Illinois is one of the most popular states for physicians, and depending on your credentials and practice history, the application process could take between 3-6 months. Here are some tips to avoid or minimize unnecessary frustration.
Ensure You Are Eligible
It sounds obvious, but ensuring you meet your board’s eligibility requirements can save time, money, and possibly an appearance before the Illinois Medical Board.
Complete the Application
There are paper and online versions of the application available; however, it is recommended you complete the online application to avoid any unnecessary delays. In either case, you will be required to mail in supporting documents. The application contains questions dealing with adverse or non-routine situations, and if you answer “yes” to any questions related to adverse actions, the Board will require you to provide a written explanation and verifying documentation. Keep in mind the application process requires a criminal background check, which often take 6-8 weeks for the Board to receive. Since your license cannot be issued until the results of a criminal background check have been received, do not delay in submitting it.
Address Application Deficiencies
Once you have submitted your application, you should receive an email or letter that your Illinois Physician Medical License application has been processed. The letter will contain any deficiencies that need to be addressed before your license can be issued, along with information required to check status of the deficiencies through the Board’s online portal. Address these deficiencies as quickly as possible to ensure they are corrected. Deficient documents are typically processed in the order they are received, meaning some deficient applications can take 4-6 weeks to be re-processed.
The application process to obtain a physician license can be long and tedious, and it is not unheard for applications to be denied for one reason or another. Williams & Nickl has extensive experience representing applicants who have faced denial of their license requests. If you find yourself in such a situation, Williams & Nickl can help guide you through the process.