FAQ

… for Physicians

Names on License

A licensee must practice under the name on their license. A licensee must practice under the legal name, unless otherwise authorized by the Board. A licensee may practice under their maiden name or other court appointed name if the licensee provides verification of the practitioner’s legal name and maiden/court appointed name, along with a statement as to why they wish to practice under a different name other than their legal name, any past and future intended use of the name, and verification of names (marriage certificate, marriage dissolution documents, driver’s license, court records, etc. that would establish the name change). This will be documented in the practitioner’s resources in the database in order to verify any names or aliases for licensure verification and discipline. The use of a name other than the practitioner’s legal name with the above information will be reviewed and approved by the Board Chair and Executive Director – unless in their discretion, it should require full Board approval.

Does my application for a ND medical license expire?

Yes. If your application is one year or older and it is still incomplete, it will expire and you will be required to apply again if you want to pursue licensure in ND.

When does my license expire?

As of August 1, 2023, physician licenses expire on your birthday every other year. Renewal notices will be sent out 59 days prior and again at 14 days prior to your license expiration. Thus it is important that you have a valid email address on record with the Board.

For an initial license, your license will expire the second time your birthday comes around after your license was approved by the Board. Please note that the $405 you initially pay is your application fee and licensure fee.

Does the ND Board of Medicine participate in the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact (IMLC)?

Yes, the Board participates in the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact (IMLC). The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact is an agreement among participating U.S. states to work together to significantly streamline the licensing process for physicians who want to practice in multiple states. It offers a voluntary, expedited pathway to licensure for physicians who qualify. If you are interested in applying via the IMLC, please visit the IMLC Website to see if you qualify. For more information visit the IMLC page on the Board's website.

Where do I find info on Telemedicine and/or other rules?

You will find statutes related to Telemedicine under North Dakota Century Code sections 43-17-01 (7); 43.17-44, and 43-17-45.

New exceptions to licensure for certain telemedicine practices were adopted into North Dakota Administrative Code 50-02-15 and became effective January 1, 2025.

All statutes and administrative rules can be found under Laws and Regulations.

How soon before a Board meeting does my file need to be complete to be considered for a regular medical license?

Your file must be complete at least 4 weeks prior to the scheduled Board meetings. Once your file is complete, it is sent to the Board's Chair for review and approval of a provisional temporary (PT) license. This process takes a minimum of 7-10 days and we finalize licensees for our Board meeting at least 2-3 weeks prior to each meeting so that our Board members have ample time to review the many applicants for licensure.

What is the processing time for a license application?

We strive to process each application in a timely manner; however, the processing time does vary for each application as there are situations which can delay the process. For example, an incomplete application, waiting for documents/verifications to arrive, rejection of fingerprints, and lack of cooperation from the physician can delay the process.

Please note that your file must be complete and approved by our Board Chair before going to a Board meeting for consideration of a permanent license. We ask you to allow 7-10 days to get your approved provisional temporary license returned from the Board Chair. If you want to be considered for a permanent license at any Board meeting, you should apply early enough so that your file is complete and back from the Chair at least three weeks prior to the date of the Board meeting. The Board meeting dates are posted on our website.

How can I obtain fingerprint cards?

Fingerprint cards may be available at any local law enforcement agency or at companies who provide fingerprinting services. The standard FBI fingerprint card number is FD-258 (white card/blue print). However, other types of fingerprint cards may be used if they have the required 14 boxes/sections for fingerprints. If you have problems obtaining fingerprint cards, please contact the Board office.

What are the application and background check fees?

The application and licensure fee for a locum tenens license is $205. The LT license is valid for 90 days and is site specific. If you wish to convert the LT license to a provisional temporary (PT) license at a later date, the fee is $200.

As of August 1, 2023, the initial application and licensure fee for a permanent license is $405. The background check fee is $40. The application fee is payable online via credit card. A separate check or money order must be submitted for the background check fee, made payable to the Office of the Attorney General and mailed to the Board office with your two required fingerprint cards.

