ON APPLYING FOR OREGON LICENSURE
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE IN OREGON
In order for you to determine eligibility for licensure in the state of Oregon, please read the following:
| MEDICAL/OSTEOPATHIC/PODIATRIC EDUCATION |
APPROVED SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (US/CANADA)
An approved school of medicine is one offering a program of study in medicine or osteopathy leading to a degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy. Such a program must be accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association, Canadian Medical Association, or otherwise determined by the Board to meet the Association standards. By Oregon law, this Board requires that an osteopathic physician issued a diploma as a Doctor of Medicine as a part of the California Unification Program must be licensed in Oregon as an osteopathic physician.
UNAPPROVED SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (OTHER COUNTRIES)
An unapproved school of medicine is one not approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or its successor agency, or the American Osteopathic Association or its successor agency or having been otherwise determined by the Board to meet the Association standards as specifically incorporated into Board rules. Must have graduated after attendance of at least 4 full terms of on-site instruction of 8 months each, with all courses having been completed by physical on-site attendance.
BOARD APPROVED SCHOOLS (OTHER COUNTRIES)
The Board has approved some medical schools in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia. Contact the Board if you attended medical school in one of these countries.
APPROVED PODIATRY SCHOOL OR COLLEGE
An approved podiatry school or college is one offering a course of study in podiatry leading to a degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. The podiatry school or college must be accredited by the American Podiatric Medical Association, or having been otherwise determined by the Board to meet the Association standards.
ECFMG/FMGEMS (FIFTH PATHWAY TRAINING)
Graduates of foreign medical schools must have obtained the Standard ECFMG certificate issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Fifth Pathway applicants must submit proof of passing ECFMG or FMGEMS examination.
UNITED STATES/CANADIAN GRADUATES (MD/DO)
Satisfactory completion of one year of internship, residency, or clinical fellowship training accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the American Osteopathic Association.
PODIATRY GRADUATES (DPM)
Applicants for podiatry licensure must have the following postgraduate training:
- One year of postgraduate training served in a hospital residency program that has been approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association; or
- One year of postgraduate training served in a hospital residency program that has NOT been approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association and current certification by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
FOREIGN GRADUATES FROM APPROVED SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE
Satisfactory completion of one year of internship, residency, or clinical fellowship training accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the American Osteopathic Association.
FOREIGN GRADUATES FROM UNAPPROVED SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE
Satisfactory completion of three years of internship, residency, or clinical fellowship training in the United States or Canada accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the American Osteopathic Association. Training must be served at progressive levels in not more than two specialties and in not more than two programs. Such training is waived if the physician is certified by an American Specialty Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and proof of certification is submitted.
| EXAMINATIONS (BASIS FOR LICENSURE) |
USMLE EXAMINATION & NATIONAL BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS
Successful completion of USMLE/NBOME examination, which includes Steps 1, 2 and 3/Levels 1, 2 and 3. These examinations must have been taken according to Oregon licensure requirements:
- All three Steps/Levels must be passed within a seven-year period which begins when the first Step/Level, either Step 1/Level 1 or Step 2/Level 2, is passed.
The applicant may request the Board grant a waiver of the seven-year requirement for the following reasons:
1) The applicant suffered from a health condition which caused a delay in their medical study.
2) The applicant participated in a combined MD/DO/PhD program.
3) The applicant is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association’s Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.
4) The applicant completed continuous postgraduate training with the equivalent number of years to an MD/DO/PhD program.
- USMLE Step 3 or NBOME Level 3 must be passed within four attempts. After the third failed attempt, the applicant must complete a full year of postgraduate training in the United States or Canada approved by the Board prior to taking and passing USMLE Step 3/NBOME Level 3 on the fourth and final attempt. The applicant may request the Board grant a waiver of the requirement that Step/Level 3 be passed within four attempts for the following reason:
1) The applicant is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association’s Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.
