Key Takeaways
- Keep licenses and CME current during any gap
- Healthcare demand remains strong overall
- Tail coverage for malpractice is critical
Healthcare Worker Playbook
"What about my medical license?" — It stays yours. But there are things to manage.
Healthcare-Specific Considerations
| Issue | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Medical license | Stays with you (state-issued) |
| Hospital privileges | End with employment |
| CME requirements | Continue during gap |
| Malpractice insurance | Critical—check tail coverage |
| Credentialing | Takes time for new positions |
License Maintenance
Your medical license doesn't disappear with your job, but:
| State | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Where you're licensed | Keep license active |
| Multi-state practice | Check each state's requirements |
| NLC Compact states | 43 states/territories now in nursing compact (2025) |
| CME during gap | Continue to meet requirements |
Non-Compact States (Nursing): California, New York, Alaska, Illinois, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, DC
Malpractice Insurance: The Critical Issue
| Coverage Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Occurrence-based | Covers incidents during policy period, regardless of when claim is filed |
| Claims-made | Only covers claims filed while policy is active |
If you had claims-made coverage:
| Situation | Need |
|---|---|
| Leaving employer | May need "tail coverage" |
| Tail coverage | Protects against future claims for past care |
| Cost | Can be expensive ($3,000-$50,000+) |
| Who pays | Negotiate in severance |
Critical: Ask your employer about malpractice coverage before you leave. Getting tail coverage in your severance package is much easier than paying out of pocket.
Job Market Reality
| Specialty | Current Demand |
|---|---|
| Primary care | Very high |
| Mental health | Very high |
| Nursing | Very high |
| Specialists | Varies |
| Admin/management | Moderate |
Healthcare overall has strong demand. Job searches are typically shorter than other industries.
Bridging Options
| Option | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Locum tenens | Temporary assignments, good pay |
| Telehealth | Growing, flexible |
| Travel positions | Premium pay, temporary |
| Part-time | Maintain skills while searching |
Credentialing Timeline (2025 Reality)
New positions require credentialing, which takes time:
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application | 1-2 weeks |
| Primary Source Verification | 30-45 days |
| Committee review | 2-4 weeks |
| Payer enrollment | 60-120 days |
| Total | 90-150 days typical |
Key insight: 85%+ of credentialing delays are caused by incomplete files. Start early and be thorough.
What is "tail coverage" in healthcare malpractice insurance?