Telehealth Licensure

As telehealth continues to break down geographical barriers and expand access to care: licensure policies have become a critical issue for healthcare providers. Whether you're already providing telehealth services or looking to expand across state lines, understanding current licensure regulations is key to maintaining compliance and ensuring seamless care delivery.

Current Telehealth Licensure Policies

HHS Resource on Licensure
State-by-State Regulations In the U.S., healthcare licensure is regulated at the state level, meaning that providers must be licensed in each state where they practice, including via telehealth. Our resources offer comprehensive guides to state-specific telehealth licensure rules, outlining requirements for:

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) The IMLC is a groundbreaking agreement designed to streamline the process of obtaining licenses across multiple states. Providers in IMLC-participating states can benefit from an expedited licensing process, significantly reducing administrative burdens. Explore our in-depth overview of the IMLC and discover how you can practice in multiple states with a single application.

Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) For nurses, the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) provides the ability to practice in 40+ states with one multi-state license. This has proven crucial for addressing nursing shortages and improving access to care, particularly through telehealth. Learn how the NLC applies to your telehealth practice and the states where multi-state licensure is available.

Policies in the Works: The Future of Telehealth Licensure

Federal Telehealth Licensure Proposals As telehealth grows in popularity, policymakers are exploring ways to make licensure more consistent across states. Several federal licensure initiatives are being proposed to reduce the complexity of state-by-state requirements, particularly for specialties like mental health and primary care, where cross-state access can make a significant impact. Stay updated on the latest developments in federal legislation that could streamline telehealth licensure across the country.
Telehealth Licensure for Behavioral Health and Mental Health Providers With the rising demand for mental and behavioral health services, lawmakers are considering expanding telehealth licensure flexibility specifically for mental health professionals. Proposed changes could include temporary or conditional licensure for providers addressing mental health crises across state lines, easing access for vulnerable populations. We provide insights into the potential impact of these initiatives and their implications for providers.
Emergency Preparedness and Telehealth In response to natural disasters and public health emergencies, many states have implemented temporary telehealth licensure waivers to allow providers to deliver care across state lines during crises. These waivers have been instrumental in expanding access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, policymakers are now discussing permanent changes to these emergency policies to ensure that telehealth access remains resilient in future crises. Explore our updates on emergency licensure waivers and proposals to make them a permanent fixture.

Staying Informed and Compliant