Frequently Asked Questions

**Please see Letter to VA for important information regarding verifications.

  1. What credit cards do you accept?
  2. What is a Card Code?
  3. What is an AVS mismatch?
  4. Why is my credit card being rejected?
  5. Are there other payment options available?
  6. How can I send my SD certificate or license verification to another state board?
  7. I had problems with the online system and receive an error message. What do I do next?
  8. What is "Upload File of License Numbers:"?
  9. How do I get a copy of the Board orders when there is derogatory information indicated about a physician in the verification?
  10. Why isn't the certificate or license found with my search?
  11. Why do I have to pay for verifications?
  12. For the certificate or license type in the search box, what do all the abbreviations stand for?
  13. I have the same license number for different professions and can only seem to purchase one and not the rest?

  14. I took a Basic Sciences Examination and received a Certificate of Registration in the Basic Sciences from the South Dakota State Board of Examiners in the Basic Sciences however; I did not obtain a South Dakota license after passing this exam. Can I get a verification of the Basic Sciences Examination Scores from the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (BMOE)?  

  15. I am applying for licensure in Colorado.  They require doctors complete a profile which includes identification of all medical licenses, including dates of issue, expiration and renewal.  I do not have this information.  What should I do?

1. What credit cards do you accept?

The SDBMOE online verification system accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. (to top)

2.  What is a Card Code?

The 3 or 4 digit code printed on the back of the credit card, usually following the printed card number, in the signature area. A Credit Card Code is an item used to help protect against fraudulent use of credit cards. 

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3.  What is an AVS mismatch?

Call the credit card customer service number (800 number on back of card) to verify the billing address. Address verification problems with your submitted credit card information is most likely because the billing address of the card doesn't match the address being submitted. (to top)

4.  Why is my credit card being rejected?

Call the credit card customer service number (800 number on back of card) to verify the information you are entering into the payment form is correct. Electronic credit card submissions require a number of validation checks to help protect against fraud. Two tools commonly used for this are the Credit Card Code and the Billing Address.

Ensure the information you provide accurately reflects the information on the card and accurately reflects the information at the credit card company, specifically:

  • Street Address
  • Zip code
  • Card number and expiration
  • Card code (last three digits on the back of the card)
  • Ensure the credit card account has funds available.

It is good practice to obtain the most recent credit card statement and use the address as shown verbatim. If any of the aforementioned information requirements are inaccurate or omitted, purchases are declined. As your credit card information is not stored on our website, we have no idea what you are entering into the form, or what your bank shows for information.

If you have further questions, please contact us and provide the time of your transaction, the last four digits of the card, and the names and company names used in the payment form.

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5.  Are there other payment options available?

The SDBMOE online verification system accepts credit cards. If you are using the Printed Verification Order form (Available Here) that comes to the SDBMOE office, you can use a check or a credit card. (to top)

6.  How can I send my SD license verification to another state board? Anticipate a processing time of at least 3-4 weeks, unless you are a physician or physician assistant using VeriDoc.org (see below)

*SD license verifications being sent to another state board CANNOT be ordered via the SBMOE Online Verification System.

This depends on your profession. See below

1.  Physicians and physician assistants (PA), go to www.veridoc.org - A verification statement can be sent from VeriDoc to any medical or osteopathic licensing board in the U.S. Although, the site does not mention PA s it works for them also. If you experience any problems contact VeriDoc directly.

 

2.  ALL other licensees must complete the down-loadable Printed Verification Order form (Available Here). See form for instructions. Physicians and physician assistants may also use this order form but please anticipate a processing time of at least 3-4 weeks

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7.  I receive an error message with the SDBMOE online system. What do I do next?

License information can be ordered (with payment)

An official printed primary source verification with the Board seal can be requested by completing the Board’s down-loadable Printed Verification Order form (Available Here) and mailing it (with payment) or faxing it (with credit card information ) to the Board office. (to top)

8.  What is "Upload File of License Numbers:"?

This feature is for those requestors who have a large number of licenses to verify. Have the license numbers in a text file; with either a comma separating each license number or each line of the file should contain a single license number. Use the "Browse..." button on the search screen to select that file. The site will return a list of all matching license numbers from which you can then choose to purchase (use the clear all function and then check those needed).

