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Osteopathic Physician Licensing Guide and FAQs

Osteopathic Physician Licensing Guide and FAQs

OVERVIEW:

The osteopathic physician license type allows a licensee to engage in the unrestricted practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery. 

NOTE: The content contained below is a general overview of licensing requirements.  Links to access the Public Health Code and Administrative Rules for this profession can be found at the end of this guide.

 

If you currently hold a Michigan Expedited Medical Compact License you are NOT eligible for a Michigan osteopathic physician license.  If you wish to no longer have a Michigan Expedited Medical Compact license and change to a Michigan osteopathic physician license you should apply for that license when your Medical Compact license is in renewal.  At that time send an email tobplhelp@michigan.gov expressing that you DO NOT want to renew your Michigan Expedited Medical Compact license and instead would like to be issued a Michigan osteopathic physician license. 

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LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

APPLICATION AND FEES

  • Online Application for an Osteopathic Physician License - Complete all fields, answer all questions, and upload any supporting documentation.
  • Online Application for Controlled Substance License (Optional)
  • Online applications can be completed by visiting www.michigan.gov/miplus

  • Application Fee + 3 year license fee: (Must be paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit or debit card)
  • Osteopathic Physician License by Exam or Endorsement: $375.00
  • Controlled Substance License: $259.10

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO ALL APPLICANTS

  • If you will be prescribing, dispensing, manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances, you must apply for both an osteopathic physician license and controlled substance license.  You may apply for a controlled substance license by completing the controlled substance license fields in the application.  If you do not apply for a controlled substance license on your osteopathic physician application, you must wait for the osteopathic physician license to be issued before you may apply for a controlled substance license.
  • Opioids and Controlled Substances Awareness Training - An individual seeking a controlled substance license or who is licensed to prescribe or dispense controlled substances must have completed training in opioids and controlled substances awareness that meets the standards established in the Board of Pharmacy Controlled Substances Administrative Rules, R 338.3135 prior to being issued a license.

  • Criminal Background Check – Once the online application is completed and submitted you will be emailed an Application Confirmation letter containing instructions to complete the Criminal Background Check (except those applicants seeking relicensure, for a license that expired within the last three years).
  • Good Moral Character Questions – Documentation and explanation will be required if you answer “yes” to either question to show at the current time you have the ability to, and are likely to, serve the public in a fair, honest and open manner, that you are rehabilitated, or that the substance of the former offense is not reasonably related to the occupation or profession for which you are seeking a license.
  • Human Trafficking Training – Completion of a training to identify victims of human trafficking is required for an individual seeking licensure or registration that meets the standards of Administrative Rule 338.120.
  • Implicit Bias Training – Completion of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration is required.
  • Social Security Number (SSN) – An individual applying for licensure is required to provide his or her social security number at the time of application.  If exempt under law from obtaining an SSN or you do not have an SSN, the SSN affidavit form will be required to be uploaded at the time the application is submitted.
  • Verification of Licensure – Verification of licensure must be sent directly to our office by the licensing agency of any state or province of Canada in which you hold or ever held a license as an osteopathic physician.  Verification includes, but is not limited to, showing proof that the applicant’s license is in good standing and, if applicable, the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant.  Verification can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909.
  • Professional Education – Name of school attended, and name of educational program completed.
  • Hospital Affiliations – Name of each hospital where you are employed or under contract along with the name of each hospital in which you are allowed to practice.
  • English Language Proficiency – An individual applying for licensure must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language.  This can be established if either the applicant’s required health professional educational program was taught in English, a transcript establishes the applicant earned not less than 60 college level credits from an English-speaking graduate or undergraduate school, the applicant’s credentials and English proficiency have been evaluated and determined to be equivalent to the credentials required In this state by a board-approved credentialing agency or that the applicant obtained a passing score on an approved English proficiency exam as established by the department under R 338.7002b(2) of the Public Health Code – General Rules.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY EXAM
(These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to ALL applicants)

  • COMLEX Scores - Verification of having passed all parts to the COMLEX must be submitted directly to this office from the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) by visiting their website at www.nbome.org.  Verification of scores can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI  48909.
  • Official transcripts confirming degree awarded in osteopathic medicine and date conferred must be submitted directly to this office from a school of osteopathic medicine approved by the board.  Transcripts can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI  48909.
  • Certification of satisfactory completion of 1-year Board approved postgraduate clinical training.  The Medical Director or Superintendent where you completed your postgraduate clinical training must submit the Certification of Completion of Postgraduate Training form directly to this office by email to bpldata@michigan.gov or by mail to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI  48909.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT
(These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to ALL applicants)

An applicant applying by endorsement must meet ONE of the following requirements: 

