  • Save all receipts for tax season and make sure itemize as these are business related expenses.

4. Who needs to get their license? • Anyone who will be working in any general internal medicine position in July 2014 • Future chief residents • Any fellow who wants to do external moonlighting or be ‘ahead of the game’ • Bottom Line: Fellows do not need independent medical licenses to train during fellowship – they are covered under the training licenses you all currently maintain (for $35/year) • VA UCC Moonlighting as a Fellow requires independent license ($150/hr!)

5. The Steps FCVS Application State Board Application DEA # Application Credentialing $325 $335 + $70 Background Check + $39 AMA Profile $731

6. Step 1 – Complete FCVS Application • Applicants who complete the FCVS verification process establish a permanent, lifetime portfolio of primary-source verified credentials - allowing easy and cost-effective access to medical credentials whenever they are needed • Nearly all state medical and osteopathic boards accept or require FCVS

7. http://www.fsmb.org/fcvs.html Click “Begin Application” Register as a New User

8. FCVS • On FCVS, you will fill out an online application. • You will designate the states to whom the application should be sent. • You will send in a number of documents • Copy of med school diploma • Marriage license if you had a name change • Passport OR certified birth certificate • Will be returned to you…may take up to 2 mo to get back

9. Uniform Application • This is the next step after completion of your FCVS profile and is accessed through the same website. • This can only be done AFTER your FCVS application has been submitted, which you receive email notice of (Can take 1-2 months+).

10. States that use the Uniform Application (for other states, check out their individual Board websites)

11. Complete and submit the online application. Many areas are auto-populated from your completed FCVS. Click “Forms & Affidavits”. 2 Forms need printed, signed and mailed: “Affidavit & Authorization” “Addendum”

12. Ohio State Addendum

13. Attach 2 recent color passport pictures, fill out these forms and give to Barb. She will notarize & mail them to the Board for you.

14. Print 2 copies. Attach passport photos to these and give to Barb. She will have them filled out by KBA, notarize and mail to the Board.

15. Fill this out, give to Barb who will have KBA sign it. This is the only form that can be faxed (or mailed together will all the other forms).

16. Complete a Background Check • You must use “WebCheck”, Ohio’s electronic fingerprint system to submit fingerprints and background check to the board. You must perform both BCII and FBI checks. • Find a list of vendors here: www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Services/Business/WebCheck available sites of finger printing can also be found at this website: http://www.fastfingerprints.com/Public/LocationList.aspx Cost is around $70. Go with 2 forms of ID. Request that result be mailed to the Board: State Medical Board of Ohio 30 East Broad Street, 3rd Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215-6127

17. Complete an AMA Profile • Request a physician profile from the AMA. You order this directly (costs around $40). It is sent electronically. • www.ama-assn.org/amaprofiles • Osteopathic grads must request a profile from the American Osteopathic Association https://www.doprofiles.org

18. Waiting… • After everything is submitted to the State Board, they have 30 days to review your application. • April Battle, April.Battle@med.state.oh.us is the contact person at the Ohio State Board – she will respond to your inquiries by email but can take days to do so. • You will receive a letter by mail during this time period giving you login information to follow the status of your application. • Missing items will be requested after the 30 day review process, and your application will be re-reviewed upon their receipt. • It is via this website that you will be informed of when your license number has been given to you.

19. DEA Number • Only after your license number has been granted can you pursue this. • http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/reg_apps/onlineforms_new.htm • A much quicker but more expensive process. Turnaround is in weeks, not months.

20. Good Luck!