Osteopathic Physician And Surgeon Licensing Information

February Credentialing Freeze: All licensing and credentialing systems for health professionals and facilities will be unavailable on Friday, February 14 from 5 p.m. until the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to complete system upgrades. Please complete your applications and renewals now to avoid delays.

Osteopathic physician assistants are now licensed by the Washington State Medical Commission.

Apply for a License

Apply online

Washington State osteopathic physician online application - This application is for Washington State licensure only.

The Washington State Department of Health requires that only the applicant or licensee may complete an attestation for an application, or for continuing education. This is a legal attestation. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false.

For further information please see:

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We may require this if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. This would be at your own expense.

You must pay the application fee at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, or pay by ACH/E-Check. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

If we need additional documentation, we'll notify you by email.

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff members at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You'll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal - Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you'll need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process, and submitted your application, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is a compact agreement between participating states. Under the agreement, licensed physicians can qualify to practice medicine across state lines within the compact if they meet certain eligibility requirements. See the IMLC website for more information.

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) was conceived in 2013 in order to promote the benefits of license portability and telemedicine while retaining regulatory authority for physician practice squarely with states. The goal of the IMLC is to allow well-qualified physicians who are evaluated by their home state to be eligible for immediate licensure in any other compact member state.

On May 5, 2017, Gov. Inslee signed HB 1337 into law, enacting the compact's provisions in Washington state. See RCW 18.71B for the full statute. Washington joins Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming as members of the IMLC. See which states are currently part of the compact. The IMLC established an interstate commission to oversee the compact, which includes the ability to enact rules that govern its operation. As a member state, one of Washington's requirements is to post meeting notices, 30 days in advance, of upcoming meetings of the IMLC Commission. In addition, as the commission engages in rule making, we're required to post, for public review and comment, rule-making materials from the commission.

The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery is issuing osteopathic physician licenses through the IMLC. This means that osteopathic physicians licensed in a state belonging to the compact can become licensed in Washington very quickly. See the IMLC website for additional information and check back regularly for updates.

Rulemaking notices and other documents

ILMC Commission meeting notices

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Via teleconference

  • Primary agenda item – approve IMLCC FY2025 budget
  • Notice and agenda will be provided no later than 30 days prior to the meeting, which will include information about joining the meeting.
  • The meeting is scheduled to begin at:
    • 3 p.m. Eastern
    • 2 p.m. Central
    • 1 p.m. Mountain
    • Noon Pacific
    • 11 a.m. Alaska
    • 10 a.m. Hawaii
    • 6 a.m. next day Guam

Monday, November 11, 2024 – In-person and via teleconference, location to be determined

  • IMLCC Committee Day
  • Notice and agenda will be provided no later than 30 days prior to the meeting. The notice and agenda will include information about joining the meeting.
  • The meeting is scheduled to begin:
    • 10 a.m. Eastern
    • 9 a.m. Central
    • 8 a.m. Mountain
    • 7 a.m. Pacific
    • 6 a.m. Alaska
    • 5 a.m. Hawaii
    • 1 a.m. next day Guam 

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – In-person and via teleconference, location to be determined

  • IMLCC Annual Meeting
  • Notice and agenda will be provided no later than 30 days prior to the meeting. The notice and agenda will include information about joining the meeting.
  • The meeting is scheduled to begin:
    • 10 a.m. Eastern
    • 9 a.m. Central
    • 8 a.m. Mountain
    • 7 a.m. Pacific
    • 6 a.m. Alaska
    • 5 a.m. Hawaii
    • 1 a.m. next day Guam
Uniform Application for State Licensure

The Washington State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery offers three online application options for osteopathic physicians:

Uniform Application for State Licensure - This application aims to improve license portability by eliminating the need for osteopathic physicians to re-enter information when applying for licenses in multiple states.

Apply on paper

Paper applications can be downloaded and printed

Fee Schedule

Osteopathic Physician
Non-Refundable Fee Type Fee Amount
Endorsement application $391*
Active license renewal $461**
Late renewal penalty $190
Expired License reissuance $250
Retired active license renewal $281**
Retired active license late renewal penalty $100
Inactive license renewal $396**
Expired inactive license Reissuance $225
Inactive late renewal penalty $155
Endorsement/State exam application $516*
Re-exam $100
Verification of license $50
Temporary permit $70
Duplicate certificate $20

* Includes the $16.00 fee to access the University of Washington (UW) HEAL-WA website.

