Physicians practicing medicine in Wisconsin need to take affirmative steps to maintain a valid medical license, which entails submitting to a biannual renewal process. Physician license renewal dates are from November 1 of each odd-numbered year to October 31 of the next odd-numbered year, which is the last date to complete a renewal registration. Physicians are well-advised to register before the deadline, particularly where there are concerns that adverse information disclosed during the renewal registration process may delay issuance of renewal credentials. Practicing without an active license subjects the physician to penalties and liability for malpractice.
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (“DSPS”) determines the format and information required for renewal each year and will send physicians notices at least thirty (30) days before the renewal date with instructions for completing the registration process. Failure to receive the notice will not excuse late registrations, however, so physicians who have not received a notice should contact DSPS. As of October 2023, all renewal registrations are done online through DSPS’ “LicensE” portal. Physicians may set up a LicensE account and enter the site at https://license.wi.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F. The general application process should take approximately 10-15 minutes and typically seeks basic information regarding the physician’s current practice information and events occurring during the current licensing period. Depending on the physician’s answers, the physician will receive prompts during this process directing the physician to complete additional forms or submit further information.
Part of the current application requires physicians to attest that they have met their biennial training requirements for the current reporting period. The two-year reporting period, like the ordinary license renewal term, runs from November 1 of each odd year to October 31 of the next odd year. Physicians must complete at least 30 credits approved by the Medical Examining Board (“Board”) in the two years preceding the October 31 reporting deadline. They must also complete any other professional development, maintenance of certification, performance improvement, or continuing medical education programs or courses of study that the Board requires by rule. Physicians need not submit documentation of their compliance during the registration process unless instructed otherwise, but they should have these records available. DSPS may at any time demand proof of attendance and completion of these biennial training requirements.
Physicians should also expect to answer questions relating to malpractice claims or lawsuits and any criminal charges or convictions. With respect to malpractice suits and claims, physicians submitting their 2023 renewal registrations may have been asked to complete DSPS Form 2829. This current malpractice suits or claims form requires the physician to list all malpractice suits, claims, or settlements in which the physician was involved, and provide a brief description of the allegations and any final disposition. For suits resolved in the past ten years, copies of the claims or complaints, final settlements, dispositions, or dismissal information are also required. Physicians should expect potential disciplinary action if their responses reveal that they did not timely report a final adverse action taken against the physician’s license to practice medicine and surgery by a licensing authority from another jurisdiction or an adverse action by the Drug Enforcement Administration against the licensee’s authority to prescribe controlled substances. Failure to report these events within 30 days constitutes unprofessional conduct. Physicians who have reported such matters as required should have the information they submitted readily available for reference during the renewal process and in case they are prompted to resubmit any of that information.
Similarly, physicians should have information and records pertaining to any criminal charges or convictions on hand and available during the application process in case prompted to submit further information. In most cases, certain information will have already been provided to DSPS as part of the physician’s compliance with separate disclosure requirements. Physicians have 48 hours after entry of a judgment of conviction to notify DSPS by mail (with proof of mailing) of the date, place, and nature of the conviction or finding. The notice must include a copy of the judgment of conviction and a copy of the complaint, or other information describing the nature of the crime and judgment of conviction. Certified copies must be provided within 30 days. This information is required so that DSPS can determine whether the circumstances of the crime are substantially related to the physician’s practice. Failure to meet these requirements constitutes unprofessional conduct.
Physicians who have concerns about events transpiring during the current licensing period that they anticipate may create difficulties with renewal should seek experienced legal counsel to advise them on how best to proceed to protect their licenses. Gutglass, Erickson, Larson & Schneider, S.C. is happy to provide such assistance. Please contact us at (414) 273-1144.
