The Arkansas State Medical Board (ASMB) has 14 members, including 12 doctors and 2 people representing consumers. The Governor chooses these members to serve for six years. As of May 2023, there are more than 3,941 doctors working actively in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Board of Medicine (AR) was set up to make sure all doctors in the state are good enough to work safely. The board helps a lot by looking into complaints and taking action against doctors who don’t follow the rules.
If you’re interested in how to get or renew a medical license in Arkansas, this article has easy steps to follow. It also talks about Heartbeat AI, a tool that simplifies this process. Let’s see how Arkansas ensures its doctors are well-trained and keep everyone safe.
What’s on this page:
Arkansas Board of Medicine: At A Glance
The Board of Medicine Arkansas provides medicine licenses to doctors and makes sure they follow the rules. The board checks that doctors are trained well and can do their jobs safely.
Here is how you can contact them and what they do:
Contact Information
- Phone: +1 501-296-1802
- Website: Arkansas Board of Medicine
What is the Arkansas Board of Medicine Responsible for?
The Arkansas Board of Medicine is responsible for:
- Licensing and Credentialing: The Board is responsible for issuing licenses to qualified physicians, physician assistants, and certain other types of healthcare providers. It ensures that applicants meet the required educational and training standards.
- Regulation and Oversight: It makes sure that doctors and healthcare workers follow state rules and laws about medicine. This includes maintaining standards for professional conduct and competence.
- Disciplinary Actions: The Board has the authority to take disciplinary actions against practitioners who violate medical practice laws or the board’s regulations. Actions can include reprimands, fines, license suspension, or revocation.
- Continuing Medical Education (CME): The Board often requires licensed medical professionals to complete a certain amount of continuing medical education hours to maintain their license, ensuring practitioners stay up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and practices.
- Public Protection: The main goal of the Board is to keep people safe and healthy by making sure doctors are skilled and always do what’s best for their patients. This includes investigating complaints from the public about medical practitioners.
- Policy and Regulation Development: The Board helps make rules and policies that control how medicine is practiced in the state. They often work together with other state health groups or law-making groups to do this.
Arkansas Board of Medicine License Lookup
You can go to the Arkansas Medicine License Lookup page to search for a doctor or assistant doctor by their name or license number. This function helps you check the license status of medical professionals authorized by the Arkansas Board of Medicine.
Additionally, you can use Heartbeat, a straightforward tool designed to ensure that doctors in Arkansas have valid licenses. It aims to make it easy for you to access the information you require quickly.
Are You Eligible for Arkansas Medical License?
To be eligible for the Arkansas Medicine Board License, you must graduate from medical school and clear crucial tests. Following this, you need to undergo hospital-based training, often referred to as a residency program.
Additionally, you must undergo a background check to ensure you have no criminal record. The last steps involve submitting an application and paying a fee. It’s wise to contact the Arkansas Medical Board to see if there are any additional requirements or recent changes.
Arkansas Board of Medicine License Requirements
To get a medical license in Arkansas, you need to follow these steps:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Fill out an online application form.
- Send the completed application with all required documents and fees to the State Medical Board.
- Pass specific exams.
- Provide proof of your postgraduate training.
- Go through a criminal background check.
- Complete 20 hours of (CME).
- Submit your medical school transcripts or a specific form.
- Provide details of your internship, residency, or fellowships, including those completed outside the USA.
- List all state licenses you’ve had (both past and present).
- Document hospital privileges you’ve held since graduating from medical school.
- List all employment since graduating from medical school.
- Include your AMA or AOA profile.
- Submit an FSMB board action report.
- Graduate from an accredited allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical school.
- Finish both step 1 and step 2 of the USMLE.
- Ensure there have been no adverse actions taken against any medical license you’ve held.
How to Get an Arkansas Board of Medicine License?
Obtaining a medical license from the Arkansas Board of Medicine requires following several important steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the process.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
First, you must have graduated from an accredited medical school. You also need to have completed a residency training program. Make sure you’re of good moral character, which is typically proven through references or background checks.
Step 2: Pass the USMLE Exams
You must pass all three steps of the (USMLE). These tests check your understanding, skills, and how well you can use key science ideas important for health and treating illnesses.