I am using FCVS. Do I have to complete the application?

Yes, you still need to fill out the online application. You do NOT need to request the Certificate of Medical Education, postgraduate training verifications, licensing exam transcript, or ECFMG verification status (if applicable) as those credentials will be included in your FCVS packet.

I am using FCVS. What else do I need to submit?

FCVS only collects what are called "core credentials" - documents that will not change such as medical school and postgraduate training, ECFMG status, and licensing exam scores. You will still need to submit copies of ABMS/AOA board specialty certificates, if applicable. A National Practitioner Data Bank report is also included as part of the FCVS packet. For more information on what needs to be submitted as part of your application, please view the Application Instructions.

What is the best way for me to check the status of my application?

Your online application status can be checked by logging into your Licensee Dashboard and clicking on "Application Status" under Applications.

I am applying for a license in another state and they need verification of my North Dakota license. What do I need to do?

Verification to a U.S. medical or osteopathic licensing board is processed using VeriDoc. Go to VeriDoc to request the verification of your North Dakota license to another licensing board. You will pay by credit card and the verification will be electronically sent to the state medical or osteopathic board. Verifications obtained through VeriDoc are accepted by all state licensing boards in lieu of any form they might have.

If you need a license verification sent to a location outside of the U.S., you will need to mail your request to the Board along with a check or money order in U.S. funds for $30. Please clearly indicate the address where the verification is to be sent. For more information, visit the Request License Verification on the Board's website.

Can a license be issued without receipt of the federal/state background check?

No license of any type will be issued without the Board having the results of the federal and state background checks; therefore, it is extremely important that you submit your fingerprint cards at the beginning of the application process to allow ample time for processing. Fingerprints can be rejected due to low characteristics of the prints and/or for other reasons and if this happens, an applicant must submit two additional fingerprint cards. If an applicant’s prints are rejected a second time, a name search will be conducted. However, name searches tend to take longer than the normal fingerprint-based background checks.

I previously held a North Dakota resident license and now I am applying for a permanent license. Do I have to complete the whole application packet?

Yes, you must complete the physician application online for a permanent license as the application differs from the resident application. If you currently hold a resident license in the state of North Dakota, you do not need to request the verification of your medical school again nor will you need to submit fingerprint cards for an additional background check. However, if you previously held a resident license in the past and have since left the North Dakota residency program, you will be required to submit another set of fingerprint cards with your application for a medical license. Foreign medical graduates in a North Dakota residency program can apply for a regular license after 24 months of post-graduate training in the United States. U.S. medical graduates in a North Dakota residency program or any other ACGME or AOA accredited program can apply for a regular medical license after successfully completing one year of postgraduate training.

What is required for verification of my license to the Secretary of State's office for purposes of forming a professional corporation?

We require a $30 fee for this service, payable only by check, money order, or cash at this time. Please fill out items 1-4 on ND Secretary of State Form number SFN13610. Submit the form and payment to the Board office, along with instructions on where to send the completed form, i.e., directly to the Secretary of State's office, your attorney's office, or back to you.

My license has been inactive for several years. How do I reactivate it?

If your license has been inactive for three or more years, you will be required to submit a new application for licensure. However, you will not need to request the medical school verification, postgraduate training verification, the licensing exam transcript and the ECMFG verification status, if applicable, to be sent to the Board. You also do not need to provide copies postgraduate training certificates unless you have completed additional training since your medical license lapsed.

What do the different licensure statuses mean?

PT = Provisional Temporary License. These licenses are granted in the interim of regularly scheduled Board meetings to allow a physician to start practicing. All PT licenses are presented to the Board at one of the next available Board meeting for consideration of a permanent North Dakota medical license. Once approved by the Board, the PT drops off the front of the license and the physician retains the 4 or 5 digit license number as their permanent license number.