With multiple license or profession types, have each profession in a separate file. On the search screen, select the matching profession for that file before performing your search. Choosing the “Select All” license types for a single license number can result in more than one match. (to top)

9.  How do I get a copy of the Board orders when there is derogatory information indicated about a physician in the verification?

Send a signed, written request on letterhead to the SDBMOE office via regular mail or attached to an email sent to our general email. In the event the orders are still being contested, the order may not be released until resolution. Board orders will be sent via email in a PDF file. (to top)

10.  Why isn't the license found with my search?

The most common reasons to not find a license are as follows:

  1. The license expired prior to 2003 (see #7 for remedy)
  2. Licensee recently purchased by you (past 72 hours) by your account(check your list of purchases)
  3. For certificates such as resident or locum tenens select correct abbreviations (Res for resident certificate or MDLT for locum tenens). Even better, try the “Select All Types” button to cover more professions.
  4. Licensee used a different name in the past (married, maiden, etc.)
  5. For a license number containing 3 or less digits, try the number zero (0) in front of the number.

If all these fail:  License information can be ordered (with payment)

An official printed primary source verification with the Board seal can be requested by completing the Board’s down-loadable Printed Verification Order form (Available Here) and mailing it (with payment) or faxing it (with credit card information ) to the Board office. (to top)

11.  Why do I have to pay for verifications?

All verifications, regardless of format (electronic or printed with the Board seal), come straight from the Board and are therefore primary source verifications. Verification of licensure (especially state board to state board) is a necessary official function of the regulatory Board. The rates charged are a source of revenue to offset the expense of constant updating and administration. By statute, the board expenses must not exceed revenues. (to top)

12. For the certificate or license type in the search box, what do all the abbreviations stand for?

The first column has the abbreviation as listed in the search box and the second column has common names, abbreviations, etc.

SDBMOE Online Verification License Type Common Names, Abbreviations, etc.
 
MD Physician, surgeon, MD, DO, doctor, Dr.
MDLT Locum tenens for Physician, surgeon, MD, DO, doctor, Dr.
RES Resident (resident doctor in training), MD, DO, doctor, Dr.
AT Athletic Trainer, AT
ATT Athletic Trainer, (Temporary Permit)
EMTI Advanced Life Support (EMT I/85)
EMTP Advanced Life Support (EMT Paramedic)
EMTSS Advanced Life Support (EMT I/99)
GC Genetic Counselor, GC
GCT Genetic Counselor, GC (Temporary License)
LN Dietitian/Nutritionist, LN, DI
LNT Dietitian/Nutritionist, LN, DI (Temporary Permit)
MA Medical Assistant, MA
MC Medical Corporation or Limited Liability Company, MC, PC
OT Occupational Therapist, OT
OTT Occupational Therapist, OT (Limited Permit)
OTA Occupational Therapy Assistant, OTA
PA Physician Assistant, PA, PA-C
PALT Locum tenens for Physician Assistant, PA, PA-C
PC Physician Assistant Corporation or Limited Liability Company
PT Physical Therapist, PT
PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant, PTA
RCP Respiratory Therapists, Respiratory Care Practitioners
SDTP South Dakota Resident Training Permit

13. I have the same license number for different professions and can only seem to purchase one and not the rest?

Due to the way license verifications are processed for duplicate license numbers, it is currently not possible to verify the same license number within the 72 hour period that we store past orders. This is a known issue and will be addressed in the near future. For the time being, you will need to wait 72 hours before purchasing any duplicate license numbers.

14. I took a Basic Sciences Examination and received a Certificate of Registration in the Basic Sciences from the South Dakota State Board of Examiners in the Basic Sciences however; I did not a South Dakota license after passing this exam. Can I get a verification of the Basic Sciences Examination Scores from the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (BMOE)?

