Q: What question does the Board of Medicine ask about mental health when getting licensed?
A: Idaho Board of Medicine is committed to the “ALL IN” campaign, reducing mental health stigma for physicians. The Board has revised the question physicians have previously been required to answer to get licensed. The question now asks, “Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgment or that would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice your medical profession with reasonable skill and safety?” The hope is if a need should arise for a physician to seek mental health, addiction, or substance use treatment, there will not be a fear of losing their license and getting the help they need.
Please be advised the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) offers a confidential, non-disciplinary program. The Health Professional Recovery Program aims to assist health professionals and their families in identifying substance use disorders that may be a potential threat to the individual or their loved ones. The program aims to lessen the negative impacts on individuals and their careers. Licensees can choose their direction and get help addressing substance use or mental health without stigma.
Q: Where do I find the FAQs for prescriber mandatory checking of controlled substances?
A: Click to see PRESCRIBER MANDATORY CHECKING FAQ
Q: How can I verify when my license has been issued?
A: You will receive a licensure packet in the mail, including your license cards and a decorative wall certificate. Licensure status may also be verified by clicking on the link entitled License and Registration Search.
Q: I have let my license lapse, what must I do to activate that license?
A: A license that has been lapsed less than five years may be reinstated upon submission of a renewal application together with the payment of all back renewal fees, a license re-instatement fee, and proof of completion of continuing education as required in the rules. If a license has been lapsed for more than five years, a new application for licensure is required.
Q: How do I request a duplicate license?
A: The license/registration issued to you by the Division is public proof that you are entitled to pursue certain activities regulated by Idaho Law. If your license/registration becomes lost or destroyed, you may obtain a replacement from the Division. A replacement may also be requested if you have changed your name or address and wish to receive a license/registration bearing the updated information.
You may complete the Application for Duplicate License form online, print it out and sign it, and send it with the fee required by Idaho law to the Division. Your application will not be processed unless the fee is received with the application. A replacement card will be sent to the mailing address.
Q: How do I request an official verification of my license in Idaho?
Each state requires different forms of certification of licensure. Please check with the state where you are applying to see what is required before requesting certification from Idaho. Certifications can be obtained two ways from Idaho, both through your Online Services account, they can be found under the “Menu” option once logged into your account:
- A free Letter of Good Standing may be obtained through your Online Services Account. This letter contains all public information (not exam scores).
- From your online profile select the “Menu” link in the tile of the license you want a letter for.
- Select “Request a Good Standing Letter”.
- If the receiving state doesn’t accept web-based certifications or requires information exempt from third-party disclosure (example: exam scores) to be included in the certification, you will need to request a Certified Licensure History Letter through your Online Services account. There is a $10.00 fee for this service and you will be able to pay through your online account.
- From your online profile select the “Menu” link in the tile of the license you want a letter for.
- Select “Request a Certified Licensure History Letter”.
- You will be prompted to answer a question and proceed through a payment process.
PLEASE NOTE: Physicians and physician assistants may obtain primary source license verifications online through VeriDoc.
Medical Student registration granted prior to July 1, 2011 cannot be verified online, at this time. A list can be emailed upon request.
Q: What are the requirements for continuing education?
A: The purpose of practice relevant CME is to enhance competence, performance, understanding of current standards of care, and patient outcomes. Each person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine or surgery in Idaho is required to complete no less than 40 hours of practice relevant, Category 1, CME every two (2) years.
All education offered by institutions or organizations accredited by the ACCME and reciprocating organizations or the AOA are considered approved. Licensees must, at license renewal, provide a signed statement to the Board indicating compliance. The Board may conduct CME audits to verify compliance.
The Board may accept certification or recertification by a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Professional Education, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in lieu of compliance with continuing education requirements during the cycle in which the certification or recertification is granted. The Board may also grant an exemption for full time participation in a residency or fellowship training at a professionally accredited institution.
The Board may condition, limit, suspend, or refuse to renew the license of any person whom the Board determines has failed to comply with the continuing education requirements.
Q: My license has lapsed, what must I do to re-activate it?
A: Information on return to practice following clinical inactivity for a “period
exceeding one (1) year, or when practice has been significantly interrupted see form PHYSICIAN RE-ENTRY AFTER ABSENCE FROM PRACTICE APPLICATION
Q: How do I request license verifications from other state boards?
A: Use VERIDOC to request license verifications from other state boards.
Q: What changes has the Board of Medicine made to licensing questions?
A: Idaho Board of Medicine is committed to the “ALL IN” campaign, reducing mental health stigma for physicians. The Board has revised the question physicians and other healthcare licensees have previously been required to answer to get licensed. The question now asks, “Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgment or that would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice your medical profession with reasonable skill and safety?” If a need should arise for a physician to seek mental health, addiction, or substance use treatment, the licensee should not fear losing their license for seeking the help they need.
Please be advised the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) offers a confidential, non-disciplinary program. The Health Professional Recovery Program aims to assist health professionals and their families in identifying substance use disorders that may be a potential threat to the individual or their loved ones. The program aims to lessen the negative impacts on individuals and their careers.
Licensees can choose their direction and get help addressing substance use or mental health without stigma.
For further information about this program, contact Katie Stuart.
Program Manager: Katie Stuart, CIP
Phone: (208)-869-5085
Email: Katie.Stuart@dopl.idaho.gov
Website: Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses