Why does the patient’s location matter?
States regulate medical practice inside their borders, and most treat care as happening where the patient is. A prescriber in Texas treating a patient sitting in Ohio generally needs authority from Ohio. Some states run limited telehealth registrations or exceptions, and the terms vary, so check each state with its medical or nursing board.
What does the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact do?
The Compact gives qualified physicians a voluntary, expedited pathway to licenses in multiple states. It does not create a national license: each member state still issues its own. The Commission’s map listed 44 member states and 2 territories as of October 31, 2026, though a few of those are still implementing it or issue only limited license types.
Does the Compact cover nurse practitioners and physician assistants?
No. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact covers physicians. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants follow their own state rules, and prescriptive authority and supervision requirements differ from one state to the next.
How do you verify a prescriber?
Check two things separately. The NPPES NPI Registry confirms a National Provider Identifier and who holds it. A state license is a separate fact, so verify it with the licensing board for each state, and keep a record of when you checked.
Do controlled substances change the answer?
Yes. They add DEA rules on top of state licensing. DEA and HHS extended telemedicine flexibilities through December 31, 2026, which let DEA-registered practitioners prescribe controlled medications by telemedicine without a prior in-person visit. Check the current rule before relying on this after that date.
How does SourceRX handle prescriber coverage?
SourceRX builds prescriber coverage around the states an approved partner plans to ship to. Staff create each prescriber account, confirm the NPI against NPPES and record licenses per state. A prescriber cannot sign in until both are done, and a partner cannot write the prescriptions it sells. Read more on the compliance page.
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General information, not legal or medical advice. Rules vary by state and change over time, so have healthcare counsel review your plans.