PTA = Provisional Temporary Administrative License. These licenses are granted in the interim of regularly scheduled Board meetings to allow a physician to start practicing administrative medicine. Administrative medical licenses are issued for the purpose of practicing medicine only in an administrative capacity and does not allow a physician to practice clinical medicine. All PTA licenses are presented to the Board at one of the next available Board meeting for consideration of a permanent North Dakota administrative medical license. Once approved by the Board, the PT drops off the front of the license and the physician retains the A (for Administrative) followed by a 5 digit license number as their permanent license number. (Example: A12345)

LT = Locum Tenens License. Locum tenens licenses are only valid for a period of 90 days at a specified location. A locum tenens license can be converted to a provisional temporary (PT) license by submitting an additional $200 fee.

RL = Resident License. Resident licenses are issued for the full duration of the North Dakota postgraduate training program. Residents cannot moonlight outside the scope of the residency training program with a RL license.

SEC = Special Emeritus Certification. This certification is considered "honorary" only. There is no fee or expiration date for this certification; however, the physician cannot practice or prescribe with a Special Emeritus certification.

How can I get a duplicate licensure card?

How do I change my mailing address or email?

I just got married/divorced and/or had a legal name change. How do I change the name on my license?

Email a notarized copy of a legal document such as a marriage license or divorce decree showing your new legal name.

Will I receive a new renewal card or wall certificate after a name change?

A new wall certificate is not issued when a name change occurs. However, you can always login to your Licensee Dashboard and print your licensure card.

I did not renew my license in time and now it is inactive. How do I renew it?

You can renew/reactivate your license up to three years after it expired by logging into your License Dashboard and renewing. You will be asked an additional question as to whether you have practiced within the state since your medical license expired. You will be required to pay any renewal fees in arrearage.

… for Physician Assistants

License Verifications to Another State

I am applying for a license in another state and they need verification of my North Dakota license. What do I need to do?

Verification to another state medical licensing board is processed using VeriDoc. Go to VeriDoc to request the verification of your North Dakota license to another licensing board. You will pay by credit card and the verification will be electronically sent to the state medical board. Verifications obtained through VeriDoc are accepted by all state licensing boards in lieu of any form they might have.

If you need a license verification sent to a location outside of the U.S., you will need to mail your request to the Board along with a check or money order in U.S. funds for $30.00. Please clearly indicate the address where the verification is to be sent. For more information, visit the Request License Verification on the Board's website.

Names on License

Where can PAs practice in North Dakota?

Please review the Practice Location information for PAs on the Board's website.

Where do I find info on Telemedicine and/or other rules?

You will find statutes related to Telemedicine under North Dakota Century Code sections 43-17-01 (7); 43.17-44, and 43-17-45.

New exceptions to licensure for certain telemedicine practices were adopted into North Dakota Administrative Code 50-02-15 and became effective January 1, 2025.

All statutes and administrative rules can be found under Laws and Regulations.

What are the application and renewal fees for a PA?

The application and initial licensure of a physician assistant is $100.00 plus a $5.00 processing fee - for a total of $105.00. The annual online renewal fee is $105.00. The fee for background check is $40.00, payable by check or money order to the Office of the Attorney General.

What could hold up/delay my application?

Failure to submit fingerprint cards, background authorization, and fees is a major reason for delay. Processing will not begin without those items being submitted.

If you answer any of the personal data questions with a "yes" answer, please submit all original supporting documentation and request that the court(s), police department, etc. send their documentation/transcripts directly to the North Dakota Board of Medicine.

Where can I obtain fingerprint cards?

Fingerprint cards should be available from any local law enforcement agency or at private fingerprinting companies but it is recommended that you call ahead first to confirm. You may also email the Board to have them mailed out.

How long does it take for a PA application to be processed and a license to be issued?

Processing time of a PA application varies. We strive to process each application in a timely manner; however, the time does vary for each application. If the physician assistant has just completed a physician assistant program the processing time is typically a couple of weeks. The processing time depends upon receiving the required documentation and background check.

Can I continue to practice as a PA without a current NCCPA certificate?

