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Washington medical license and the IMLC

Washington is listed by the IMLCC as a member that can serve as a State of Principal License. Eligible physicians can use the compact as an expedited route to a Washington license, which the state board still issues.

IMLC facts

IMLC status
Member state that can serve as State of Principal License
Joined
1/17/2017
Go-live
Dec-17
Number of member boards
2
Boards
See the IMLCC member boards list: IMLCC member boards list (PDF)

What this means for an out-of-state physician

The IMLC offers an expedited route to additional state licenses for eligible physicians, including a Washington license. Eligibility is set by the compact, so check the IMLCC information for physicians before applying. The Washington board still issues the license.

IMLCC: information for physicians

NPs and PAs

The IMLC covers physicians only. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants should check licensing requirements directly with the relevant state board.

FSMB: contact a state medical board

In this state, in context

BLS OEWS May 2025 annual mean employee wages — physicians, all other: $293,760; nurse practitioners: $152,180; physician assistants: $164,430. The physician row is the broad “physicians, all other” category, not an average for all physicians or a particular specialty. These are employee wage estimates, not total compensation or contract rates.

Washington physicians, all other pay · Washington nurse practitioners pay · Washington physician assistants pay · Washington nurse anesthetists pay

Decision checklist for Washington

  • Begin with physician eligibility, rather than assuming a neighboring member state qualifies you.
  • Check which license could serve as your State of Principal License.
  • Ask the Washington board what remains before it can issue your license.

Find your state board (FSMB directory)

Neighbors

1 of the 2 bordering states are IMLC members: Idaho.

Counts use shared land/river borders, exclude open-water-only and point-only contacts, and include the District of Columbia where adjacent. Count the named qualifying neighbors and divide the list into qualifying and other recorded statuses; no status is inferred for an unrecorded IMLC state.

Sources

Always confirm current requirements with the state board; IMLC participation can change.

Frequently asked questions

Is Washington in the IMLC?

Yes. The IMLCC member boards list (updated 1/1/2026) shows Washington as a member that can serve as State of Principal License, joined 1/17/2017, go-live Dec-17. Always confirm current requirements with the state board; IMLC participation can change.

Does the IMLC issue the Washington license?

No. The compact offers an expedited route for eligible physicians, but the Washington board issues the license.

Can NPs and PAs use the IMLC for Washington?

No. The IMLC covers physicians only. NPs and PAs should check with the Washington board.

How many neighbors of Washington are IMLC members?

1 of the 2 bordering states are IMLC members: Idaho.

Can the Washington wage links establish permission to practice?

No. The linked BLS state wage estimates describe employee wages, not licensing, compact privileges or prescribing authority. Confirm the Washington board’s requirements separately.