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Missouri legislation targets physician discipline

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 1, 2011

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A new Missouri law gives the board that licenses and regulates physicians reinforced authority to quickly discipline doctors deemed a danger to the health, safety or welfare of patients.

It also will make it easier for individuals to obtain information about a physician's professional and disciplinary history. Gov. Jay Nixon signed House Bill 265 into law on July 13 (link). The legislation takes effect Aug. 28.

The law requires the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts to make public professional and disciplinary history on doctors and other health professionals who are either licensed by the board or applying for licensure. It requires the board to hold a hearing to determine whether to take emergency action against a physician -- such as a license suspension or placing restrictions on practice -- for ethical violations, including having sexual contact with a patient or minor, possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, or drug or alcohol abuse.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/01/prbf0801.htm.

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