No, the BMOE could not verify these examination scores because the BMOE would not have the scores. Additionally there would no mention of these scores in previous board meeting minutes because there was no license issued. You could try contacting the state archives in Pierre as they may examinations and scores. Here is the contact information that we have on file:

SD State Archives

900 Governors Dr.

Pierre, SD  57501

Phone:  (605) 773-3804

Email:  archref@state.sd.us

15. I am applying for licensure in Colorado.  They require doctors complete a profile which includes identification of all medical licenses, including dates of issue, expiration and renewal.  I do not have this information.  What should I do?

CO has instituted a new medical profiling act that requires doctors to complete a profile which includes identification of all their medical licenses including dates of issue, expiration and renewal. The South Dakota Board may NOT be able to provide exact dates for an expired South Dakota license, especially if the expiration preceded the Board’s electronic database.  The CO State Board has informed the South Dakota Board that physicians are allowed to provide their best estimate for the expiration by using four digits, do NOT use the word "unknown".  For further questions regarding this situation, please contact our office via SDBMOE@state.sd.us or fax to (605) 367-7786; include copies of any and all South Dakota documentation that you have available in order to assist a response.

  1. What is the best way to communicate my questions or concerns to the board?
  2. How can I obtain information regarding licensure examinations?
  3. How often are licensure examinations given?
  4. Are there continuing education requirements for my profession?
  5. How can I obtain a replacement or duplicate copy of my license?
  6. As a Physician Assistant, how do I inform the Board about a termination of one supervision and/or a request for a new supervising physician?
  7. I am a Physician Assistant who wants to add another clinic location where I will work on an as-needed basis. What do I need to do?
  8. What does primary source verification mean?
  9. DEA Q&A: Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Controlled Substances.

1. What is the best way to communicate my questions or concerns to the board?

Written format is the best way to direct questions about licensure or other issues to the Board, this way your question or concern is in your words and a more accurate answer can given to you.

It must also be mentioned that there is an administrative rule, 20:47:02:12., which states:  Requests for board information shall be sent in writing to the executive secretary at the office of the board.

You can certainly call and ask a question but realize that the person answering the phone does not necessarily understand the complexities of what you are asking, will not be able to give an immediate answer and  will likely ask you to submit your question in writing (as this is the law).  Regular mail  is preferred but a general email address (Click Here to Contact ) has been created to aid those requesting information. (to top)

2. How can I obtain information regarding licensure examinations?

Please visit with the organization administering the desired exam, for some of those organizations click here. (to top)

3.  How often are licensure examinations given?

The availability of examinations is determined by each organization.  Please contact the exam’s administrating organization, for some of those organizations click here. (to top)

4.  Are there continuing education requirements for my profession?

The following professions have continuing education requirements (CEU. CME, etc.):

5. How can I obtain a replacement or duplicate copy of my license, certificate or registration?

Fill out the Replacement order form (Available Here) , sign and date. Send to the Board office (with payment) and a duplicate replacement copy of your license will be sent to indicated address (to top)

6. For Physician Assistants making changes to their supervisory relationships: How do I inform the Board about a termination of one supervision and/or a request for a new supervising physician?

It is the physician assistant’s responsibility to notify the Board, in writing of any supervision changes or terminations.  According to SDCL 36-4A: the PA must notify the Board of a change or termination of a contract with the person's supervising physician.  To change your supervising physician please use the following downloadable form: PA Practice Agreement   (to top)

7. I am a Physician Assistant who wants to add another clinic location where I will work on an as-needed basis. What do I need to do?

For Physician Assistants who want to add another supervision agreement, fax a signed practice agreement to the office (605-367-7786) and keep original on file at your practice location. You must receive confirmation from the office that the agreement is approved prior to beginning practice. If you are merely adding a new location with your current supervising physician then simply send or fax a signed note to that effect for your file.  If this is a completely new supervising physician use the PA Practice Agreement form from question 6.(to top)

8. What does primary source verification mean?

The definition of Primary Source Verification is the act of obtaining the applicant's credentials (the document itself or verification of the document) directly from the original or primary source.

