State Medical Board Links &
Healthcare Regulations
State medical board links, NP scope of practice, telehealth parity laws, and licensing resources for all 50 states — essential for multi-state telehealth and healthcare businesses.
NP Scope of Practice: Full vs. Reduced vs. Restricted
Nurse practitioner scope of practice is one of the most important regulatory variables for healthcare businesses. It determines whether your NPs can practice independently, what physician oversight is required, and how your practice must be structured.
| Practice Level | What It Means | Physician Requirement | Impact on Business Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Practice Authority | NPs can practice independently without physician oversight | None required | NPs can own and operate practices independently in most cases |
| Reduced Practice Authority | NPs can practice with a collaborative agreement | Collaborative practice agreement required | Physician collaboration required; may affect ownership structure |
| Restricted Practice Authority | NPs must practice under physician supervision | Active physician supervision required | Physician must be involved in clinical operations; affects staffing costs |
Multi-State Telehealth Licensing
Telehealth providers must be licensed in the state where the patient is located at the time of the encounter — not where the provider is located. Multi-state telehealth practices must obtain and maintain licenses in every state where they see patients.
- ✓Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) — Expedited physician licensing in multiple states. Participating states allow faster license applications for physicians licensed in their home state.
- ✓Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) — Allows RNs and LPNs to practice in 40+ compact states under a single multistate license.
- ✓APRN Compact — Allows NPs and other APRNs to practice in compact states under a single multistate license. Fewer participating states than the NLC.
- ✓DEA Registration — Providers must have DEA registration in each state where they prescribe controlled substances, or use the DEA Special Registration for Telemedicine.
Full compact guide: See all 19 healthcare professions, participating state counts, and compact status in one place.
Multi-State Licensure Hub →Expanding your telehealth practice to new states?
Speak With AJ PakpourAll 50 States — Medical Board Links & Regulatory Overview
Scope of practice and telehealth parity information is provided for general reference only and may change. Always verify current requirements with the relevant state medical board and consult a healthcare attorney for state-specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have full practice authority for nurse practitioners?
As of 2026, approximately 27 states and DC have granted full practice authority to nurse practitioners, including AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, ID, IL, IA, ME, MD, MN, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WY, and others. Verify current status with your state board of nursing.
What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
The IMLC is an expedited pathway for physicians to obtain licenses in multiple states. Participating states allow physicians licensed in their home state to obtain licenses in other compact states more quickly. The IMLC does not replace individual state licenses — it streamlines the application process.
Do I need a separate medical license for each state where I practice telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth providers must be licensed in the state where the patient is located at the time of the encounter — not where the provider is located. Multi-state telehealth practices must obtain and maintain licenses in every state where they see patients.
What is telehealth parity law?
Telehealth parity laws require insurance companies to reimburse telehealth services at the same rate as in-person services. Most states have some form of telehealth parity law, but coverage requirements vary. Some states require parity for all services; others limit parity to specific services or payers.
Can I prescribe controlled substances via telehealth?
Controlled substance prescribing via telehealth is governed by the Ryan Haight Act and DEA regulations. The DEA Special Registration for Telemedicine provides pathways for prescribing certain controlled substances via telehealth without a prior in-person evaluation. State laws add additional requirements. Consult current DEA guidance and a healthcare attorney before prescribing controlled substances via telehealth.