Applies to: WSU College of Medicine Graduate Medical Education (GME) Trainees at accredited and non- accredited graduate medical education training programs (i.e. residency or fellowship) sponsored by the College of Medicine.
GMEC Approval: February 16, 2021
1.0 Policy Statement
It is the WSU College of Medicine policy that all Trainees participating in a college of medicine sponsored training program hold an active Washington state physician license and for any additional jurisdictions required by the program.
2.0 Definitions
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
Accredits Sponsoring Institutions and residency and fellowship programs, confers recognition on additional program formats or components, and dedicates resources to initiatives addressing areas of importance in graduate medical education.
Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
The individual in a sponsoring institution who has the authority and responsibility for oversight and responsibility of all of the ACGME-accredited programs.
Osteopathic Physician & Surgeon Limited License (DO)
This license is available to Trainees with less than one year of post-graduate training and permits the holder to practice medicine only in connection with his/her duties as a “Resident Physician”.
Osteopathic Physician & Surgeon Full License (DO)
This license is available to Trainees who have completed at least one year of post-graduate training accredited by the American Osteopathic Association, the American Medical Association or the ACGME.
Physician Limited License (Resident (MD))
Trainees with less than two years of postgraduate medical training accredited by the ACGME are eligible to apply for a limited license. This license permits the holder to practice medicine only in connection with his/her duties as a “Resident Physician”.
Physician and Surgeon Full License (MD)
Trainees with two or more years of post-graduate medical training accredited by the ACGME or Canadian accrediting bodies (RCPSC or CFPC) and successful completion of a national licensure examination (i.e., USMLE or LMCC) are eligible to apply for a full license. Individual programs may set additional requirements for a Physician License.
Trainee
A physician in training at an ACGME accredited graduate medical education program, the term includes Interns, Residents, and Fellows or other trainee enrolled in an educational program whose education falls under the purview of the College of Medicine Office of Graduate Medical Education.
3.0 Responsibilities
GMEC and DIO
4.0 Procedures
It is the responsibility of each Trainee to obtain and maintain an active unrestricted Washington state physician license, and for the jurisdiction they are training in, while training in a WSU graduate medical education program. Payment of all licensing fees is provided by WSU through reimbursement or direct payment by WSU. Other jurisdiction licensing fees are not reimbursable unless the rotation is required by the training program.
Prior to starting their training program, newly matched Residents must apply for either a Physician & Surgeon Residency License (Allopathic) or Osteopathic Physician & Surgeon Limited License. Washington State limited medical licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed each academic year. After two years of graduate medical education training, Residents are eligible to apply for a full Washington State medical license.
Trainees will submit all licensing paperwork directly to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)/Medical Commission.
Prior to starting their training program, newly matched Fellows must apply for a full Washington State medical license. Trainees will submit all licensing paperwork directly to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)/Medical Commission.
Initial License Application
General documentation requirements may vary by applicant due to individual differences in education and professional experience. It is the Trainees’ responsibility to ensure that all required application materials and license fees are submitted to the DOH, prior to commencement of training. For license applications requiring an Institution address (limited licenses), Trainees should provide their Training Program’s address.
License Renewals
Renewal forms for expiring licenses are sent out by the Washington State DOH 6-8 weeks prior to the license expiration date. However, Trainees are responsible for renewing their license on time even if they have not received a renewal notice. WSU will send out notification if they will be assisting Trainees with doing the renewal.
Limited Licenses issued with program start date are renewed annually (July 1 – July 31), Full Licenses expire on the practitioner’s birthday.
Trainees with a limited license who are applying for a full license must ensure they have met all eligibility requirements prior to expiration of their limited license. It is the Trainees responsibility to update their contact information with the DOH in a timely manner as needed.
Rotations Outside Washington
For rotations occurring outside the state of Washington, Trainees must obtain proper licensure according to the area of their rotation and/or the policies in place at the institution of rotation.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with the licensure requirements set forth in this policy may result in the Trainee’s removal from patient care activities until the deficiency is resolved to the satisfaction of the program and the GME Office.
5.0 Related Policies
Resident Appointment Policy
6.0 Revision History
Original GMEC Approval: 6/16/2020
Revision/Review Date(s): 2/16/2021
Responsible Office: College of Medicine GME Office
Policy Contact: Designated Institutional Official
Supersedes: N/A