West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 24 - Osteopathic Medicine
Overview of Agency 24 – Osteopathic Medicine
Agency 24 governs the practice of osteopathic medicine in West Virginia. Its primary purpose is to regulate the licensing, practice standards, and professional conduct of osteopathic physicians (DOs) to ensure safe, competent, and ethical medical care for the public.
The Agency covers:
Licensing and Registration
Scope of Practice
Standards of Professional Conduct
Continuing Education Requirements
Disciplinary Procedures
Administrative and Operational Procedures
1. Licensing and Registration
Agency 24 establishes the process for obtaining and maintaining a license to practice osteopathic medicine:
Eligibility: Applicants must complete an accredited osteopathic medical school and a residency program.
Examinations: Candidates must pass required licensing examinations to demonstrate medical competence.
Application: Submission of a formal application, including personal, educational, and professional details.
Renewal: Licenses must be periodically renewed, with evidence of compliance with continuing education requirements.
2. Scope of Practice
The Agency defines what osteopathic physicians are authorized to do:
Diagnosis and Treatment: DOs may diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): DOs may use hands-on techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions.
Surgery and Procedures: Licensed DOs may perform surgical procedures within their training and specialty.
Collaboration: DOs may work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, often in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
3. Standards of Professional Conduct
Agency 24 sets ethical and professional guidelines to protect patients:
Patient Care: Physicians must provide competent, compassionate, and patient-centered care.
Confidentiality: Patient information must be kept private unless disclosure is legally required.
Professional Integrity: DOs must avoid fraud, misrepresentation, and conflicts of interest.
Advertising: Marketing or advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and reflect professional standards.
4. Continuing Education Requirements
To ensure ongoing professional competence, the Agency mandates:
Periodic Education: Licensed DOs must complete a set number of continuing medical education (CME) hours within each licensing period.
Approved Programs: Education must come from approved programs covering medical advancements, ethics, and patient safety.
Documentation: Physicians must maintain records of CME activities for verification during license renewal or audits.
5. Disciplinary Procedures
Agency 24 provides rules for investigating and addressing professional misconduct:
Complaints: Patients, colleagues, or the public may file complaints against a licensed physician.
Investigation: The Board reviews complaints, conducts investigations, and may hold hearings.
Sanctions: Disciplinary actions can include reprimands, fines, suspension, or revocation of a license.
Appeals: Physicians have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions through administrative procedures.
6. Administrative and Operational Procedures
The Agency also outlines how the Board of Osteopathic Medicine operates:
Board Composition: Includes licensed DOs and public representatives appointed to oversee regulation.
Meetings: Regular meetings are held to review licensing, complaints, and policy changes.
Recordkeeping: Accurate records of licenses, complaints, disciplinary actions, and CME compliance are maintained.
Rulemaking Authority: The Board can propose and implement rules to clarify standards or address emerging medical issues.
Key Objectives of Agency 24
Ensure that osteopathic physicians are qualified, competent, and ethical.
Protect patients through enforcement of professional standards and regulations.
Promote ongoing education and professional development for licensed DOs.
Maintain public trust in the practice of osteopathic medicine.
Provide transparent procedures for licensing, compliance, and disciplinary actions.
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