Washington DC Physician License 2026: DC HPLA Process, NOT IMLC, Timeline & MedStar / GWU / Children's National Credentialing

Washington DC is not an IMLC member — no compact fast-track exists. Physicians practicing at systems spanning MD and DC (e.g., MedStar) need separate licenses for each jurisdiction. IMLC privilege in MD does not substitute for a DC license. Despite the non-IMLC status, the $400 fee is reasonable for a top-tier market.

DC vs Adjacent IMLC States

Major health system credentialing (DC)

• MedStar Health Washington (DC / MD): 90–120 days. Georgetown University Hospital, Washington Hospital Center (Level I trauma), National Rehabilitation Hospital. Dual-jurisdiction credentialing common for MD+DC sites.
• GWU Hospital (George Washington University): 120–150 days academic; Level I trauma, GWU School of Medicine affiliation.
• Georgetown University Medical Center: 120–150 days academic; one of the most competitive academic credentialing processes in the Mid-Atlantic.
• Children's National Hospital (DC): 120–150 days pediatric academic credentialing. Top-10 children's hospital nationally.
• Howard University Hospital: 120–150 days academic; HBCU-affiliated with strong primary care and underserved community mission.

DC-specific requirements

• DC PDMP: Registration required for Schedule II–V prescribers
• CME: 50 hours per 2-year renewal cycle; 3 hours DC-specific mandatory topics

Renewal

• Biennial renewal; renewal fee: $400
• 50 hours CME per 2-year cycle

What we see at Ava Health

DC is one of the most prestigious physician markets in the US — federal/government employment (NIH, FDA, VA, military) and strong academic systems. The non-IMLC status means the license process must start at interview, not after offer acceptance. Georgetown, GWU, Children's National, and MedStar are primary academic placement destinations. Primary care and psychiatry have the highest community demand in underserved SE DC.

Related: Maryland Physician License 2026, Virginia Physician License 2026.