Doctors can now renew licenses early in case of shutdown

A Minnesota physician's group has worked out a deal that allows doctors to renew their licenses earlier than usual.

The agreement with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice helps physicians avoid any lapses in their license coverage in the event of a state government shutdown.

The deal is being offered to doctors whose licenses expire during July, August or September.

Robert Leach, executive director of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, said the board will only be able to process online renewals for those months.

"What we will not be able to accomplish are those individuals who submit paper renewals because the office will be closed," Leach said. "And we will also not be able to process new applications."

Doctors must submit an online application by no later than 12:00 p.m. on June 30 in order to complete the renewal process before a possible shutdown. There are more than 3,800 Minnesota physician licenses set to expire in July, August and September.

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