Step 3: Submit the Arkansas Board of Medicine License Application
Fill out the application form provided by the Arkansas Board of Medicine. You can find this form on their official website. The application will ask for personal information, educational background, and details about your medical training. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
Along with your application, you’ll need to submit several documents. These include your medical school transcript, proof of completing your residency program, and a copy of your USMLE scores. You may also need to provide letters of recommendation.
Step 5: Criminal Background Check
Arkansas requires a criminal background check for all medical license applicants. You’ll need to provide fingerprints that the Board will use to conduct the check. This process ensures that all practicing physicians meet the state’s standards for moral character.
Step 6: Pay the Fees
There’s an application fee that you must pay when you submit your application and documents. This fee pays for reviewing your application and checking your background. Make sure to check the current fee amount on the Arkansas Board of Medicine’s website as it can change.
Step 7: Attend the Interview
Once your application and documents are reviewed, you might be called for an interview. Not all applicants are interviewed, but it’s a possibility. This is a chance for the Board to ask you questions and for you to clarify any details of your application.
Step 8: Wait for Your License
After completing all the steps above, your application will be reviewed by the Board. If everything is in order, your medical license will be issued. The time it takes to get your license can vary, so be patient.
Step 9: Maintain Your License
Once you have your license, remember that it needs to be renewed periodically. The Arkansas Board of Medicine will provide information on how and when to renew your license. Keeping up with continuing medical education (CME) requirements is also essential to maintain your license.
Arkansas Medical Board Licensure Time Frame
Getting a medical license in Arkansas usually takes about 12 to 16 weeks, according to the Arkansas State Medical Board. This time is needed for checking all the application details, making sure everything is right, and doing background checks to keep high standards for doctors in Arkansas.
It’s a good idea to apply early and make sure all your information is correct to avoid any hold-ups. The Arkansas State Medical Board works hard to make sure the process is done carefully and as quickly as possible because they know how important it is for doctors to start working and helping people.
Cost of Arkansas Medical Board License?
As of June 18, 2023, if you’re applying for a medical license in Arkansas, you will need to pay a total of $500. This amount covers a $400 fee for the application itself and an additional $100 for a criminal background check. You can pay with a credit card or online check when you apply on the Internet.
If you’re interested in getting a temporary license, the cost is $50, and you won’t have to pay extra as long as you meet all the necessary criteria. Expect the process for obtaining a permanent license to take between twelve and sixteen weeks.
For people who wish to make applying for a license easier, the FCVS helps by safely keeping and sharing your important papers with state medical boards. The initial application fee for the FCVS is $395.
Arkansas Board of Medicine License Renewal
Renewing your medical license with the Arkansas Board of Medicine is an important step in maintaining your ability to practice medicine in the state of Arkansas. Below is a simplified guide to help you understand the process step by step.
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
Your license to practice medicine in Arkansas needs to be renewed every two years. It’s important to know your specific renewal date, which is tied to your birth month. Make sure you start the renewal process well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
Step 2: Complete Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements
Before you can renew your license, you must complete the required Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours. For doctors, this usually means doing 20 hours of learning activities approved by the American Medical Association (AMA) or similar groups every year. Keep records of your CME activities, as you’ll need to report them during the renewal process.
Step 3: Visit the Arkansas Board of Medicine Website
Visit the Arkansas Board of Medicine’s official website. Look for the section dedicated to license renewal. This is where you’ll find specific instructions and the online renewal application.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the necessary documents you’ll need for the renewal process. This includes information on your completed CME hours, your current medical license details, and personal identification information. Having these documents ready will make the online application process smoother.
Step 5: Complete the Online Renewal Application
On the Arkansas Board of Medicine website, fill out the online renewal application. This will involve entering personal information, details about your medical practice, and information on your CME hours. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee
After completing the application, you’ll be asked to pay the renewal fee. This fee can vary, so check the current amount on the Board’s website. Payment is typically accepted through credit or debit cards. Ensure your card is ready and has sufficient funds to cover the fee.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Review your application and all the information you’ve added. Once you’re sure everything is correct, submit your application. You’ll receive a confirmation that your application has been received.
