How can I check a doctor’s licence?

How do I make the check?

1. Identify the doctor

   Have the doctor give their name in full. Add your planned visit location, including the state.

2. Open the board directory

   Find the directory maintained by the Federation of State Medical Boards. This organization brings together U.S. medical boards.

3. Search the board record

   Search the doctor’s name on that state board’s website for licence status and any public action by the board.

4. Read the status

   Look for a current licence and review the public actions recorded by the board. Ask about anything you cannot understand.

What does a board record tell me?

A doctor’s licensing status appears in the state medical board’s public records, alongside public disciplinary action taken by that board.

The public detail varies by state; a clear record does not rate the quality of a doctor’s care.

Some states have separate boards for medical and osteopathic doctors, so the right board matters.

Osteopathic doctors are another type of doctor. Ask which board holds the record.

What if the prescriber is not a doctor?

Ask which profession and licensing board apply, then use that board’s record.

This doctor lookup process does not check every kind of health professional.