Locum podiatrists need a license or temporary authorization in each state where they see patients. Wisconsin issues a 90-day locum tenens license at a Wisconsin podiatrist's request, Delaware a 2-week to 3-month license to cover an absent podiatrist, Washington a one-time 60-day permit, and Kansas and New Hampshire temporary permits while an application is pending.
A locum assignment can start in weeks. A state license usually takes longer. That gap is the central problem for traveling podiatrists and the groups and agencies that place them, and there is no general fix: a podiatrist needs a license, or a recognized temporary authorization, in each state where patients are seen. The podiatry compact is not active, so it offers nothing here yet.
Does any state offer a locum license for podiatrists?
Wisconsin does, by name. A podiatrist licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction may apply for a locum tenens license with (Wis. Admin. Code Pod 1.09):
- the application form and fee;
- "a letter from a podiatrist licensed to practice podiatric medicine and surgery in this state requesting the applicant's services";
- a verified copy of the other state's license; and
- evidence of passing an open book examination on Wisconsin podiatry statutes and rules.
The license is confined to the geographic area for which it is issued and expires 90 days after issuance. The board may renew it for further 90-day periods, but not more than three consecutive times. Wisconsin also issues a temporary license to applicants for a full license (Pod 1.10). The full Wisconsin route is in Wisconsin podiatry licensing.
Can a podiatrist cover another podiatrist's practice temporarily?
Delaware allows exactly that. The board may issue a temporary license to a podiatrist licensed in another state who is "entering this State for the purpose of taking charge of the practice of a person licensed to practice podiatry in this State during such licensee's temporary illness or absence." The Delaware licensee must request it in writing with a certified statement of the purpose, and the license lasts not less than 2 weeks and not more than 3 months (24 Del. C. 513).
Which states offer a bridge while the full application is pending?
- Washington: a temporary practice permit for podiatrists licensed in a state with substantially equivalent standards, issued once, valid for 60 days, and requiring verification of every state license and an FPMB disciplinary data bank check (WAC 246-922-035). The fee is $50 (WAC 246-922-990).
- Kansas: a temporary permit for an applicant who meets the license qualifications and pays the fee, valid until the license is issued or denied (K.S.A. 65-2005(e)).
- New Hampshire: the licensing office's rules provide temporary licenses for out-of-state health care professionals with an active license in good standing, valid 120 days or until the office acts on the full application, and continued if a complete application is filed in time (RSA 310:6, V).
How is Texas different?
Texas's provisional license is the route in, not a short-term pass. An applicant must be licensed in good standing in a state with substantially equivalent requirements, never revoked or suspended, sponsored by a podiatrist licensed in Texas at least five years, and must pass the jurisprudence exam (16 TAC 130.43). For a locum, that means the exam and the sponsor have to be arranged before the first Texas shift. See the Texas provisional license.
What travels with a locum and what does not?
- Scope does not. A locum covering a Massachusetts practice may not amputate toes, and one covering Texas may not treat the ankle. Check the scope by state table before accepting surgical coverage.
- DEA does not. DEA says a registration based on one state's license "cannot authorize controlled substance dispensing outside the State," and practitioners with offices in two states need a registration in each. Plan post-operative prescribing; see a new DEA registration for each practice state.
- Privileges do not. Each hospital or ASC credentials the locum separately. Our sister site covers locum tenens credentialing.
What should a traveling podiatrist keep ready?
The same documents come up in every state, so keep them current and easy to send: license verifications for every state held, the FPMB Disciplinary Action report (ordered to the board, never to yourself), APMLE scores sent through Meazure Learning's Connect portal, CPME residency verification, malpractice history, and DEA registrations. A traveling podiatrist who holds four or five licenses also carries four or five renewal cycles; see keeping several renewals on one calendar.
Who pays for the license?
That is between the podiatrist and the agency or group. Whoever pays, the board fees are paid directly to the board, and the podiatrist signs every application, attestation and exam.
How can we help?
For a short-term authorization such as Wisconsin's locum tenens license or Washington's temporary permit, our Residency, Training or Temporary License service is $299 per state. Full licenses are $799 by endorsement or $899 by full application, and DEA and state controlled-substance registrations are $199 per state (pricing). Agencies placing several podiatrists can use the Group Package, 3 Licenses, at $2,099 per podiatrist.
Common questions
- Is there a locum tenens license for podiatrists?
- Wisconsin has one. It needs a request letter from a Wisconsin podiatrist, a copy of your other license and an open book law exam, lasts 90 days and can be renewed up to three consecutive times.
- Can I cover a colleague's practice in Delaware while they are away?
- Delaware's board may issue a temporary license, at the Delaware podiatrist's written request, for 2 weeks to 3 months to take charge of the practice during their illness or absence.
- Does a temporary permit cover prescribing controlled substances?
- Not by itself. You also need any state controlled-substance registration and a DEA registration for that state; Indiana, for example, does not issue a controlled substance registration on a temporary permit.
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