Step 8: Wait for Confirmation of Renewal
After submitting your application, the Arkansas Board of Medicine will review it. This process can take some time, so be patient. Once your renewal is processed and approved, you will receive a confirmation. This might be sent via email or available on the Board’s website. Keep an eye on your email and the website for any updates.
Step 9: Keep Records
Once your license has been renewed, make sure to keep a record of your new license details and the confirmation of renewal. It’s also a good idea to continue keeping track of your CME activities for your next renewal cycle.
Arkansas Board of Medicine License Verification
To verify the license of a medical professional in Arkansas through the Arkansas Board of Medicine, you can follow these steps.
Step 1: Go to the Arkansas Board of Medicine Website
The first thing you need to do is visit the official website of the Arkansas Board of Medicine. This is where they keep all the information about medical professionals licensed in Arkansas.
Step 2: Find the License Verification Section
Once you are on the homepage, look for a section or a link that says something like “License Verification” or “Verify a License.” This link goes to a page where you can look up medical professionals.
Step 3: Enter the Required Information
On the license verification page, you will see fields to enter information such as the doctor’s name, license number, or other details they ask for. You don’t need to fill in all the fields, but the more information you provide, the easier it will be to find the correct person.
Step 4: Conduct the Search
After entering the information, there will be a button to start the search, often labeled “Search” or “Submit.” Press this button to start looking for medical license details.
Step 5: Review the Results
The search will show a list of names or directly show you the information of the medical person you’re searching for. Click on the name or the details button next to the correct person to see more about their license status.
Step 6: Understand the License Information
Once you are looking at the details of the medical license, you’ll find information such as the license number, the status of the license (active, expired, etc.), and other relevant details like any specialties or board certifications.
Step 7: Contact the Board if Needed
If you have trouble finding the information you need or have questions about a license, look for a “Contact Us” link on the Arkansas Board of Medicine website. They can provide further assistance or clarify any doubts you might have.
How Often Do Medicine Licenses Need to be Renewed in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, medical professionals must renew their licenses every two years, aligning with the end of their birth month. The Arkansas State Medical Board (ASBN) uses a birth date-based system to stagger these renewals. Initially issued licenses vary in validity from three to twenty-seven months, depending on the licensee’s birth month.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Medicine License in Arkansas?
Heartbeat doesn’t directly make it easier to get or renew a medical license in Arkansas, but it does help with the process. It quickly provides accurate and up-to-date information about medical workers in Arkansas, which is very useful.
Here’s what Heartbeat offers:
Simple Database
Heartbeat AI has a big database with details on over 11 million healthcare workers from 200 different places. It keeps their contact info up-to-date, with phone numbers about 84% correct and email addresses about 92% correct from the beginning.
Better Searching
The Prospector Tool in Heartbeat AI lets you filter your search by things like location, specialty, and how much experience someone has. This makes it easier to find medical help or advice.
Fast Information Access
With the Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension, you can instantly see important information on medical websites with just one click.
Correcting Contact Information
Using the file upload feature, you can upload a list of contacts to Heartbeat. It then fixes any incorrect or missing information. This is really useful for making sure you have the right contact details.
Different Pricing Options
Heartbeat has various pricing plans to fit the needs and budgets of different medical practices. This means that medical practices of all sizes can afford its services.
Conclusion
The Arkansas Board of Medicine plays a crucial role in maintaining safe and high-quality medical services throughout the state. It establishes regulations, issues licenses, and ensures these regulations are adhered to. This not only safeguards patients but also supports healthcare professionals.
Platforms like Heartbeat AI simplify these tasks. Our platform allows you to find out about licensed medical professionals in the US and access information whenever you need it.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I apply for a temporary medical license in Arkansas?
To apply for a temporary medical license in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas State Medical Board’s website, fill out the application for a temporary medical license, and pay the fee. Make sure to include all required documents.
What are the disciplinary actions the board can take against a physician?
The Arkansas State Medical Board has the authority to enforce disciplinary measures on physicians who breach the Medical Practices Act. These measures include issuing reprimands, suspending or revoking licenses, and imposing fines.
How do I report a change in address or contact information to the Arkansas Board of Medicine?
Licensees are required to notify the board within 30 days of any change in name, address, phone number, or email address. This can be done through the online licensee portal or by submitting a written notification to the board.