Graduates of US/Canadian medical schools take Steps 1 and 2 through the National Board of Medical Examiners, 3930 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 590-9500. Graduates of foreign schools of medicine take Steps 1 and 2 through the ECFMG Commission, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 386-5900. All graduates must take Step 3 through a licensing board. For information regarding Step 3, please contact the Federation of State Medical Boards, PO Box 619850, Dallas, Texas 75261-9850, (817) 868-4041, www.fsmb.org/m_usmlestep3.html, as that agency will be administering Step 3 for the Oregon Board.
| Accepted Examination Sequence |
Acceptable Examination combinations if completed Prior to January 1, 2000 |
NBME Part I
plus
NBME Part II
plus
NBME Part III |
NBME Part I or USMLE Step 1
plus
NBME Part II or USMLE Part II
plus
Plus NBME Part III or USMLE Step III |
FLEX Component 1
plus
FLEX Component 2
|
FLEX Component 1
plus
USMLE Step 3 |
NBME Part I or USMLE Step I
plus
NBME Part II or USMLE Step 2
plus
FLEX Component 2 |
USMLE Step 1
plus
USMLE Step 2
plus
USMLE Step 3 |
 |
NATIONAL BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS
Applicant has passed the examination and is certified by the National Board.
NATIONAL BOARD OF PODIATRIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS
This is the only examination a podiatry applicant may use as a basis for licensure.
Effective April 25, 2008, applicants who graduated from a school or college of podiatric medicine before January 1, 2001 are required to have successfully passed the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) examination Parts I and II.
Effective April 25, 2008, applicants who graduated from a school or college of podiatric medicine on or after January 1, 2001 are required to successfully pass the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) examination Parts I, II and III. The requirement to pass Part III of the NBPME examination for these applicants may be waived if the applicant is licensed as a podiatric physician in another state or currently certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
- All three Parts must be passed with a seven-year period which begins when the first Part, either Part I or Part II, is passed. The applicant may request the Board grant a waiver of the seven-year requirement for the following reasons:
- The applicant is currently certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, or
- The applicant suffered from a documented health condition which caused a delay in their podiatric study.
- NBPME Part III must be passed within four attempts. After the third failed attempt, the applicant must complete a full year of postgraduate training in the United States approved by the Board prior to taking and passing Part III on the fourth and final attempt. The applicant may request the Board grant a waiver of the requirement that Part III be passed within four attempts for the following reason:
- The applicant is currently certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
An official grade certification of the NBPME examination Parts I and II is required directly from the NBPME. An official grade certification of the NBPME Part III is required directly from the Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards.
NATIONAL BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS
Successful completion of the NBOME examination, which includes Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. This examination must have been taken according to Oregon licensure requirements:
- All three Levels must be passed within a seven-year period which begins when the first Level, either Level 1 or Level 2, is passed
- NBOME Level 3 must be passed within four attempts. After the third failed attempt, the applicant must complete a full year of postgraduate training in the United States or Canada approved by the Board prior to taking and passing NBOME Level 3 on the fourth and final attempt.
If the fourth attempt of NBOME Level 3 is failed, the applicant is not eligible for Oregon licensure. If the applicant did not complete a full year of training approved by the Board between the third and fourth attempt to pass NBOME Level 3, the applicant is not eligible for Oregon licensure.
FLEX LICENSING EXAMINATION TAKEN ACCORDING TO OREGON'S STANDARDS:
- FLEX Weighted Average of 75 (examinations administered from 6/68-12/84, taken in one sitting) or Component 1 and 2 scores of 75 on each Component (examinations administered from 6/85 -12/94 may be taken together or separately).
- Passed within three attempts.
- After the third failed attempt, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed one year of approved training in the US or Canada prior to taking the entire FLEX examination at one sitting on the fourth and final attempt.
- Component 1 and Component 2 must have been passed within seven years of the first attempt. Only the applicant's scores on the most recently taken FLEX examination will be considered to determine eligibility.
LMCC EXAMINATION
Applicant has passed the examination and is certified by the Medical Council of Canada.
NON-FLEX STATE BOARD WRITTEN EXAMINATION
State Board Written examination taken prior to FLEX, passed with an overall average of at least 75%.
FLEX WAIVER
Successful completion of the FLEX examination in another state according to Oregon's standards WITHOUT obtaining a state license based on these FLEX grades.
| FEDERATION CREDENTIALS VERIFICATION SERVICE (OPTIONAL) |
The Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) provides a service to physicians that for a fee, gathers information and verifications of core credentials to be kept on file for use by state medical boards and other organizations. The Oregon Medical Board accepts the portfolio from this service in lieu of some of the Board's application process. However, the FCVS portfolio is NOT REQUIRED. The information received from FCVS does not include all items required by the Oregon Board. The Board's application form, fees, and additional documents required to meet the licensure requirements of the Board and to complete the application file will still be needed. An on-line physician application is available through the Federation of State Medical Board's website at http://fcvs.fsmb.org/, or call 888-ASK-FCVS.