** Includes the $16.00 UW HEAL-WA fee and the $70 Washington Physician Health Program substance abuse monitoring surcharge.

WAC 246-12-340 – Refund of fees

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are nonrefundable.

Postgraduate limited license
Non-Refundable Fee Type Fee Amount
Limited license application $301*
Limited license renewal $331**

* Includes the $16.00 fee to access the University of Washington (UW) HEAL-WA website.

** Includes the $16.00 UW HEAL-WA fee and the $50 Washington Physician Health Program substance abuse monitoring surcharge.

WAC 246-12-340 – Refund of fees

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are nonrefundable.

Licensing Requirements

See licensing requirements below

State License Verification

Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Personal Data Questions

Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If a case pending, applicant must indicate status.

The personal data questions are to ensure the safety and protection of the public by ensuring applicants are safe to practice. When answering the question, “Do you have a medical condition which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety?” the board expects applicants to include only medical conditions that will impair their ability to perform the duties of the profession. For example, well-managed diabetes, well-managed depression, wearing of eye glasses, other treated physical or mental disorders would not necessarily require a “yes” answer to this question.

The board reviews any applications with positive personal data question answers to assess the nature, severity, and risk associated with the medical condition and any ongoing treatment. The board then determines whether to issue the license, restrict the license, or deny the license. Once a board decision has been made on positive application personal data questions, those answers are not used for later discipline.

Education Requirements

Each applicant must have graduated from a nationally accredited, board-approved school of osteopathic medicine. The transcripts must be received directly from the applicant's school or in a sealed envelope.

Post-Graduate Training

Each applicant must have successfully completed at least one year of post-graduate training. The program must be accredited by the American Osteopathic Association or the American Medical Association. A post-graduate training program investigative letter or form must be completed by the program director and returned directly to the department.

Examination Requirements

Each applicant must successfully complete board-approved examinations, which include:

  • Parts I, II, and II of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) or Parts I, II, and III of the exam administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME); or
  • The Washington Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OP&P) Examination with a minimum score of 75 percent in each section; the Comprehensive Osteopathic Variable-Purpose Examination (COMVEX) administered by NBOME with a minimum passing score as established by NBOME; or other state-administered OP&P exam approved by the board; and
  • The Federation of State Licensing Board (FLEX) Examination taken before June 1985 passed with a FLEX weighted average of a minimum of 75 percent; or the FLEX I and FLEX II Examination with a minimum score of 75 on each component; or the United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps I, II, and III after December 1993 with a minimum score as established by the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners

Hospital Privileges

We need verification of all admitting or specialty hospital privileges that have been granted within the past five years from the date of the application. The hospital investigative letter or form must be completed and sent directly from the facility to the department. All facilities listed on the application must be verified. Hospital privileges connected with military practice may be verified by current duty station or if the applicant is no longer in active service, through the National Records Center.

Additional Information/Documents Required

  • American Osteopathic Association (AOA) physician profile
  • Federation of State Medical Boards verification

Note: The board has accepted participation to the Federation of State Medical Boards Credentials Verification Service (FCVS). The FCVS will collect core documents (school, post-graduate training, exam scores and federation clearance) and the board will accept certification from FCVS as meeting that portion of the requirements.

Process for Approving/Denying Applications

We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.57 RCW and chapter 246-853 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Renewal Requirements

Osteopathic physicians must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than 90 days before the expiration date.

RCW 18.57.050(2) for osteopathic physicians (physicians) requires the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery to collect information pertaining to the current professional practice of osteopathic physicians at the time of license renewal. It requires physicians to provide the requested information.

Failure to complete the survey may delay your renewal. More information on the survey's goals, how we'll use the data and access to the survey is on the Washington Health Workforce Survey.

Continuing Education Requirements

Licensed osteopathic physicians must report 150 hours of continuing education every three years. See WAC 246-853-070 and WAC 246-853-080 for content requirements and more information.

Licensed osteopathic physicians must take a one-time training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. See WAC 246-863-065 for more information.

Licensed osteopathic physicians must take a one-time continuing education course regarding best practices in the prescribing of opioids and the current opioid prescribing rules. See WAC 246-853-685 for more information.