NHSC Publications: 2003 Rolling Practice Selection and Assignment Bulletin for Physician Assistants, Certified Nurse-Midwives and Nurse Practitioners

IV. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

WHAT ARE THE LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MET BY THE SCHOLAR PRIOR TO STARTING EMPLOYMENT AT A PRACTICE?

Scholars must meet appropriate State licensure/certification requirements before beginning their service commitment. Scholars serving under a PPO or PPA Agreement are required to have an unrestricted license in the State where the practice is located. Scholars serving as Federal employees may be licensed in any State.

All scholars must successfully complete national certification exams for their discipline prior to beginning their NHSC commitment. No service credit will be given to any scholar who starts working at a NHSC site prior to passing certification exams.

WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN TO SEEK STATE LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION?

You will need to apply for State licensure/certification immediately upon notification of employment or after signing a contract with the practice. Credit toward your NHSC service commitment will be granted only if you provide the full scope of service within your professional discipline. (Note that service under temporary licensure will be credited only if 1) the temporary license allows the full scope of practice within the professional discipline and 2) the scholar is in the process of applying for a permanent license.)

WHAT HAPPENS TO SCHOLARS WHO FAIL TO SECURE STATE LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION AND/OR NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION BY THE TIME THEY ARE REQUIRED TO BEGIN SERVICE?

Scholars who fail to obtain national professional certification in their discipline, due to unsuccessful examination results, must request a suspension. Scholars who fail to obtain the requisite State license/certification due to any reason other than unsuccessful examination results will be placed in default of their service commitment.

Questions about State licensure/certification requirements should be directed to the State licensing agency responsible for that location where you plan to work.

Next: Suspension