No, you may not practice in North Dakota without a current NCCPA certificate.

What is the scope of practice of a PA?

North Dakota Century Code section 43-17-02.1 outlines Physician Assistant scope of practice in North Dakota.

Can a PA prescribe controlled substances?

A physician assistant may prescribe and dispense schedule II through V substances as designated by the federal drug enforcement agency along with all legend drugs - as authorized under North Dakota Century Code section 43-17-.202(4).

A physician assistant, if prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance, shall register with the federal drug enforcement administration and shall comply with appropriate state and federal laws. For more information, please visit the PDMP page on the Board's website.

Does a PA need to collaborate with physicians and other health care providers?

Please review North Dakota Century Code section 43-17-02.2 for collaboration requirements.

A physician assistant shall collaborate with, consult with, or refer to the appropriate member of the health care team as indicated by the condition of the patient, the education, experience, and competence of the physician assistant, and the standard of care. The degree of collaboration must be determined at the practice which may include decisions made by the employer, group, hospital service, and the credentialing and privileging systems of a licensed facility. A physician assistant is responsible for the care provided by that physician assistant and a written agreement is not required.

How do I change practice location(s)?

A physician assistant is obligated to inform the ND Board of Medicine of any employment change that falls outside of your current certification. A physician assistant must ensure that the certification you provided to the ND Board of Medicine on your application and/or renewal is current and matches your current employment. To update your contact information, login to your Licensee Dashboard.

May a physician assistant supervise a physician in a residency training program?

A physician assistant may not supervise a physician in a residency training program.

My PA license expired due to non-renewal. How do I reactivate/reinstate it?

The physician assistant can renew and pay the past due amount if renewing within three years. If renewing after three years the physician assistant will need to complete a new application.

… for Residents

Names on License: A licensee must practice under the name on their license. A licensee must practice under the legal name, unless otherwise authorized by the Board. A licensee may practice under their maiden name or other court appointed name if the licensee provides verification of the practitioner’s legal name and maiden/court appointed name, along with a statement as to why they wish to practice under a different name other than their legal name, any past and future intended use of the name, and verification of names (marriage certificate, marriage dissolution documents, driver’s license, court records, etc. that would establish the name change). This will be documented in the practitioner’s resources in the database in order to verify any names or aliases for licensure verification and discipline. The use of a name other than the practitioner’s legal name with the above information will be reviewed and approved by the Board Chair and Executive Director – unless in their discretion, it should require full Board approval.
How can I track my application status?: Login to the Licensee Dashboard to click on Application Status.
Where can I get fingerprint cards? Where do I get fingerprinted? Is there a fee?: Fingerprint cards can normally be obtained from a local law enforcement agency or embassy; however, it is best to first make contact to find out if this is the case and if the fingerprinting service is available. There are also private companies who offer fingerprinting services. The background check fee is $40.00 payable via check or money order to the Office of the Attorney General and should be mailed to the Board office with your TWO required fingerprint cards and the completed criminal record authorization form and the fingerprint verification form.
Can I moonlight as a resident?: No, you cannot moonlight with a postgraduate training license. A postgraduate training license only authorizes the person receiving that license to practice within the context of an approved postgraduate training program and does not authorize that person to engage in the private practice of medicine or otherwise practice medicine outside the scope of the postgraduate training program.
Do I need to renew my North Dakota resident license?: You will only be required to complete an annual certification during each year of your residency. There is no fee for this annual certification.

… for Public

Names on License

What does "board certified" mean and is it different from being licensed?

Board certification is different than being licensed. Every physician must hold a license to practice medicine. Medical boards in U.S. states and other jurisdictions (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and so forth) issue licenses. These boards have legal authority to issue licenses, investigate and discipline practitioners, and regulate the practice of medicine within their state or territory.

