From the President: Using the right tools to get licenses issued faster
Categories: President’s Message Comments: 5 comments Print Friendly Version | Share this item
No one is satisfied with this timeline, including me, my fellow Board Members, and our dedicated staff. Unfortunately, this delay reflects the reality of a rapidly increasing volume of applications over the past decade, without a corresponding increase in licensing staff.
One of my top priorities as Board President is to improve the speed and efficiency of our licensure process. That’s why I’m pleased to share that NCMB has asked state lawmakers to adopt a reform already in place in several other states: licensure by endorsement, which allows the Board to recognize professional licenses issued by other states or U.S. territories.
Licensure by endorsement permits a licensing board to issue a license more quickly, understanding that the board that currently licenses the medical professional has already verified their credentials and fitness to practice. As I write this, several states offer some version licensure by endorsement. If the NC Medical Board Licensing Efficiency Act is adopted, North Carolina will join them.
Having licensure by endorsement in place in North Carolina could help thousands of physicians and PAs seeking licensure in our state to get their licenses much, much faster than our current licensure pathways allow. This would benefit hospitals, health systems, medical practices, and other organizations that rely on timely onboarding of medical professionals. It would also help North Carolina patients, many of whom face long waits for medical appointments due to provider shortages in certain specialties or geographic areas.
At the same time, NCMB is working to improve its existing licensing processes. Last year, our Licensing team developed a series of reports to measure key aspects of the license review process. These efforts help us identify where delays occur and guide improvements. In January, we appointed NCMB’s first-ever Licensing Chief, charged with driving innovation, efficiency, and results.
I’m confident that NCMB can become even faster and more efficient while upholding our high standards for safety and quality. After all, helping medical professionals get to work serving patients is in everyone’s best interest.
Comments on this article:
A breath of fresh air in a bureaucratic system. I support this line of reasoning, wholeheartedly.
By Dennis CPolley DO on Jun 16, 2025 at 9:14pm
Agree with the idea. Pushing our legislators to have NC become part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact agreement would also help.
By Darrell Nelson on Jun 17, 2025 at 8:06am
I appreciate your efforts. We recently had to scramble to bridge care for a large practice with many folks older than 70 and multiple medical issues as we waited on licensure. Long overdue.
By Kelley Singer on Jun 17, 2025 at 9:30am
I decided to use locums as a bridge to retirement in 2019. I got my VA license in 1/2 the time and effort of NC. VA had an expedited pathway for those who had been in practice more than 10 years. In contrast, the NC fast tract was for those recent grads. It kinda made no sense to me because the longer you keep your nose clean, especially at one or even multiple facilities is a testament to your reliability and authenticity. Ironically, most of my assignments have been in NC since then, because I do love NC, but think many practioners may shy away from the licensing provess.
By Carol C. Baker, M.D. on Jun 17, 2025 at 10:30am
Thank you so much for these efforts. We struggle not only with the NC medical licenses, but also with obtaining the DEA license (another 4-6 weeks) for our ED physicians covering the NC coast. We appreciate these efforts to help us care for our community.
By Kelly Abbrescia, DO MMM FACEP on Jun 17, 2025 at 9:32pm
