How to Do Telehealth for Multistate Practices

Telehealth has emerged as an essential asset for healthcare providers, generating income and providing enhanced flexibility for doctors and patients who once exclusively met face-to-face. Additionally, telehealth has enabled practitioners to expand their geographic reach to other cities, and even across state lines– the further we advance the ways care is provided, the more your practice may want or need to consider getting an out-of-state telemedicine license. However, navigating the complexities of multi-state licensing can be challenging. In this blog post, we'll delve into the nuances of telehealth licensing and credentialing, addressing key questions and providing insights to streamline the process. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your private practice, understanding what multistate licensure entails is important for your telehealth practice– and hopefully, this guide will help you get your next telehealth license even more quickly and easily.

Can You Do Telemedicine from Anywhere?

Practice management platforms, such as Healthie, enable healthcare professionals to seamlessly connect with patients regardless of location. Telehealth medicine can be compliantly delivered from the practitioner’s established state of practice to the patient’s established state of residence. However, the practitioner must obtain the necessary licenses to practice across multiple states, as each state has its own regulations governing telehealth. 

Pro Tip → While many states had temporary waivers in place in response to the Covid Public Health Emergency (PHE), most states have either expired or made permanent such waivers since the national emergency’s official end in May 2023. To read the rulings in effect by state as of May 2023, click here. 

‍What is Multistate Licensure? 

Multistate licensure, also known as interstate licensure or compact licensure, refers to the ability of healthcare professionals to practice in multiple states under their single license. This streamlined approach is facilitated through licensure compacts, such as the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for nurses and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) for physicians. While many states do participate in licensure compacts, there are several that do not. It is important to check – per your modality – whether your State of Principle license (SPL) and the would like to practice are in such a compact. 

In contrast, having licenses in multiple states refers to obtaining separate licenses from each individual state where a healthcare professional intends to practice. This traditional method requires compliance with the specific licensing requirements of each state, which is usually more time-consuming, involves duplicative efforts, and is more costly. For the several states that are not currently participating in the aforementioned compacts, this remains the only feasible means of practicing in multiple states. 

Is It Difficult to Get a Multistate Telehealth License?

The adoption of licensure compacts has simplified the process for certain healthcare professionals, ensuring that answering the question “What is multistate licensure?” is at least a little easier. For example, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) allows physicians whose SPL is a participating compact state to apply to practice in all participating compact states. A brief overview of this process includes: 

1. Meeting all eligibility requirements: Such requirements include holding a full and unrestricted medical license, having no history of disciplinary actions towards their medical license, having no criminal history, and not being under current investigation. 
2. Acknowledging the Compact Rules and Definitions: Participating states follow a comprehensive list of rules and policies, listed here. 
3. Gathering required items for application: Items include SPL license number, NPI number, etc. 
4. Applying for participation: Register and begin the application process. This particular compact has an application fee of $700.  

Other compacts, such as the NLC for nurses, will have their own processes to follow with alternative requirements and fees. 

Is an Out-of-State License Different From a Multistate License?

While the terms "out-of-state license" and "multistate license" are often used interchangeably, it is important for practitioners to use the correct nomenclature so that they accurately represent their credentials. Which telehealth license does your practice need to pursue?

An out-of-state telemedicine license typically refers to a license obtained from a specific state other than the practitioner's primary or home state. On the other hand, as we previously discussed, a multistate license is facilitated by licensure compacts and grants healthcare professionals the ability to practice in multiple states with a single license. Understanding these distinctions is essential when navigating the regulatory landscape of telehealth.

How Often Do You Have to Renew Your Telehealth License for Multistate Practice?

Keeping your multi state licensure updated regularly or ensuring that your out-of-state telemedicine license is still valid are both crucial to continuing your practice responsibly. The renewal frequency for a multistate telehealth license varies by state, and practitioners must stay vigilant to avoid lapses in licensure. Some states may require annual renewal, while others follow a biennial or even triennial renewal cycle. Healthcare professionals engaging in multistate telehealth practice should create a comprehensive renewal strategy, keeping track of expiration dates for each state in which they are licensed. Utilizing digital platforms and tools can simplify this process, ensuring seamless license management.

Use Healthie for Your Multistate Telehealth Practice

Out-of-state telemedicine licenses can be hard to keep track of, and a little more organization always helps. Navigating the complexities of multistate licensure requires efficient tools and resources. Healthie, a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform, can significantly streamline the management of your telehealth practice. From appointment scheduling and secure video conferencing to streamlined billing and charting, Healthie provides a one-stop solution for healthcare professionals seeking to optimize their multistate telehealth practice. With user-friendly interfaces, robust features, and valuable third-party integrations, Healthie empowers practitioners to focus on delivering quality care while seamlessly managing the administrative aspects of their telehealth practice.