For example: "Applicant ABC" would need to send the SDBMOE Verification of Graduation Form (click on this hyperlink located in the instructions for application) to his/her professional school that the professional school can then verify "Applicant ABC." The professional school will send the Verification of Graduation Form (sometimes called a dean's letter ) DIRECTLY to the SDBMOE.

Helpful Hint: attach a picture if instructed to do so, attach an authorization release of information and include any necessary fees. Most states charge a fee for verification of state licenses.  (to top)

9.  DEA Q&A: Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Controlled Substances

Q: I didn't get a renewal form. How can I get one?

A: Renewal applications are only available during a current renewal cycle.  Web-based renewals for the current cycle are now available at www.sdbmoe.gov.

Q: What are the 3 most important points that I should keep in mind as I proceed with my South Dakota Medical license, certificate, or registration renewal application?

A: The 3 most important points are: Honesty, Honesty and Honesty. Please take the time to answer the questions correctly. Also, as needed, provide detailed and complete explanations. Do not wait until the last minute.

Q: We have a large medical group with many physicians. Can multiple renewal license fees be combined into one check using the online renewal system?

A: For a medical group, this process is similar to using one check for multiple invoices or paying a credit card bill. Here is the procedure:

  1. An individual licensee needs to log in and complete their own renewal application.
  2. At the payment page, the renewing licensee will be given a choice to pay by credit card or check. Click on the method and print this page.
  3. The licensee submits the payment page to the facility's accounting department for payment. The facility accounting department can choose to pay with one or multiple checks.
  4. A copy of each of the payment page (or copies of the pages, if paying multiple license renewal fees) MUST accompany the check so the correct renewal applications are credited. (to top)

 

Q: Is late renewal really such a big deal?

 

A: If you do not renew your license before March 1, it will automatically forfeit by statute. Because the license is then no longer active, you may not practice medicine in South Dakota because it is a crime. The Board will have grounds for taking disciplinary action if you are practice without a license. Other entities or parties such as insurance carriers, etc. might also take issue with this situation.

Q: It is the day after March 1 or later. Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?

 

A: Yes, renewal applications must arrive in the SDBMOE office to be reviewed and approved prior to forfeiture as indicated in your practice act.

Q: Where will you send my renewed licenses, certificate, or registration?

A: It will be sent to the mailing address that you have chosen for all board correspondence on your renewal application.

Q: What if my renewed license, certificate, or registration doesn't arrive?

 

A: The mailing address that you have chosen on the renewal application is used and every reasonable effort is made to ensure that your license, certificate, or registration arrives by first class mail. The Board is not responsible for mishaps that occur while mail is in the care of the US Postal Service. If your renewed license, certificate, or registration is returned by the US Postal Service, the card will be re-mailed, provided a different address is available. The Board does not keep copies of your license, certificate, or registration. There is a $25 administrative charge for issuing a duplicate license, certificate or registration.

Q: How do I re-instate and renew my license, certificate, or registration?

 

A: Should you want to reinstate and renew a license, certificate, or registration forfeited due to non-renewal, first, send a statement of why the license, certificate, or registration was not renewed with your original signature to the SDBMOE office. You will be informed in writing as to your eligibility and if you are eligible, instructions will be sent to you. Be aware that reinstatement and renewal is a lengthy process which will involve additional costs and time.

Q: Why are the reinstatement and renewal fees so high and why is there not an inactive or retired status?

A: By statute, the Board expenses must not exceed revenues. In this respect, the Board is considered a "fee for service" operation. The fees charged are a source of revenue to offset the expense of administration, constant updating, and regulation of your license, certificate or registration. There are many hours involved in processing applications and maintaining current files. It costs the Board as much to maintain a licensee file with Inactive status as it does to maintain a licensee file with Active status.  The fees from applicants applying for licensure, fees from registration renewal, and fees for other services are the basis for the Board's operating budget. We are not given money from any state tax source, or from the State of South Dakota’s General Fund. We do not have a no-fee renewal status, because processing each renewal consumes agency resources.