Frequently Asked Questions
Physicians || Physician Assistants || Consumers and Members of the Public
Physicians
How long will it take to process my application?
It takes approximately 8-10 weeks after submitting the application. This time will vary depending upon how extensive the past work history is, how many licenses are held in other states, territories, districts or countries, and if any convictions or malpractice claims are reported. Please give the Board staff time to do its job. You can speed the process by making sure you have read and followed directions and all supporting documents are submitted to the Board as quickly as possible, in accordance to the directions set forth in the application packet.
What documents must be original, i.e., not sent to the Board by fax?
The Board accepts only originals of the application, the NPDB-HIPDB report, exam scores, and the report of practice history form.
Do I need to supply information from other states if the license I held there has expired?
If you are a first-time applicant to the State of Colorado, yes. If you are applying for reinstatement of an expired license or reactivation of an inactive license, you only need to provide this information from those states in which you hold an active license.
Is there a specific form I need to use to verify a license held elsewhere?
No, but we suggest you contact the entity directly for their instructions and to see if a processing fee is involved to supply this information.
What years need to be listed on the report of practice history form?
If you are applying for original licensure, begin your history with your internship and continue through to the present. Account for all time in between. If you are applying to reinstate a lapsed or expired license or reactivate an inactive license, you need only supply history for the most recent two (2) years (for purposes of licensure status, the terms "lapsed" and "expired" have the same meaning).
What information should be supplied on the letters verifying employment history?
If you are applying for original licensure, the beginning and ending dates of your employment as well as an assessment of the quality of your work for the most recent five years of practice history. If you are applying to reinstate a lapsed or expired license or reactivate an inactive license, you need only supply verification for the most recent two (2) years (for purposes of licensure status, the terms "lapsed" and "expired" have the same meaning).
What are some of the specific requirements for international medical school graduates?
- Obtained your M.D., D.O. or M.B.B.S. degree
- Passage of the ECFMG exam
- Passage of either the National Boards exam, a state written exam, the FLEX exam, the USMLE exam, or a combination of the FLEX, National Boards and USMLE
- Completion of three years of clinical based postgraduate training in the U.S. or Canada at an approved training program
How can I facilitate the Board's receipt of NPDB-HPDB reports?
Effective November 22, 1999, there are two federal data banks containing information regarding physicians and other health care providers. All self-queries will be submitted to both data banks. A $10 fee will be assessed for querying each data bank, for a total of $20. This must be paid for by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover). All self-queries must be submitted on the self-query form located on the NPDB-HPDB website.
The NPDB-HPDB does NOT send the reports directly to the Board but rather releases the information to the applicant. When you receive the reports, send them immediately to the Board's Office of Licensing.
Does the Board request the FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) report on my behalf?
No, you must fill out the request form included with the application packet and forward it directly to FSMB.
If I utilize the FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service), what other documents do I need to provide in addition to what FCVS sends directly to the Board?
- Report of Practice History
- Letters of verification regarding the last 5 years of practice history
- NPDB-HPDB reports
- Proof of Colorado malpractice insurance or letter of exemption
- Verification from each licensing agency of all jurisdictions where currently or previously licensed including education or temporary permits.
- Complete a Physician Profile in compliance with the Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act
- If you are a first time applicant as an International Medical Graduate, you must provide:
- IMG questionnaire
- Verification of board certification
Please inform the Board of you plan to utilize FCVS.
What does the Board require when a physician retires and/or ceases practice in Colorado?
The Board suggests that the physicians contact their malpractice insurance carriers and any medical societies in which they hold membership for any guidelines on closing a practice. The Medical Board does not have a "retired" license status, but the physician may wish to place his/her license in the "inactive" category during the next renewal period. For additional guidelines regarding closing a practice, please see Policy 40-7, Guidelines Pertaining to the Release and Retention of Medical Records, and Policy 40-8, Guidelines for Closure of, or Departure from, a Medical Practice.
Do I need a special permit in Colorado to prescribe narcotics similar to my Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) certificate?
Colorado does not have its own narcotics or controlled substances certificates. You must have a medical license and DEA permit to prescribe controlled substances. Contact the Rocky Mountain Division of the DEA at (303) 705-7300.
Visit this web page for more information.
Physician Assistants
How do I apply for a waiver of Physician Assistant Rule 400?
To apply for a waiver of Physician Assistant Rule 400, download an application package. You may also receive a package via mail by calling (303) 894-2433.
How long will it take to process my application?
It takes approximately 8-10 weeks after submitting the application. This time will vary depending upon how extensive the past work history is, how many licenses/certificates are held in other states, territories, districts or countries, and if any convictions or malpractice claims are reported. Please give the Board staff time to do its job. You can speed the process by making sure you have read and followed directions and all supporting documents are submitted to the Board as quickly as possible, in accordance to the directions set forth in the application packet.
Do I need to submit the application fee at the time I make application?
Yes, applications will not be processed without the proper application fee.
Do I have to have a Primary Supervising Physician in order for me to hold an active license?
Yes. If your license is approved prior to the registration of your primary supervising physician, you will have 180 days from the approval date in which to do so. Failure to register a primary supervising physician within that 180 days will result in your license being placed in an inactive status. If you do not register a primary supervising physician within 180 days, you will need to apply for reactivation of your license prior to practicing.
If I am only reinstating or reactivating my license, why do I have to supply the supporting documents?
The Board must ensure that there have been no problems or issues with your practice in another state while your Colorado license has been lapsed (expired) or inactive and that you have been actively practicing as a physician assistant as required by Colorado Law (for purposes of licensure status, the terms "lapsed" and "expired" have the same meaning). Thus, the applicant must provide documentation of practice history to determine compliance with the Board’s continued competency rule and the statute. Verification letters from other entities in which you have now or have ever held a license to practice medicine are used to satisfy the Board that there have been no significant practice problems outside of Colorado.
Do I need to supply this information even if the license I hold elsewhere has expired?
Only if you are applying for original licensure.
Is there a form I need to use to verify a license held elsewhere?
No, but we suggest that you contact the entity directly for their instructions and to see if a processing fee is involved to supply this information.
Does the Board request the FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) report on my behalf?
No, you must fill out the form enclosed with the application packet and forward it directly to FSMB.
What information should be supplied on the letters verifying employment history?
The beginning and ending dates of your employment as well as an assessment of the quality of your work by two physicians who have worked with you during the past two years.
Do these reference letters need to be written by physicians?
Yes.
Can I get a temporary license issued while I wait for my application to be processed?
No, we do not have a temporary license status while your application is being processed. If you are qualified to be licensed as a physician assistant in the State of Colorado, then you must obtain your license prior to working. Colorado law does not provide for a temporary license.
Further, if you are applying to reinstate or reactivate your license to practice, you must complete the process prior to providing medical service in Colorado. Colorado law does not permit you to work as a physician extender because you are qualified to be licensed as a physician assistant.
Please refer to Colorado Medical Board Policy 20-13.
If I utilize the FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service), what other documents do I need to provide in addition to what they provide directly to the Board?
- Letters of Recommendation from two (2) physicians who are familiar with your practice
- Verification from each licensing agency of all jurisdictions, including education or temporary permits.
Please inform the Board if you plan to use FCVS.
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