I'm an MD - which Washington board do I apply to?
MD (allopathic) physicians apply to the Washington Medical Commission (wmc.wa.gov). Application fee is $511, biennial renewal is $996 by December 31. You'll need 200 CME hours per 4-year cycle with 120 Category 1, plus special requirements: 7 hours AIDS education (one-time), 6 hours suicide prevention (one-time), 2 hours health equity (every 4 years), 1 hour opioid prescribing (one-time).
I'm a DO - which Washington board do I apply to?
DO (osteopathic) physicians apply to the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery under Department of Health (doh.wa.gov osteopathic section). Application fee is $391, annual renewal is $461 on your birthday. You'll need 150 CME hours per 3-year cycle with 60 Category 1-A, plus special requirements: 6 hours suicide prevention (one-time), 2 hours health equity (every 4 years), 1 hour opioid prescribing (one-time).
What's the key difference between MD and DO boards in Washington?
CRITICAL DIFFERENCE: CME requirements. MD Board: 200 hours per 4-year cycle (120 Category 1). DO Board: 150 hours per 3-year cycle (60 Category 1-A). Also different renewal schedules: MD biennial on December 31 vs DO annual on birthday. Different fees: MD $511 app/$996 renewal vs DO $391 app/$461 annual renewal.
How long does it take to get a Washington medical license?
Both MD and DO boards: Standard processing takes 6-10 weeks for complete applications. IMLC pathway typically takes 4-6 weeks. Both boards joined IMLC in 2018.
Is Washington part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
Yes, Washington joined the IMLC in 2018. Both the MD board (Medical Commission) and DO board (Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery) participate. Eligible physicians can use the expedited pathway regardless of degree type.
What are the CME requirements for Washington physicians?
This depends on your board. MD physicians (Medical Commission): 200 hours per 4-year cycle with 120 Category 1. DO physicians (Osteopathic Board): 150 hours per 3-year cycle with 60 Category 1-A. Both require: 6 hours suicide prevention (one-time), 2 hours health equity (every 4 years), 1 hour opioid prescribing (one-time). MD also requires 7 hours AIDS education (one-time).
Does Washington have state income tax?
No, Washington has no state income tax, which significantly increases take-home pay for physicians compared to neighboring states like Oregon and California.
What is the total cost for a Washington medical license?
MD Board: $511 application + $996 biennial renewal. Total first-time costs $511-$1,000 including fingerprinting. DO Board: $391 application + $461 annual renewal. Total first-time costs $391-$850 including fingerprinting and verifications.
Why does Washington have two separate medical boards?
Washington is one of 12 states that maintains separate regulatory boards for allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians. The Medical Commission regulates MDs, while the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery regulates DOs. Both boards operate under the Department of Health and have equivalent licensing authority but different CME requirements and renewal schedules.
Can I hold both an MD and DO license in Washington?
This is uncommon as physicians typically hold only one medical degree type. However, if you hold both degree types, you would need to apply to the appropriate board for each credential and maintain separate licenses with different CME and renewal requirements for each.
