Licensure Information

Every house officer must have a valid and current license to practice medicine in the state of Illinois. While the GME office assists applicants with the licensure process, it is your responsibility as a house officer to make sure your license is always current. You may not start your program until an Illinois license is secured.

Do not delay! The Illinois application process can take two to three months. Provided below are the appropriate forms and instructions for different types of licenses. Review this material thoroughly to make sure you are applying for the right license. Print applicable instructions and applications, review in detail, and complete the forms carefully.

IMPORTANT: Please know that the internal links on the licensure applications (in Adobe PDF format) can only be opened and used on PCs. The forms may be completed on-line, but will then need to be printed out for signature and submission. These links and forms do not work on MACs (which opens PDF files in the default Preview software instead of Adobe Acrobat Reader). We apologize for this inconvenience. These forms may be emailed to you upon request: rush_gmelicensing@rush.edu

Ideally, you should send a COMPLETE application, fee and all supporting documents together to GME. However, if you anticipate a delay with obtaining some of your supporting documents, send in MINIMALLY the 4-page application and fee (and any other pieces available) and send the remaining ASAP. Premed and medical transcripts may be sent directly to IDFPR Medical Unit (320 W. Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62786) so as to not slow down your submission.

After you have completed and signed the appropriate application, please attach a check payable to “IDFPR” (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations) for the correct amount ($100 for a training/temporary license; $300 for a permanent license). The absolute deadline is April 15, but we recommend that you complete these forms as soon as possible. Mail your completed application and check to:

Graduate Medical Education
Rush University Medical Center
600 S. Paulina, Suite 527, AcFac
Chicago, IL 60612-3833

Be sure to have your package weighed for the correct postage.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call GME at 312-942-5495 or email: rush_GMElicensing@rush.edu.

Temporary Medical Licenses
code #125, $100

This is the only license available for house officers who do not qualify for a permanent license; most first- and second-year residents should apply for this.

This license is owned by Rush and covers only the practice of medicine as included within the realm of the Rush training program. It is issued for up to three years from start date, but may be extended for longer training programs.

• Instructions for Illinois Temporary License for U.S. Medical School Graduates (AMG) (PDF, 112K)
  
  
• Instructions for Illinois Temporary License for International Medical School Graduates (IMG) (PDF, 30K)
  
  
• Instructions for Transferring an Illinois Temporary License (PDF, 58K)
  For those who currently hold a valid temporary Illinois license from a different institution/program.

Permanent Medical Licenses
code #036, cost $300

To qualify for a permanent license, you must have completed at least two years of residency in the United States or Canada and must have passed all three USMLE Step exams. Most fellowships require this license.

The permanent license is owned by the house officer. With a permanent license, you could practice medicine outside Rush. This license is valid for up to three years depending upon the issuance cycle (licenses issued after April 1, 2008 will expire July 31, 2011). If you already have a permanent license to practice medicine in Illinois, please deliver a copy of the license to the GME office. You may fax a copy to (312) 942-5727, or e-mail a copy to rush_GMElicensing@rush.edu.

• Instructions for Permanent Licensure for U.S. and International Medical Graduates (PDF, 119K)
  
  
• Instructions for Permanent Licensure for those who have taken Step 3 in Illinois (PDF, 120K)
  
  

Controlled Substance Licenses
FOR PERMANENT LICENSE APPLICANTS/HOLDERS ONLY
code #336, cost $5

This application for a state controlled substance registration is required only for those practice locations where controlled drugs are stored in Illinois. A separate application is required for EACH location. Those applying through Rush will use the Rush GME address. The license will be mailed to GME and our staff will notify you when it is received so you can pick it up. A controlled substance license will not be issued until a permanent license is issued, and it will expire at the same time your permanent license does. This is a prerequisite for a Federal controlled substance registration. If you already have a DEA and have been in another state, you will need to apply for an Illinois Controlled Substance license in order to use your DEA in this state.

The application is included in the packet above for permanent licenses as well as below:

• Instructions & Application for Illinois Controlled Substance Registration (PDF, 60K)

DEA Substance Registration
FOR PERMANENT LICENSE APPLICANTS/HOLDERS ONLY
code #DEA 224 cost $551 for three years

DEA application forms for new applicants (those who do not already possess a DEA registration) may be made via the U S Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration website with a charge card. You will need this information to complete the application:

• your social security number
• Illinois State Controlled Substance Registration Number
• Illinois State Permanent License number
• credit card (VISA or MasterCard only)