Alaska requires physicians to hold an active Alaska medical license before practicing in the state. WMS was founded by a healthcare provider who saw firsthand the need for quality care in Alaska’s frontier communities, and licensing support has been part of how we work with physicians from the start. This guide covers the full Alaska physician licensing process, including fees, timelines, the FSMB Uniform Application option, and additional requirements specific to locum tenens independent contractors.
Alaska State Medical Board Contact Information
Alaska State Medical Board (SMB)
Phone: (907) 269-8163
Email: medicalboard@alaska.gov
Website: Alaska State Medical Board
Alaska Physician Licensing: At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $400 (nonrefundable) |
| Permanent License Fee | $350 |
| Total Fees | $750 |
| Initial Review Timeline | 10-14 weeks after receipt of completed application |
| Temporary License | Issued at initial review if application is complete; carries all same privileges as permanent license |
| Application Options | Alaska State Medical Board standard application OR FSMB Uniform Application with Alaska Addendum |
| Compact State | No. All physicians must apply for an Alaska license to practice in the state. |
Physician License Application
The Alaska physician license application can be completed online through your MyAlaska account. Online submission is recommended for fastest processing. A printable application, checklist, and instructions are also available on the Medical Board’s Applications and Forms page. The Medical Board also maintains a physician licensing FAQ page that covers common application questions.
FSMB Uniform Application Option
The Alaska State Medical Board accepts the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) Uniform Application for initial licensure. This can be a useful option for physicians applying for licenses in multiple states simultaneously, as the Uniform Application is accepted in many states and reduces the amount of redundant documentation required.
If using the FSMB Uniform Application, you must also complete and submit the Alaska Addendum along with payment. For questions about the Uniform Application, contact FSMB directly:
- Phone: 800-793-7939
- Email: ua@fsmb.org
Licensing Fees
- Application fee: $400 (nonrefundable)
- Permanent license fee: $350
- Total: $750
Licensing Timeline
The Alaska Medical Board processes applications in the order received. Initial review typically occurs 10-14 weeks after a completed application is received. If your application is complete with nothing outstanding, you can expect your temporary license within 10 business days of that review. The fastest end-to-end timeline from submission to temporary license is approximately 2.5 months.
If the board requests corrections, responses to disclosure questions, or additional documentation, processing times can extend to 3-4 months. A thorough, complete application is the most effective way to stay on schedule.
Temporary License
If your application is fully complete and valid, the Medical Board will issue a temporary license at the time of initial review at no additional cost. Your temporary license carries all the same privileges as your permanent license. Contact your WMS recruiter as soon as your temporary license is confirmed so we can complete onboarding and get your first assignment scheduled.
DEA Clearance Report
As part of the physician application, you are required to request a clearance report from the DEA for your DEA registration. Use the form included in the application and mail your request to:
Drug Enforcement Administration
300 5th Avenue, Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104
DEA Registration
You will need an Alaska address registered on your DEA license before starting any assignment where you will be prescribing. This is not a prerequisite for the physician license itself, but it is required before you can legally prescribe in the state.
Most locum tenens physicians transfer their existing DEA license to Alaska immediately before an assignment begins rather than purchasing an additional license. Either approach is acceptable. Changes to your DEA registration can be made through the DEA Diversion Control Division website.
Note: Transferring an existing DEA license to a new state can take up to 5 business days. Plan accordingly.
Opioid Education Requirement
All physicians with a DEA registration must have completed education in pain management, opioid use, and addiction as part of the Alaska physician licensing requirement. Attestation of this education is required for a new license.
Eligible course types:
- AMA-approved Category 1 CME
- AOA-approved Category 1 or 2 CME
Important: The title or description of your Certificate of Completion must specifically reference all three subject areas: pain management, opioid use, and addiction. A certificate that references only one or two of these areas may not satisfy the requirement.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Any physician with prescriptive authority is required to register with Alaska’s PDMP before prescribing in the state. Registration is free and completed online through the Alaska PDMP website.
