To qualify for a Rhode Island medical license, applicants must:
Hold an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
Complete ACGME- or AOA-approved postgraduate training (minimum of 2 years for IMG physicians; 1 year for U.S./Canadian graduates).
Possess an active, unencumbered medical license in another state (if applying by endorsement) or be eligible for licensure by examination.
Pass one of the following board-approved examinations:
USMLE
COMLEX
NBME/NBOME combinations
Provide verification of national certifications, training, and prior licensure sent directly from each issuing organization.
Submit official medical school transcripts and degree verification (sent directly to the Rhode Island Board).
Complete a state and FBI background check, including fingerprinting.
Complete the online Physician Licensure Application through the
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) – Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.
Choose the appropriate application type:
Initial Licensure (Examination)
Licensure by Endorsement (if already licensed elsewhere)
Pay all required fees for application and processing.
Upload or submit all required documentation, including:
Medical school transcripts and degree
Postgraduate training verifications
National exam results
License verifications (if endorsed)
Proof of identification
Background check documents
Submit fingerprints for the mandatory criminal background check.
Rhode Island does not require a collaborating physician for MD/DO licensure.
However, to prescribe controlled substances, physicians must:
Apply for a Rhode Island Controlled Substance Registration (CSR).
Obtain or maintain an active DEA registration.
Complete any Board-required training on controlled substances or opioid prescribing.
To maintain a Rhode Island medical license, physicians must complete:
40 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every 2 years
2 hours of CME in substance abuse or controlled substance prescribing, if prescribing
Any additional CME required for CSR renewal, as mandated by the Board
Physicians must maintain documentation for Board audits.
Typical processing time ranges from:
6–8 weeks for complete, error-free applications
Longer if verifications, background checks, or training documents are delayed
Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure & Discipline
https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=243
Physician Licensure Requirements (RIDOH)
https://health.ri.gov/licenses/healthcare
Rhode Island Controlled Substance Registration (CSR)
https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=353
FBI Background Check Information
https://health.ri.gov/fingerprint
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