Will I Get in Trouble if I Practice Medicine in a Different State?

We know you must have undergone many years of education and training to obtain your New York State medical license at last. We also understand that you may uphold the same ethical standards and level of care no matter what setting you practice medicine. However, none of this matters if you are ever caught administering healthcare in another state. With that being said, please continue reading to learn whether you will get in trouble if you practice medicine in a different state and how one of the experienced New York City OPMC/OPD misconduct defense lawyers at Walker Medical Law can help you avoid creating any accidental issues.

Do I need a new medical license to practice medicine in another state?

Simply put, medical licensing is regulated at the state level. This is to say that each state has the authority to control and enforce its own requirements for medical licensure. And so, while you may have met the criteria to get a New York State medical license, you may fall short of certain standards outlined in, say, the states of New Jersey or Connecticut (i.e., exam standards, background check procedures, application fee amounts, etc).

Well, if you have a strong desire to make your practice of medicine widespread, the most comprehensive approach is to go through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). This program may allow you to petition for licensure in multiple states through a single application. While this cuts out the administrative burden, you must still satisfy the unique eligibility requirements for every state you apply to. But also of note, New York State is not currently a member of the IMLC.

In the context of telemedicine, you must be licensed where the patient is located. So even if you are physically conducting an appointment in New York State, your New York medical license is inapplicable if your patient resides in another state. As for volunteer medicine, you may be granted a limited permit quite expeditiously for emergency events such as disaster relief. However, you should consult with your lawyer on temporary out-of-state permits before volunteering your aid.

What are the penalties for practicing medicine without a license in another state?

You may assume there is no harm in helping to treat a patient in any state, but the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) or Office of Professional Discipline (OPD) may not see it that way. That is, if you get caught practicing medicine without a license in another state, you may be up against misdemeanor or felony charges.

In New York State, these criminal consequences may entail up to four years in prison, along with fines and restitution. At the very least, the OPMC or OPD may rule to temporarily suspend or permanently revoke your New York State medical license. Having this on your permanent record, you may find difficulty if you apply for medical licensure in other states in the future.

As soon as you find yourself in potential legal trouble, you must retain representation and advisement from one of the skilled New York City OPMC/OPD misconduct defense lawyers from Walker Medical Law. You should not have to put up this fight alone; we are here to help you.