FSMB Statement on Supporting States in Verifying Licenses for Physicians Responding to COVID-19 Virus

Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) President and CEO Humayun Chaudhry, DO, MACP released the following statement offering the assistance of the FSMB to help provide essential information that can be used to verify licenses and credentials for physicians and other health care professionals wishing to practice across state lines to treat patients in areas heavily impacted by the COVID-19 virus:

“The FSMB stands ready to assist our member state medical boards and state health departments across the country in their efforts to quickly and accurately verify medical licenses to meet workforce needs without sacrificing patient safety. With numerous states declaring public health emergencies and temporarily waiving licensing requirements or creating additional licensure pathways in response to COVID-19, it is essential that these entities have complete, accurate and up-to-date information to verify licenses.

“Through the FSMB’s Physician Data Center (PDC), states are able to instantly verify licensure information and disciplinary history for the more than 1 million licensed physicians and physician assistants in the United States. The PDC is continuously updated and is the most comprehensive repository of physician licensure information in the country. With an increase of physicians moving into impacted areas and practicing remotely through telehealth, the PDC is a resource to expedite care while ensuring patients are receiving high-quality care.

“The FSMB has created a Task Force on Pandemic Preparedness that will identify, evaluate and maintain current and pertinent information regarding the preparedness of states to mobilize health care professionals during a public health emergency. The Task Force will monitor and distribute relevant information and resources to FSMB member boards and policymakers and looks to coordinate and work with partner organizations such as Administrators in Medicine, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and federal agencies.

“The FSMB is committed to working with federal, state and industry partners on initiatives that can balance workforce and delivery needs with safe and effective patient care. We commend the tireless work of state medical board members and staff and the dedication of physicians and health care professionals to go above and beyond to care for patients.”

If you have any questions or inquiries for the FSMB, please send an email to advocacy@fsmb.org.

Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NCBOT)
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)