Log in to LaMED DashBoard to begin a new online initial application, complete a previously started (and saved) online initial application or to check the status of your completed online initial application.
The items listed below MUST be completed and mailed to the LSBME as part of the initial application process.
Oath or Affirmation
All yes answers must be accompanied by a sworn affidavit. A sworn affidavit is an explanation (in applicant’s own words) that must be typed and notarized. Note: If criminal history is found that was not disclosed, you will be required to submit a new Oath or Affirmation, a notarized affidavit as to why you did not disclose the information and a new processing fee equal to the initial licensure fee. It is important that you answer question 3 accurately and truthfully. Do not take the advice of friends, lawyer, etc.
Third Party Authorization
This form must be notarized. It authorizes LSBME to obtain information concerning the applicant from third parties.
Certificate of Dean/Registrar
Complete Section 1 as directed. Mail to professional school/university for completion of Section 2. The school/university must mail the completed form directly to LSBME.
Background Check - NOTE: If you are a physician on a current LSBME training permit, you do not need to do another background check when applying for full licensure. LSBME conducts background checks as part of the application process. Instructions and forms can be found at the link above.
Applicants with Criminal Histories, including pending matters, may expect delays.
Common Causes for Delay; Preparation for Application:
Below is a list of common causes for delay. Applicants should carefully review the instructions and application on the LSBME website to be sure that they have gathered all necessary documents timely.
Diploma. The medical schools at Louisiana State University—New Orleans and Louisiana State University—Shreveport copy the diploma of each student who participates in a Louisiana Match Program and forwards a certified copy of the diploma to the LSBME. Graduates of Tulane University Medical School and other medical schools should either make arrangements for their medical school to copy, certify and forward the certified copy of the diploma to the LSBME OR bring the original diploma along with a copy for reviewing & verification by LSBME staff to the LSBME office. The LSBME will not accept a certified copy of the medical school diploma from the applicant.
Verification of License in Other States - Verification of all state licenses are required. Contact the state board(s) directly to obtain verification of your license. Please note, there may be a processing fee needed.
Additional Requirements
Fees
Fee must be paid via credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover only) .
Fee is non-refundable.
PGY1
· For up to 12 months
· Issued to graduates of medical school
· For first year internship
· Initial Fee $50
· Renewal Fee $100
PGY2
· For up to 12 months
· Issued to graduates of a medical school
· Can be issued to graduates of a medical school who have not taken and/or passed USMLE Step 3
· If applicant has not previously received LSBME-issued PGY1 permit (i.e. applicant from out-of-state moving to Louisiana and applying for PGY2 permit) applicant must complete a licensure application and provide letter from PGY2 Program Director
· Initial Fee $100
· Renewal Fee $100
Birth Certificate/Valid Visa
- U.S. citizen - submit a notarized or certified copy of your birth certificate.
- U.S. citizen not born in the U.S. - submit a notarized copy of your certificate of citizenship, consular report of birth abroad or certificate of naturalization.
- Non-U.S. citizen - submit a notarized copy of current proof of citizenship. Acceptable forms of citizenship are an H1B Visa, J1 Visa, O1 Visa, TN Visa, Permanent Resident card or Employment Authorization card.
- Louisiana law (LA RS: 37.12) requires a valid permit to live and work in the United States to practice medicine.
- J1 Visas are structured for training and educational purposes only. The typical sponsor for a Medical Doctor’s J1 Visa is the ECFMG. A J1 visa is not for employment outside of a formal training program.
- H1B Visas are intended for those who are performing a specialized service or occupation. These Visas are usually sponsored by hospitals or a particular employer.
- The LSBME works with the United States INS to grant interlocking letters to obtain an effective date for the H1B Visa. The effective date of the Visa will be the effective date of the Louisiana license or permit issued by the LSBME.
- The applicant’s employer usually needs a valid LSBME license to complete the credentialing process for hospitals, insurance companies, and professional liability insurers. Therefore, the licensure applicant should work with the United States INS Visa sponsor to set the effective date for the Visa.
Other Information
Verification of Application/Licensure Status - Visit our website at www.lsbme.la.gov and log on to your account to verify the progress/status of your application.
Communication with the Board
Mailing Address - LSBME, 630 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Questions - Contact our licensing department at licensing@lsbme.la.gov. To find the analyst directly assigned to your application, click on Contact Us.
Checklist:
- Original and 8½" X 11" photocopy of diploma M.D./D.O. from approved school located in U.S., including Puerto Rico, or Canada. No substitute accepted.
-
See discussion of birth certificates and passports herein.
-
Criminal Background Check Materials
About USMLE
USMLE Step 3/LICENSURE APPLICATIONS—AMERICAN/CANADIAN APPLICANTS ONLY
USMLE packets are different from LSBME licensure application packets. USMLE Step 3 applications are available from the Federation of State Medical Boards, Inc. (FSMB). Do not contact the LSBME for applications for USMLE packets. Applications for the USMLE Step 3 are available to the applicant by contacting the FSMB. See “About the Federation of State Medical Boards, Inc.” herein and the FSMB website at www.fsmb.org. Failure to appear for a scheduled USMLE Step 3 examination will result in an automatic failure as set forth by the LSBME.
The Federation of State Medical Boards, Inc. (FSMB) provides that USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 do not have to be taken in a specific order. An applicant can register for both simultaneously and take both tests within days of each other. Step 3 has the following USMLE pre-requisites:
-
M.D. degree (or equivalent) or D.O. degree;
-
Pass USMLE Step 1 and Step 2;
-
If International Medical School Graduate (IMG), must be ECFMG certified; and
-
Meet conditions required by the LSBME
The applicant who has failed a step of the USMLE must wait 60 days from the date of the previous sitting to retake that step. There is a limit of 3 attempts to pass a Step in a 12-month period. For further and/or new and/or additional information regarding the USMLE, contact the FSMB at www.fsmb.org.
Applicant Who Does Not Take and Pass USMLE Step 3
The applicant who does not take and pass the USMLE Step 3 may apply for a PGY2 permit for up to 12 months. This has the effect of providing applicants with a 24-month period during the PGY1 and PGY2 years to take and pass the USMLE Step 3. The applicant who has not taken and passed the USMLE Step 3 prior to the expiration of the PGY1 or PGY2 permit may not be licensed by the LSBME until such time that the applicant has taken and passed the USMLE Step 3. The LSBME does not issue a PGY3 permit in these cases. As such, there is generally no permit or license issued and immediately available to the applicant who has not taken and passed the USMLE Step 3 when the PGY2 permit expires.
Four Strikes and You’re Out (applies to USMLE Steps 2 and 3)
Applicants are limited to 4 attempts to take and pass the USMLE Step 2. Applicants are limited to 4 attempts to take and pass the USLME Step 3. An applicant who fails USMLE Step 3 after the third attempt must take 6 months of approved training before permitted to take Step 3 for the fourth and final time. This applies to all examinations (FLEX, SPEX, NBME, NBOME, COMLEX-USA, or a combination thereof).
Examination And Board Action History Report (EBAHR)
Applicants who are required to take the USMLE must complete the Examination and Board Action History Report (EBAHR) form and arrange to have scores forwarded to the LSBME. EBAHR forms are available by contacting the FSMB at the following address:
Federation of State Medical Boards, Inc. (FSMB)
400 Fuller Wiser Road, Suite 300
Euless, Texas 76039-3855
Phone: (817) 868-4000
Web site: www.fsmb.org