If you intend to change your permanent residence to another state and begin practicing there, it is more appropriate to obtain a state-issued license from the state licensing board as opposed to obtaining a compact privilege. Compact privileges are not intended to replace the state licensure route when someone is relocating from one state to another.
- Compact privileges expire on the same date of an individual's home state license that was in effect on the date the individual purchased the compact privilege. There are no prorations. Therefore, the full fee will always be charged. The date shown on your dashboard at the time of purchase will be the date the compact privilege will expire.
Therefore, in some cases, it may make sense to first renew the home state license before purchasing compact privileges and waiting approximately a week to make sure the PT Compact database has received the updated expiration date from your home state.
If you are considering allowing a state-issued license in a compact privilege state to expire and obtain a compact privilege state instead, keep in mind that if you end up moving to that state at some point in the future, you will need to reinstate that expired license. You cannot permanently practice in your home state (permanent residence) through a compact privilege.
- While a compact privilege provides legal authorization to practice in the remote state, it does not guarantee that an insurance network or third-party payer will enroll you as a credentialed provider and/or reimburse you for services provided in that remote state. Some private insurers still require a traditional in-state license even if you hold a compact privilege. Compact privilege seekers should speak with employers to confirm requirements before relying on a compact privilege for paid services.