Business License
Alaska locum tenens physicians working as 1099 independent contractors are required to obtain an Alaska business license before signing a WMS contract. While a business license is not required to practice medicine in Alaska, it is required to operate as an independent contractor.
Most physicians set up a simple Assumed Business Name (sole proprietorship). Some choose to form an LLC or register an existing LLC in Alaska as a foreign entity. If you have questions about which structure is right for your situation, consult a CPA before registering.
Registering a Sole Proprietorship (Assumed Business Name)
- Visit the Alaska business license registration website
- Line of business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance
- NAICS code: 621999
Registering an LLC in Alaska
The first step is selecting a registered agent, a person or business authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. WMS and many of the physicians we work with use the law firm Baxter Bruce & Sullivan as their registered agent.
Step 1: Get a Registered Agent
- Call Stefanie Wolter at Baxter Bruce & Sullivan (907-789-3166) and let her know you’d like to register your LLC in Alaska using them as your registered agent.
- Sign an engagement letter and pay their fee ($265 + tax, annual). You’ll need to provide your LLC name and member information.
- Once complete, they will provide an entity number needed for the LLC application.
Step 2: Register Your LLC in Alaska
- Register your LLC online through the Alaska business entity registration portal.
- NAICS code: 621999
Step 3: Register for an Alaska Business License
- Once your LLC is registered, use the entity number provided to register for an Alaska business license.
- Owner Type: Entity | Line of Business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance | NAICS code: 621999
Registering a Foreign LLC: If you have an existing LLC formed outside Alaska, register it as a Foreign Entity using the same registered agent and NAICS information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Alaska physician license?
The board typically reviews applications 10-14 weeks after receipt. If your application is complete with nothing outstanding, you can expect your temporary license within 10 business days of that review, putting the fastest end-to-end timeline at approximately 2.5 months. If the board requests corrections or additional documentation, timelines can extend to 3-4 months.
Can I use the FSMB Uniform Application for Alaska licensure?
Yes. The Alaska State Medical Board accepts the FSMB Uniform Application for initial licensure. This can be a practical option for physicians applying in multiple states simultaneously. You must also complete and submit the Alaska Addendum with payment. Contact FSMB at 800-793-7939 or ua@fsmb.org with questions.
When can I expect a response from the Alaska Medical Board?
The board processes applications in date order. If you haven’t heard anything after 8-10 weeks, you can contact the licensing examiner to confirm the status of your application. Reaching out before the 8-week mark is unlikely to produce a response. Once reviewed, the board will update your MyAlaska account with any outstanding items.
What is the best way to follow up with my licensing examiner?
Find your assigned examiner by last name on the Medical Board contact page. Email is the most reliable channel, though phone is also an option. Once your application has been reviewed and the examiner has followed up with requests, monitor your MyAlaska account for action items rather than emailing proactively.
Does the notary signature page need to be mailed?
For the online application, the notarized signature page must be scanned and uploaded through your MyAlaska account. For the paper application, include the original notarized page when mailing your application.
What opioid education is required for the Alaska physician license?
Physicians with a DEA registration must have completed education in pain management, opioid use, and addiction. Your Certificate of Completion must specifically reference all three subject areas in its title or description. Eligible formats include AMA Category 1 or AOA Category 1 or 2 CME.
Do I need a DEA license registered in Alaska before starting an assignment?
Yes, if you will be prescribing. You do not need an Alaska DEA address for the physician license itself, but you must have one before prescribing in the state. Most locum tenens physicians transfer their existing DEA license to Alaska just before an assignment begins. Transfers can take up to 5 business days.
Why do I need a business license for locum tenens work in Alaska?
Alaska requires independent contractors to hold a state business license to conduct business in the state. Because WMS physicians work as 1099 independent contractors rather than employees, a business license is required before a contract can be signed. Most physicians register a sole proprietorship, though an LLC is also an option.
Questions about Alaska physician licensing or your upcoming assignment? Contact the WMS team.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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