West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 11 - Medicine
Overview of Agency 11 – Medicine
Agency 11 governs the West Virginia Board of Medicine, which regulates the practice of medicine, surgery, and certain allied health professions in the state. Its goal is to protect public health and safety by ensuring that only qualified, competent, and ethical professionals are licensed to practice.
The Agency covers:
Organization and Duties of the Board
Licensing and Registration of Physicians
Allied Health Professions (Physician Assistants, etc.)
Standards of Medical Practice and Ethics
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Complaints, Investigations, and Discipline
Administrative Operations
1. Organization and Duties of the Board
Composition: The Board consists of licensed physicians, physician assistants, and public representatives.
Primary Duties:
Regulate licensing of doctors and allied professionals.
Establish and enforce medical standards of care.
Investigate complaints and misconduct.
Approve continuing education and professional development.
Authority: The Board has the power to adopt rules, hold hearings, and take disciplinary action.
2. Licensing and Registration of Physicians
Eligibility: Applicants must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training.
Examinations: Candidates must pass national or board-approved exams before receiving a license.
Types of Licenses:
Full license for independent practice.
Temporary or limited licenses for residents or specific situations.
Telemedicine practice permissions.
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed periodically, with fees and proof of compliance with continuing education.
3. Allied Health Professions (Physician Assistants, etc.)
Agency 11 also regulates other healthcare providers under the Board’s jurisdiction:
Physician Assistants (PAs): Must be licensed, work under physician supervision, and follow defined scope-of-practice rules.
Podiatrists and Other Specialties: Certain professions (depending on state scope) may also be under Board regulation.
Collaboration Requirements: Rules specify how physicians and assistants must collaborate to ensure safe care.
4. Standards of Medical Practice and Ethics
The Agency sets ethical and professional expectations for physicians:
Competence: Physicians must provide care consistent with accepted medical standards.
Patient Care: Patients must be treated respectfully, safely, and without discrimination.
Confidentiality: Patient records and information must be kept private.
Professional Conduct: Fraud, misrepresentation, substance abuse, or sexual misconduct are strictly prohibited.
Prescribing Rules: Clear standards for prescribing controlled substances and other medications.
5. Continuing Education and License Renewal
Ongoing Education: Physicians must complete a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) hours during each renewal cycle.
Topics Required: May include ethics, controlled substances, or specialty-specific training.
Proof of Compliance: Doctors must maintain records and provide documentation upon audit.
6. Complaints, Investigations, and Discipline
The Board enforces accountability through a structured process:
Complaints: Patients, employers, or colleagues can file complaints about misconduct or poor practice.
Investigation: The Board reviews evidence, interviews parties, and may hold hearings.
Disciplinary Actions: May include reprimand, fines, probation, suspension, or license revocation.
Reinstatement: Physicians who lost their license may apply for reinstatement if conditions are met.
Appeals: Doctors have the right to appeal decisions within the administrative system.
7. Administrative Operations
Meetings: The Board holds regular public and private meetings to review licensing, complaints, and policy changes.
Recordkeeping: Maintains an official registry of licensed physicians and their disciplinary history.
Public Access: Provides the public with information about licensed professionals for transparency.
Rulemaking: The Board may issue new rules to address changes in healthcare, technology, or medical standards.
Key Objectives of Agency 11
Protect patients by ensuring physicians and related professionals meet high standards.
License only those who are properly educated, trained, and competent.
Maintain ethical and professional conduct within the medical field.
Provide clear procedures for continuing education, license renewal, and disciplinary actions.
Promote transparency and accountability in the practice of medicine.
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