The Carl J. Shapiro Institute for Education and Research

Massachusetts Medical Licenses for Physicians

After medical school, physicians need a Massachusetts (MA) medical license and malpractice insurance to participate in clinical training. MA offers two types of medical licenses:

1. MA Limited License

This license is required during the first two years of clinical training. It is available to graduates of U.S. medical schools with proof of graduation and a USMLE transcript. International medical graduates need additional documentation. The MA Limited License is valid for up to 7 years of clinical training.

2. MA Full License

After completing two years of ACGME-accredited training and passing USMLE Steps 1, 2-CK, and 3, physicians can apply for the MA Full License. Once approved, the MA Limited License is deactivated. Physicians must renew their Full License annually by their birthday. Failure to renew results in an expired license and requires a reinstatement application.

The MA Medical Board offers tutorial webinars on the online licensing application system, which we recommend reviewing to guide you through the process.

General Overview and FAQS

• The FAQs: GME Licensing & Visa Processes document answers questions regarding obtaining and renewing Massachusetts medical licenses, applying for visas (separate page coming soon), and registering with necessary authorities, including: the MCSR, Federal DEA, and MassHealth. This document also provides key documentation requirements and useful links to guide applicants through the process.

• The GME Licensing and Visa Process Overview document offers a comprehensive overview of the licensing and registration processes for physicians in Massachusetts, covering topics such as obtaining a Limited or Full Medical License, registering with authorities like the Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR), Federal DEA, and MassHealth, and providing specific documentation requirements for U.S. and international medical graduates. Although it does review some Visa information, the Visa application information (J-1, H-1B) will be addressed in further detail on a separate page (coming soon) For a more detailed explanation of these processes, we invite you to review the full document.

Important Websites:

• MA Full Medical License

• MA Limited (Training) Medical License

• MassHealth Non-Billing Provider Application

• FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service):

• USMLE Transcripts

• ECFMG Status Reports

• MA Control Substance Registration (MCSR)

• FEDERAL DEA

• Boston City Clerk’s Office

Licensing Processes and PD Templates:

• Date Change for...

  • Program Extension due to LOA

  • Rotator Limited License

• License Extension Request Letter

• License Termination Request (Program Withdrawal)

• Remediation Letter

Need more support?...

If you have any further questions on a trainee(s) specific situation, please reach out to Deborah Parnther our GME Licensing and Credentialing Program Manager.

Deborah Parnther, CPMSM, MM

GME Licensing & Credentialing Program Manager-TPL

Office: (617) 667-3210

Fax: (617) 667-2092

Email: dparnthe@bidmc.harvard.edu

More information is coming soon please stay tuned. For other related comments, questions, or concerns please reach out to the GME office directly at GME-OfficeStaffdl@caregroup.harvard.edu.