Institute:Office of National Coordinator (ONC) Workforce Training Curriculum
Component:The Culture of Health Care
Unit:Ethics and Professionalism
Lecture:Ethical and legal standards
Slide content:State Medical Practice Law Defines the practice of medicine within the state Establishes a state medical board Governs testing and licensing of physicians Specifies procedures for investigation, enforcement, and discipline of physicians 7
Slide notes:A state medical practice law defines the physicians practice of medicine and establishes a state medical board. In addition, the law specifies the method for testing medical school graduates who want to be admitted as a physician to the practice of medicine, and it sets requirements for physician licensing. The law also establishes procedures for enforcing professional standards, investigating complaints against physicians, and disciplining doctors where appropriate. A group called the Federation of State Medical Boards has written a model state medical practice law. However, the states are not required to follow it, so the laws governing medical practice vary from state to state. Similar laws in each state govern other health care professions, such as nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry. Many states also regulate allied professions such as physical therapy. The next two slides look at physician medical practice laws; however, its important to remember that similar laws apply to dentists, nurses, and many other health care professionals in each state. The point is that in the culture of health care, the law plays a large role in the professional standards that must be met. 7