State guide · Kentucky · Licensing
Kentucky licensing requirements
Medical license application, controlled-substance registration, Medicaid enrollment, telehealth rules, and CME for Kentucky.
Medical board
Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
License timeline
60–90 days
IMLC member
Yes
CME hours
60 per 3 yrs
Renewal cycle
3 years
Separate CS registration
No
The information on this page is provided for general reference only and may not reflect recent regulatory or legislative changes. State licensing requirements, fees, and timelines change frequently. Always verify requirements directly with the relevant state agency or a qualified legal or compliance professional before making practice decisions. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice.
State medical license
Kentucky physicians apply to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure (KBML). Kentucky is an IMLC member.
Kentucky requires medical school graduation, 1 year of postgraduate training (2 years for IMGs), USMLE/COMLEX passage, and primary-source verification.
- •Apply through KBML online portal
- •IMLC pathway available
- •Minimum 1 year postgraduate training (2 years for IMGs)
- •Initial license fee approximately $400 (Verify current)
Controlled-substance registration
Kentucky does not require a separate state-level Controlled Substance Registration beyond the federal DEA registration. Kentucky prescribers must register with KASPER (Kentucky's PDMP) and check it before prescribing controlled substances.
Medicaid enrollment
Agency: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Department for Medicaid Services
Kentucky Medicaid enrollment is administered through KY MPPA (Kentucky Medicaid Partner Portal Application). Most beneficiaries are in managed care plans.
Estimated timeline: Verify — typically 60–90 days
- •Apply through KY MPPA
- •Managed care plan credentialing separate
- •Revalidation required every 5 years
Telehealth notes
Kentucky permits telehealth. Kentucky license required to treat Kentucky-located patients. Kentucky telehealth parity laws apply.
- •Kentucky license required to treat Kentucky-located patients
CME requirements
Kentucky requires 60 CME hours per 3-year renewal cycle.
Total hours: 60 per 3-year cycle
Mandatory topics:
Official resources
Bookmark these official agency portals for Kentucky licensing, controlled-substance registration, and Medicaid enrollment.
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