Compact Licensees: Are You Ready for Your First License Renewal?

In July 2025, Pennsylvania fully implemented the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (“IMLC” or “Compact”). The IMLC is an agreement among participating states and territories to streamline and expedite the licensing process for physicians who want to practice in multiple Compact member states. Eligible physicians can complete just one licensing application through the Compact and receive separate licenses from each state in which they intend to practice.

As with other medical licenses in Pennsylvania, a Compact license requires biennial renewal every even-numbered year. DOs must complete their renewal by October 31, while MDs are required to renew by December 31. Although the renewal deadlines are identical, the Compact license renewal process is unique in that it involves a two-step renewal process. First, Compact licensees must submit their renewal application for their Pennsylvania license through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) website. This renewal application will be available in PALS 60 days before the license expiration date, and Compact licensees will not be prompted to pay a renewal fee during this step. Second, they will need to complete the compact renewal application through the IMLC website and pay the renewal fee for both the Pennsylvania and the IMLC renewal applications. Compact licensees must follow this two-step process in the required order to avoid delays in the renewal of their license.

Before completing the two-step renewal process, Compact licensees should do two things to prepare for renewal: first, verify their contact information is current and accurate in PALS; and second, complete the same continuing medical education (CME) requirements applicable to Active licensees in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) will transmit proof of completion to the Department of State for licensees who complete the child abuse recognition and reporting education through PAMED. As for the other CME requirements, including the new organ donation and tissue recovery requirement, licensees will attest to completion of these requirements on the renewal application. All licensees should maintain a record of completion of all CME in the event they are selected for an audit.

If a Compact licensee fails to complete any of the CME and/or the two step renewal process on time, their license will expire.

Compact License Renewal Instructions

1. Complete required CME.

   100 total credit hours in a two-year license renewal period (ends October 31st for DOs and December 31st for MDs).

   • At least 20 credits must be:
     • DO: AOA Category 1-A
     • MD: AMA PRA Category 1
   • At least 12 credits in the areas of approved patient safety or risk management content (either Category 1 or 2).
   • 2 credits from a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) approved course on the topic of mandated child abuse recognition and reporting (either Category 1 or 2).
   • 2 credits in areas on pain management, identification of addiction, or the practices of prescribing of opioids (either Category 1 or 2).
   • 2 credit hours in organ and tissue donation and recovery process (either Category 1 or 2) - one time req. w/in 5 yrs of initial licensure, licensure renewal, or reactivation, whichever comes first (Effective May 1, 2026). 
2. Complete the two-step renewal process.

Step 1: Complete the renewal application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) website, www.pals.pa.gov. Licensee will not be asked to pay a renewal fee during this step.

Step 2: Complete the compact renewal application through the IMLC website, https://imlcc.com/renew and pay the renewal fee for both the Pennsylvania and the IMLC renewal applications. Once a licensee accesses the IMLC website, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on GO TO LICENSE RENEWAL to access the renewal portal.

Licensee must complete the renewal process in this order.

Renewal Fees

Osteopathic Compact Renewal - $450 + $25 IMLC Renewal fee

Medicine Compact Renewal - $360 + $25 IMLC Renewal fee

Resources:

• PAMED Licensure Resources: https://www.pamedsoc.org/education-cme/cme-licensure-resource-center/license-types.
• PAMED CME: https://www.pamedsoc.org/education-cme/take-cme.
• PAMED Article: Take This Important Step Before License Renewal: Verify Your Contact Information in PALS
• Department of State IMLC Renewal Guide: IMLC Renewal Guide 2026.pdf
• Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) website: www.pals.pa.gov.
• IMLC website: https://imlcc.com/renew/.