- Your application is received by the Administrative Services Department, where the filing fee is processed, and the application is forwarded to the Licensing Department.
- Applications are processed in date order received, so by sending your application in as early as possible, you will allow sufficient time for the processing of your application.
- An applicant number will be assigned during processing. This number is not to be confused with your future license number, which will be a different number. The applicant number will provide you access to the Board’s Online Status Report. Processing an application file means entering detailed information provided on your application form into the application database. This allows staff to determine which items have already been received, and which items are still needed to complete your file. Until this information has been entered into our database, we are unable to advise you of which items may still be needed. Until we have entered your information into our database, your Online Status Report will not reflect the Board’s receipt of the documents.
ONLINE STATUS REPORTS:
Do not expect any processing of your file for one to two weeks. Staff process applications received in the Board office in the date order they are received, and depending on the volume it may take a week or two to get to your application. When your application has been initially processed, you will receive a letter notifying you of your applicant number with instructions to access the Online Status Report.
If items continue to be shown on your status report as being needed, you may wish to request the items from the source again. All required documents, letters, forms, etc., must be in your file before it is considered complete. Faxed documents are not acceptable.
MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT (MPA) & DRUG ENFORCEMENT
ADMINISTRATION (DEA) LAWS -- OPEN-BOOK EXAMINATIONS:
|
Study material and two open-book examinations on Oregon laws and rules as well as Federal DEA laws are included in your application. This material must be reviewed, completed and returned to the Board toward completion of your file.
SPECIAL PURPOSE EXAMINATION (SPEX)
This examination is a one-day computerized multiple choice cognitive examination in GENERAL MEDICINE, not your specialty. The purpose of this examination is to determine current medical knowledge.
| Conditions Under Which SPEX May Be Required |
SPEX Requirement May Be Waived If Applicant Has Subsequently |
| A. An applicant whose initial license or Board certification was obtained 10 or more years prior to filing an application for Oregon licensure |
- Been certified or recertified by a specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties within past ten years
- Completed a one year accredited residency training program within past ten years
- Completed a one year accredited clinical fellowship training program within past ten years
- Appointment as a professor or associate professor at Oregon Health Sciences University. A letter is required directly from the dean verifying the appointment.
- Provided documentation of continuing medical education
|
| B. An applicant who has ceased practice for 12 or more consecutive months |
- Been certified or recertified by a specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties
- Completed additional postgraduate or fellowship training
- Provided documentation of continuing medical education obtained during months or years when not practicing
|
Registration for SPEX Examination
The SPEX Examination is administered for the Oregon Board by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). Please call (817) 868-4041 or go to www.fsmb.org/plas_spex.html for more information and to register for the examination as an Oregon candidate. SPEX application forms and the examination fee must be sent directly to the FSMB in Texas, not to the Oregon Board.
You may request information about testing centers, available testing dates, deadline dates, examination content, etc., by visiting the FSMB website or calling the above phone number.
The SPEX may be taken before or after a quarterly meeting of the Board, but licensure cannot be considered until the application file is complete and the Board has received confirmation that the examination has been passed.
Failure to Pass SPEX Examination
The SPEX examination may be taken a total of three times only. After the first or second failure, the Board may allow the applicant to take an oral specialty examination, at the applicant's expense, to be given by a panel of physicians in the applicant's specialty. If the oral examination is passed, a license will be granted limited to the applicant's specialty. A Voluntary Limitation agreeing to the limitation must be signed. If the oral examination is failed, the SPEX examination cannot be retaken, and licensure is denied.
PODIATRY COMPETENCY EXAMINATION (DPM)
This examination may be required if the applicant's National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners certification was obtained ten (10) years or more before filing an application. The competency examination may be waived if the applicant has, within ten years immediately before filing an application:
- been certified or recertified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery or the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine, or
- completed an approved one-year residency and has not ceased the practice of podiatry for a period of 12 or more consecutive months.
