California's non-membership in the licensure compact blocks cross-state telehealth

California is among the states that have not joined the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). Physicians licensed elsewhere cannot use the compact's expedited pathway and must obtain full California licensure to treat patients located in California. Because telehealth jurisdiction follows the patient's location, this is a significant barrier when patients travel or relocate across state lines.

Sources: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact — participating states (imlcc.com); CCHP IMLC non-member summary.