What are the restrictions?

[puskar]

When a physician gets a license from the board of one state, what are the restrictions that apply to him when he moves to another state? Should he obtain license from the second state too? Or is it that getting license in one state allows him to practice in the whole USA?

[Miklos]

When a physician gets a license from the board of one state, what are the restrictions that apply to him when he moves to another state? Should he obtain license from the second state too? Or is it that getting license in one state allows him to practice in the whole USA?

There is no such thing as a national license. Every physician must possess a license valid for the state(s) where they are practicing medicine. Obtaining licensure in one state does not guarantee that one will be licensed in another state as each state has different requirements. For IMG's, this can be very complicated, especially in the case of California, where the regulation is such that unless the medical school is approved by the California Medical Board, a graduate of an unapproved/disapproved school cannot gain licensure by receiving a license in a different state and then applying to have that license recognized.

Hope that helps.