Examinees with Disabilities
Whenever possible and necessary, if the Board is administering a competency examination, reasonable accommodations will be made for the administration of the examination to examinees with documented disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who wish to request special testing arrangements for competency examinations administered by the Board must submit a request in writing at the time they file their application, along with a description of their particular testing needs. In addition, a letter must be sent directly from their treating physician to the Board with a description of the applicant's medical condition.
| PODIATRISTS AND ANKLE SURGERY |
Podiatry applicants may request and be granted approval by the Board to perform ankle surgery as an extension of their license to practice in Oregon if they meet certain qualifications:
- Completion of a CPME approved surgical residency; and
- Board Certification by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot and Ankle Surgery; and
- Documented clinical experience as approved by the Board, and
- Current clinical privileges to perform reconstructive/rearfoot ankle surgery in a JCAHO approved hospital
OR
- Completion of a CPME approved surgical residency, and
- Board Qualification by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery progressing to board Certification by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery within seven years.
| FILE COMPLETE and INITIAL REGISTRATION |
When your file is complete, you will be sent the initial registration materials. If your application is more than six months old, you will also be sent an update form that is required prior to licensure. If these registration forms and fee are submitted within three months of the date sent by the Board, the Board's Executive Director may grant approval for an unlimited license to be issued. Licenses are issued on an ongoing basis as files meet final approval. However, if the registration forms and fee are not submitted within three months, you would be required to update your application for licensure by completing an affidavit for reactivation and submitting it with the affidavit fee ($50). If the registration forms and fee are not submitted within 12 months from the date your application was received in the Board office, you will be required to file a new application for licensure with documents, verifications, and letters and pay the filing fee as if filing for the first time.
NO PERSONAL INTERVIEW REQUIRED FOR LICENSURE
Applicants whose file is complete with NO DEROGATORY INFORMATION are NOT required to appear before the Board in person as a part of the licensure process. The licensure process will be completed by mail.
PERSONAL INTERVIEW MAY BE REQUIRED FOR SOME APPLICANTS
The Board may require a personal interview if there are concerns to be discussed with the applicant regarding information received during the processing of the application file. If a personal interview is required, you will be advised in writing several weeks prior to the scheduled meeting of the Board.
Limited License, Postgraduate: (appointed as a trainee by an Oregon teaching hospital)
Any physician completing an accredited training program in the State of Oregon beyond the Postgraduate level 1-year MUST apply for and obtain a Limited License, Postgraduate. This limited license allows the physician to practice medicine only as a part of an accredited training program. This limited license does not allow "moonlighting" activities.
Limited License, Postgraduate: (elective rotation as part of out-of-state elective rotation)
Any physician who wishes to serve an elective rotation in the state of Oregon as a part of an out-of-state residency program must apply for and obtain a Limited License, Postgraduate. This limited license does not allow "moonlighting" activities.
In order to be issued a Limited License, Postgraduate to complete an elective rotation, the Board must receive a letter confirming the rotation from both the Oregon location as well as the current out-of -state training program.
For elective rotations, an unlimited license is not required, and the enclosed application forms are not to be completed. Contact this office to receive the required limited license application and instructions.
Limited License, Fellow:
This limited license is required if a fellowship will be completed in the State of Oregon. A fellow is a physician who is pursuing some special line of study as a part of a supervised program of an approved school of medicine or affiliated teaching institution. A Limited License, Fellow permits the physician to practice medicine only as a part of a supervised fellowship program. A Limited License, Fellow may be granted for a period of one year, and upon written request may be renewed for one additional year. The two years must be consecutive. Fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) may be used to qualify for unlimited licensure. Non-accredited fellowships may not be used to meet licensure requirements. This limited license does not allow "moonlighting" activities.
For fellowships, an unlimited license is not required, and enclosed application forms need not be completed. Contact the Board office for a limited license application and instructions.
Limited License, SPEX:
If an applicant meets all requirements for licensure, except that the SPEX examination is required, the Board may grant a Limited License, SPEX for a period of six months when the application file is complete, and the applicant has a definite Oregon location. The limited license registration form must be completed and the fee submitted before the limited license can be issued. The applicant must complete both the SPEX examination and the unlimited licensure process prior to the expiration date of the Limited License, SPEX as the limited license cannot be extended or reissued.