In addition to licensing, some physicians may be board certified in their specialty. These certifying boards are different from the state licensing boards. Physicians of a certain medical specialty can establish a specialty board or professional association. The specialty board or association determines appropriate qualifications (such as examinations, competency demonstrations, or training) which show an acceptable minimum level of knowledge and awards a certificate or certification to those physicians who meet the qualifications. Every recognized medical specialty and many subspecialties have established boards to examine the qualifications of physicians practicing that specialty. Typically, physicians who have completed a period of training ("residency") in a particular specialty and who pass an examination given by the board of that specialty are then qualified to become "board certified."

Traditionally, when a physician says they are “board certified,” they are claiming to be certified by a specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Associations’ Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.

What is the difference between a MD and a DO?

An MD is a medical doctor who graduated from medical school. A DO is an osteopathic medical doctor who graduated from osteopathic school. Both types of institutions prepare the student to become a physician, but the osteopathic college places more emphasis on the role the bones play in health. Students at an osteopathic college must learn the same things students at medical schools do and must pass the same kinds of tests. Both types of physicians may do any type of medical procedure, and both may practice any of the recognized specialties.

What information does the Board give the public about its licensees?

The Board provides the public with the status of a license, practice location, length of North Dakota Licensure, and any disciplinary history in North Dakota. For physicians, the name of their medical school and practice specialty are also provided.

Beginning with physicians licensed in 2013, the Board will also provide information on postgraduate training including all residencies and internships.

To access licensee information - visit the Verify License Status page.

Does the Board provide malpractice information?

No. Medical malpractice settlements and judgments are reported by insurance companies to the North Dakota Insurance Department, which provides reports to the public upon request. Typically, there is no charge for this information. The Insurance Department may be contacted at 701.328.2440 or by email at insurance@nd.gov.

How do I file a complaint with the Board about a physician, physician assistant, genetic counselor, or naturopathic doctor?

File a Complaint

Can I file a complaint over the telephone?

No. Putting the complaint in writing assures us that the information is accurately conveyed versus the Board office resuscitation of what was conveyed.

Do I have to attach my name to the complaint?

The Board strongly discourages anonymous complaints. It makes it just about impossible to investigate and prove a case without the most important witness to what happened. Therefore, in most cases, we require the name of the individual making the complaint.

Can I file a complaint on behalf of someone else, such as my children or my parents?

Yes. Anyone may file a complaint if they have reason to believe a licensee has violated the licensee’s applicable practice act.

Is there a time limit for filing a complaint?

No, but it is sometimes very difficult to investigate an incident that happened years before. The Board encourages you to file a complaint as soon as you feel you have a basis for doing so.

What can the Board do to a licensee if it finds my complaint is valid?

If the Board finds a licensee violated the applicable practice act, it has the authority to take appropriate action against the license to practice in North Dakota that is necessary to keep the public safe, including revoking the license or placing restrictions on license.

What action can the Board NOT take against a license?

The Board does not have the authority to:

Award money damages
Intervene in insurance claims, billing disputes, or mandate reimbursement
Intervene in employment or contract disputes
Represent you in malpractice or other civil actions against a licensee
Force a licensee to provide different or further treatment

If the Board dismisses my complaint, can the licensee sue me?

There are protections in place if the complaint is filed "in good faith." See North Dakota Century Code section 43-17.1-05(1).

Will my complaint and name be made public?

Under state law, complaints filed by members of the public are confidential, as are licensee responses and all investigative material of the Board. This is done to protect the privacy of the patient-provider relationship.

When an Investigative Panel of the Board brings a formal action against a licensee, all pleadings and official court records not filed under seal are open to the public. The final Orders of discipline are posted on the Board's website and under the licensee's disciplinary history. But even in public disciplinary cases, neither the original complaint nor the name of the patient involved are revealed.

Can a health care provider refuse to see me as a patient?

Yes. Just like the patient, the licensee is free to end the patient-provider relationship. The licensee should give the patient written notice and agree to provide care for emergent/urgent issues, depending on circumstances.

FAQ

… for Physicians

… for Physician Assistants

… for Residents

… for Public

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