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Overview
**NOTICE**
In order to comply with federal law, the West Virginia Board of Medicine is obligated to inform each applicant or licensee from whom it requests a Social Security Number that disclosing such number is MANDATORY in order for this Board to comply with the reporting requirements of the National Practitioner Data Bank.
MEDICAL DOCTORS
UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR PHYSICIANS
Beginning in 2012 the Board of Medicine began working with the Federation of State Medical Boards to make available the Uniform Application process to those physicians seeking medical licensure in West Virginia. The Uniform Application is an online process which permits physicians to incorporate information and documentation from their FCVS verification packet if they have developed one. For a onetime fee it also permits the application information to be stored so that it can be utilized for licensing applications in other states.
After many months of work and upon the recommendation of the Licensure Committee, the Board at its May 20, 2013, meeting gave final approval to adopt the Uniform Application
The Uniform Application may be used by initial applicants for a permanent medical license and those physicians seeking reactivation of their previously held West Virginia license that has been expired for more than one year.
OSTEOPATHIC DOCTORS
Please contact the Board of Osteopathic Medicine at http://www.wvbdosteo.org/ ; or by phone at 304.558.6095 for licensing information. Home Medical DoctorsRequirements
Requirements
Physician Licensure
Requirements for American, Canadian and Puerto Rican Medical Graduates
The West Virginia Medical Practice Act and Rules set forth the minimum qualifications for physician licensure. These requirements include:
1. proof of graduation from a medical school approved by the LCME or by the Board;
2. successful passage of an accepted exam, such as NBME, FLEX, or USMLE
3. satisfactory completion of at least one year of ACGME approved postgraduate training.
Requirements for Foreign Medical Graduates
The West Virginia Medical Practice Act and Rules set forth the minimum qualifications for physician licensure. These requirements include:
1. proof of graduation from a medical school approved by the LCME or by the Board;
2. successful passage of an accepted exam, such as NBME, FLEX, or USMLE
3. satisfactory completion of EITHER two years of ACGME approved postgraduate training OR one year of ACGME approved postgraduate training, plus Board certification by a member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
4. valid ECFMG certificate OR evidence of a receipt of a passing score on the examination, OR Affidavit (included with the application packet).
Licensure Application Fee
The fee for permanent medical licensure is $400 and is payable by credit card when completing the on-line application. This non-refundable fee covers the cost of processing the application and the licensing fee until the next renewal period for the licensee. Physicians whose last names begin with the letters A through L expire on June 30 of every even year. Physicians whose last names begin with the letters M through Z expire on June 30 of every odd year. Physicians who apply for licensure close to the renewal period may wish to consider holding their applications until just after the renewal. Otherwise, they will be required to pay both the application and renewal fee in short succession.
Examination
Applicants for licensure must have successfully passed an examination accepted by the Board in order to be licensed. Those examinations accepted are: FLEX, USMLE, NBME, LMCC, and state board exams. For specific examination requirements, see the Medical Practice Act, WV Code 30-3-10-(b)(4) and 11CSR1A.
ECFMG/Fifth Pathway
An applicant for licensure who is a foreign medical graduate must provide a copy of his or her valid ECFMG certificate. If an applicant is relying on Fifth Pathway and does not hold a certificate, the letter showing successful passage on the ECFMG will suffice. If a foreign graduate cannot meet this requirement, there is an alternative. Please contact the Board office for this information.
Supporting Documentation
Documentation that must be provided with the application includes:
Copy of medical school diploma
Copy of evidence in the form of a letter or certificate of proof of required postgraduate training
Copy of a birth certificate, passport, or baptismal
Copy of a valid ECFMG certificate (for foreign medical graduates)
Copy of proof of a name change (i.e., marriage certificate or court order) if the name you want to be licensed under is different from the name on your medical school diploma.
Primary Source Verifications
The following documents must be received from the original source:
Proof of medical education
Verification of postgraduate training
Verification of other state licenses
AMA Physician Profile (AMA)
Examination scores
In addition, the following documents must be original documents:
NPDB reports
The West Virginia Board of Medicine accepts credentials from the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS).
Interview with a Board Member
At the discretion of the Licensure Committee, an applicant may be asked to appear before the Licensure Committee and may be asked to produce his or her original supporting documentation. (All applicants are no longer required to complete a personal interview as in the past.)
Reciprocity Agreements
This Board currently does not hold any reciprocity agreements with any other states.
Temporary Licensure
Since Board meetings are held every other month, an applicant who holds a license in another jurisdiction may be eligible for a temporary license and pay an extra $100 fee for issuance of a temporary license. This temporary license is issued once the fee has been paid and the application is complete. The temporary license expires the date of the next Board meeting at which time the applicant will be considered for licensure.
Reactivation of License that has been expired for more than one year
Please use the same application process for a new applicant, however, information that would typically be provided in a Federation Credentialing Service packet will not be needed as it has previously been received. This includes verification of medical school education; postgraduate training; score report; and copies of medical school diploma, postgraduate training certificate(s) and birth certificate or passport.
Physician Licensing FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long will it take to get the license?
The average time is 2 to 3 months. However, it can take longer.
How can I speed the process up?
The longest part of the process is receiving the supporting documentation for the application. You should contact those agencies to see how you can expedite the reports needed from them.
Will a temporary license be issued while I am waiting for my application to be approved?
Once every piece of supporting documentation has been received for the application, you may request a temporary license by paying the extra $100 fee. That temporary license will expire on the date of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting when your permanent license will be considered. An applicant may be eligible for a temporary license if he/she is licensed in another jurisdiction.
How do I apply for a DEA number?
West Virginia does not have a state controlled substance registration. You register with the Federal DEA office by calling 1-800-882-9539.
How soon after the Board meeting will I receive my license?
If you are approved for licensure, your license will be issued effective the day of the Board meeting. The licenses are typically mailed within one (1) week.
May I call to check the status of my application?
Yes, but please limit the number of calls. Also, do not have your spouse or office staff call to check the status of your application. We will talk only with the applicant unless authorization has been given on the application.
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN AN APPLICATION
Angela Scholl – Licensure Analyst
Processes initial applications for licensure for applicants with last names A – L
Change of contact information for MD and DPM licensees A - L
Angela.M.Scholl@wv.gov (304) 558-2921, extension 49872
Carmella Walker – Licensure Analyst
Processes initial applications for licensure for applicants with last names M – Z
Change of contact information for MD and DPM licensees M – Z
Carmella.L.Walker@wv.gov (304) 558-2921, extension 49871
Sheree Thompson - Supervisor of Licensing, Certifications and Renewals
Oversees licensing of Medical Doctors, Podiatrists and Physician Assistants
Initial contact for all Podiatric applications
Initial contact for Medical Doctor applications for:
Reinstatement – expired less than one year
Reactivation - expired more than one year
Change of Status from inactive to active
Sheree.J.Thompson@wv.gov (304) 558-2921, extension 49870
West Virginia Board of Medicine, 101 Dee Drive, Suite 103, Charleston, WV 25311 |