If the physician fails to pass the SPEX examination, the limited license will become invalid and the physician must cease practice in Oregon as soon as possible, but not to exceed two weeks. The Limited License, SPEX allows the applicant to apply for DEA registration, malpractice insurance, etc. Do not submit the fee for a Limited License, SPEX until it is requested.
Limited License, Special:
- The Limited License, Special application is not included in the unlimited licensure packet, but is sent if the applicant requests it. Submit the limited license fee only with the Limited License, Special application.
- The Limited License, Special allows a physician to begin practice in Oregon prior to a quarterly meeting of the Board, and it expires on the second day the of next quarterly Board meeting.
- A Limited License, Special also may be requested to aid with the credentialing process, i.e., the issuance of such a limited license will allow the physician to obtain a DEA number, malpractice coverage, as well as being added to the various insurance plans etc., which all require that the physician have an Oregon license.
- The Limited License, Special can be considered only if the application file is complete and contains no derogatory information, and if the physician is not required to take an examination as a part of the licensure process.
- The applicant must make a written request for the limited license stating the date of practice, or that it is to aid with the credentialing process, as well as the location of practice in Oregon.
- You may not begin your Oregon practice until you have been advised that you have been issued a Limited License, Special.
Your Limited License, Special expires on the second day of the next quarterly Board meeting. If you do not complete the initial registration form and submit it with the required fee (see fee schedule) prior to the Board meeting, your limited license will expire and you must cease practice.
| Applicants who are required to take SPEX, or whose file is under review because of a "yes" answer to one of the Personal History Questions, or if derogatory information has been received, are NOT eligible to apply for a Limited License, Special. |
Active status is for physicians practicing in Oregon and for physicians who are living within 100 miles of the Oregon border who come to Oregon to practice.
Inactive status is for physicians who do not live or practice in Oregon but wish to maintain their Oregon license.
Locum Tenens allows a physician to come in and out of the state on an intermittent basis for up to 180 days in a biennium, with prior notification to the Board before coming to Oregon to practice.
Emeritus status is for physicians who are retired from active practice but wish to provide volunteer, non-remunerative practice for which they receive no direct monetary compensation.
Telemedicine status is for physicians outside Oregon who directly treat patients, provide them with a written or documented medical opinion concerning diagnosis or treatment in Oregon, and who have a physician-patient relationship with the patients.
| GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OF OREGON LICENSURE |
An applicant may not be entitled to be granted a license by reciprocity, endorsement or written examination who:
- Has failed an examination for licensure in the State of Oregon;
- Has had a license revoked or suspended in this or any other state unless the said license has been restored or reinstated and the applicant's license is in good standing in the state which had revoked the license;
- Has been refused a license or certificate in any other state or country on any grounds other than failure in a medical licensure examination; Has been guilty of conduct similar to that which would be prohibited by or to whom ORS 677.190 would apply;
- Has been guilty of cheating or subverting the medical licensing examination process. Medical licensing examination means any examination given by the board to an applicant for registration, certification, or licensure under this act. Evidence of cheating or subverting includes, but is not limited to: Copying answers, Communicating with other examinees, Photographing materials . . .
| NARCOTIC STAMP/DEA REGISTRATION |
Oregon law does not require that a physician apply for a state NARCOTIC STAMP.
The Oregon Board does not issue DEA registration. To obtain your Federal DEA number, it is suggested that you contact the DEA Field office at 400 2nd Avenue, West, Seattle, Washington 98119, (888) 219-4261, to advise that you are applying for an Oregon license. If this is your first DEA registration, request Form #224; otherwise, request a Change of Address Form. Their application becomes invalid after 40 days so do not submit your application to the DEA until 40 days prior to the date you wish to practice in the State of Oregon.
| ENGROSSED LICENSE -- WALLET CARDS -- CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION |
When your license is granted, your first proof of licensure will be the wallet license card, followed by the Certificate of Registration and formal engrossed license. The Certificate of Registration will be mailed to you within two to three weeks of your license being granted. The wallet card and formal engrossed license will be mailed within one month of your license being granted. These documents will show the following information:
- Wallet license card- Name, license number and date issued
- Certificate of Registration- Name, address, license number, date issued and date of expiration, and status (Active, Inactive, etc.)
- Formal engrossed license- Name, license number and date issued
|