  • Has first been licensed in good standing in another state or in a province of Canada and actively engaged in the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery for at least 5 years before the filing of an application:
  • Verification of the completion of the educational requirements for an osteopathic physician license in a province of Canada or another state to obtain license as an osteopathic physician in a province of Canada or another state.  Verification can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909.
  • Has first been licensed in good standing in another state or province of Canada and actively engaged in the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery less than 5 years before the date of application and satisfies both of the following requirements:
  • Passed all parts of the COMLEX - Verification must be submitted directly to this office from the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) by visiting their website at www.nbome.org.  Verification of scores can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI  48909.
  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of Board approved postgraduate clinical training. The Medical Director or Superintendent where you completed your postgraduate clinical training must submit the Certification of Completion of Postgraduate Training form directly to this office by email to bpldata@michigan.gov or by mail to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI  48909.
  • If licensed in a province of Canada as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and surgery – verification of the completion of the educational requirements for an osteopathic physician license in a province of Canada or another state to obtain licensure as an osteopathic physician in a province of Canada or another state.  Verification can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE APPLYING FOR RELICENSURE
(These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to All applicants)

 

  • Online application can be completed by visiting www.michigan.gov/miplus and selecting MiPLUS Login. Once logged in, click on the “Licenses” tab, select “Modification” next to your license number and this will start the relicensure process.
  • Application Fee +1 year license fee: (Must be paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit or debit card)

    • Osteopathic Physician Relicensure: $395.00
    • Controlled Substance License: $259.10 

     

    All relicensure applicants must complete the following:

  • Submit proof to the department of accumulating not less than 150 hours of Board approved continuing education during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application for relicensure.  Of the 150 hours a minimum of 1 hour in medical ethics must be earned.  A minimum of 3 hours in pain and symptom management and at least 1 of the 3 hours must include controlled substances prescribing. 

 

Applicants for relicensure whose license has lapsed for more than 3 years but less than 5 years preceding the date of application for relicensure must complete the above requirement listed for all relicensure applicants along with ONE of the following requirements:

  • Presents proof to the department that the applicant is actively licensed and in good standing as an osteopathic physician in another state.
  • Completes 1 of the following during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application for relicensure:
  • Takes and passes the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Variable-Purpose Examination (COMVEX) offered by the NBOME.
  • Successfully completes a Board approved postgraduate training program.  *
  • Successfully completes a physician re-entry program that is accredited by the Coalition for Physician Enhancement or affiliated with an osteopathic medical school accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.  *

 

Applicants for relicensure whose license has lapsed for 5 years or more preceding the date of application for relicensure must complete the above requirement listed for all relicensure applicants along with ONE of the following requirements: 

  • Presents proof to the department that the applicant is actively licensed and is in good standing as an osteopathic physician in another state.
  • Successfully completes BOTH of the following requirements during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application for relicensure: 
  • Takes and passes the COMVEX offered by the NBOME.
  • Successfully completes 1 of the following training options:
  • A Board approved post-graduate training program.* 
  • A physician re-entry program that is accredited by the Coalition for Physician Enhancement.* 
  • A physician re-entry program affiliated with an osteopathic medical school accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.* 

 

* If you are an applicant for relicensure and need to complete a board approved post-graduate training program or physician re-entry program, you may apply and be granted an educational limited license for the sole purpose of completing that training. 

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

  • Online Application for Osteopathic Physician License Renewal and Controlled Substance License Renewal must be completed by visiting www.michigan.gov/miplus no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date of current license.
  • Osteopathic Physician Renewal Application Fee: $314.40
  • Controlled Substance Renewal Application Fee: $248.10
  • (Must be paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit or debit card) 
  • Renewal Cycle: 3 years
  • Good Moral Character Questions - Documentation and explanation will be required if you answer “yes” to either question to show at the current time you have the ability to, and are likely to, serve the public in a fair, honest and open manner, that you are rehabilitated, or that the substance of the former offense is not reasonably related to the occupation or profession for which you are seeking license renewal.
  • Disciplinary Question - Documentation will be required if you answer “yes” to having sanctions imposed against you by a similar licensure, registration, certification, or disciplinary board of another state or country you have not previously reported to the department.
  • Human Trafficking Training – Licensees seeking renewal must certify on their renewal application that prior to renewing their license they have completed a one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets the standards in Administrative Rule 338.120.
  • Implicit Bias Training – Licensees and registrants are required to complete 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of their license or registration cycle. Please note, this is not a one-time training and must be completed for each renewal cycle prior to the renewal being completed.
  • Opioids and Controlled Substances Awareness Training –  All controlled substance licensees or individuals who are licensed to prescribe or dispense controlled substances must certify on their renewal application prior to renewing their license that they have completed training in opioids and controlled substance awareness that meets the standards established in Administrative Rule 338.3135.
  • Hospital Affiliations – Name of each hospital where you are employed or under contract along with the name of each hospital in which you are allowed to practice.
  • Accept Renewal Attestation – By accepting the renewal attestation you as the licensee are certifying that you have met the continuing education requirements during the renewal period and all information provided on your renewal application is true and correct.
  • Continuing education requirements for renewal:

    • 150 hours of continuing education in activities approved by the board of which a minimum of 60 hours of the required 150 hours must be earned through Category 1 programs.

