Healthcare professionals are in high demand, but the path to practicing across state lines isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re a CRNA, an anesthesiologist, or a healthcare facility trying to expand your provider network, understanding how to navigate state licensing is essential to avoiding costly delays and staffing shortages.
At ICON Exchange, we specialize in helping healthcare professionals move seamlessly from assignment to assignment. And that starts with licensing.
Why State Licensing Matters
Every U.S. state has its licensing requirements for healthcare providers, including background checks, education verification, continuing education credits, and board approvals. For professionals who want to practice in multiple states or move quickly to fill in-demand positions, navigating this process can become a full-time job.
Without a proactive licensing strategy, providers may miss opportunities, and facilities may experience critical gaps in care.
Understanding the Basics: Compact vs. Non-Compact States
For nurses, including CRNAs, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) has made it easier to practice across participating states. With one multistate license, NLC nurses can practice in over 40 compact states without obtaining individual licenses.
However, anesthesiologists and other non-nursing providers do not fall under the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). Instead, physicians may benefit from the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which streamlines the process of obtaining licenses in multiple participating states. While the IMLC can significantly expedite multi-state licensure for eligible physicians, those not covered by the compact or applying to non-participating states may still face individual licensing processes that can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the state.
Here’s what you need to consider:
- Turnaround time: Some states process licenses quickly; others may require lengthy background checks or in-person verifications.
- Credentialing windows: Licensing is just the first step, and hospital credentialing can further delay your start.
- Renewal cycles: Staying compliant means tracking and managing license expirations across all states.
The Hidden Costs of Delayed Licensing
For facilities and providers alike, licensing delays mean more than just paperwork. They can result in:
- Missed job opportunities
- Disrupted patient care
- Lost revenue for both providers and healthcare systems
Recruiters often report losing top candidates because of long lead times for licensing and credentialing. In a competitive hiring market, every week counts.
How ICON Exchange Simplifies the Process
ICON Exchange is built by healthcare professionals who understand the urgency of filling assignments quickly and compliantly. We don’t just match providers with jobs—we walk them through every step of the onboarding and licensing process.
Here’s how we help:
✅ State-specific guidance – We know what each licensing board requires and help you prepare accurate, timely submissions.
✅ Application tracking – No more wondering about your application status. We keep you in the loop every step of the way.
✅ Credentialing support – From NPDB queries to primary source verifications, we make sure you’re credential-ready when the license hits.
✅ Renewal reminders – We proactively manage your license expirations so you’re never caught off guard.
Take the Guesswork Out of Licensing
Whether you’re entering your first locum assignment or managing a team of providers, navigating state licensing doesn’t have to be a roadblock. With the right partner, you can stay compliant, accelerate placement, and focus on what matters most which is delivering high-quality care.
Ready to simplify licensing?
Work with ICON Exchange and move forward with confidence.
📞 Connect with our team today to learn how we can support your multi-state licensing needs.