    • A minimum of 3 hours of continuing education earned in the area of pain and symptom management.  At least 1 of the 3 hours must include controlled substance prescribing.

    • A minimum of 1 hour of continuing education earned in the area of medical ethics is required for all renewal cycles that began on or after 04/26/2021. 

HELPFUL RESOURCES AND FORMS

By visiting www.michigan.gov/healthlicense and clicking on the osteopathic medicine and surgery link you can access the following helpful resources and forms: 

  • Resources:

Forms:

  • Certification Completion of Postgraduate Training
  • Certification of Medical Education of Medical Schools in the U.S.

Track continuing education using CE Broker – The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) has partnered with CE Broker to help licensed professionals keep track of their continuing education (CE) credits. Additional information can be found on our website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How long is the full Osteopathic Physician license type valid?

    Ostepathic physician licenses are valid for 3 years.

  • I need to change my program on my Educational Limited license. How can I do that?

    If you need to change your program prior to the renewal of your license, you will need to have the new hospital fill out a Certificate of Appointment to a Michigan Training Hospital form signed by the Director of Medical Education and have them email it to BPLData@michigan.gov. Once the program information is processed, we will mail updated hard copies of the licenses directly to the hospital.

    If you are changing programs during your renewal period, you will need to have the new hospital fill out a Certificate of Appointment to a Michigan Training Hospital form signed by the Director of Medical Education and either email it to BPLData@michigan.gov or upload the form to your renewal application. Updated licenses will be mailed to the hospital and copies sent to the email address on record once processed.

    If you are not changing your program during your renewal period, you will complete the renewal application, submit the appropriate fee and the licenses will renew. Updated licenses will be sent to the hospital and copies will be sent to the email address on record.

  • How long does it take to process my application for licensure? Once processed, how long before I receive my license?

    Applications are reviewed in the date order received. Processing time typically varies from 4 to 6 weeks from the date your application is received. Once all the required information is submitted and accepted your license will be issued. If all licensure requirements are not met upon application review, you will receive an email requesting any outstanding items needed to complete your application. Once you are approved for licensure, it takes approximately 7 to 10 business days to receive the license by mail. Immediately upon license issuance a PDF of the license will also be sent to the email address provided on the application.

  • Can I renew my license for a shortened period if I do not need the license for the full license cycle?

    No. When you renew your license, it can only be renewed for the full license cycle.

  • How do I verify my Michigan Osteopathic Physician Educational Limited license?

    Certified license verification requests must be obtained from the Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. You must submit your request via the MiPLUS system. There is a $15.00 fee for certification processing for each address you list. Please note, if you submit both a USPS mailing address and an email address for the same recipient, you will be charged $30.00 since you have requested your certification to go to two different addresses. Normal processing time for verifications being sent by email is the same day, verifications being mailed are sent the next business day. Licenses may also be verified online on the Bureau’s License Verification website free of charge. You may need to confirm with the recipient if verifying a license on this website is acceptable or if a certified license verification is needed.

  • How will I know when I need to renew? Can I renew my license early?

    You will be sent a renewal notification to both your mailing and email address on record approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of your license. You will not be able to renew before that time. Remember to notify the Department of any address change by submitting a MiPLUS modification. It is your responsibility as a licensed health professional to renew your license on time. Failure to receive the renewal postcard, email notification, or to notify the Department of an address change does not exempt you from renewing your license on time. You can renew online by logging into your MiPLUS account at www.michigan.gov/MiPLUS. You may pay your renewal fee by using a debit or credit card containing a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover logo.

  • If I’m licensed in more than one state, Canada or another country, do you need verification from all locations in which I hold or have ever held a license in?

    Yes, we need verification from any state of the United States, Canada or country in which you hold or have ever held a license (active or inactive). The verification must show that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application.

  • Is there a grace period for my renewal?

    Yes, there is a 60-day grace period in which you may renew your license without having to go through the relicensure process. However, if you renew during the 60-day grace period, there is an additional $20.00 late fee when you renew your license.

  • How do I file a complaint against a health care professional?

    Visit the Bureau of Professional Licensing’s website at www.michigan.gov/bpl for information on how to File a Complaint Against a Health Care Licensee.