Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 052 - Medicine, Board of
1. Purpose of the Board
The Wyoming Board of Medicine exists to regulate the practice of medicine in the state. Its main goals are:
Protect public health and safety by ensuring that physicians and other medical professionals are qualified and competent.
Maintain professional standards and ethical practice in healthcare.
License and discipline medical practitioners in Wyoming.
Essentially, the Board ensures that anyone practicing medicine does so safely, ethically, and legally.
2. Scope of Authority
The Board has the authority to:
License medical professionals: This includes physicians (MDs), physician assistants (PAs), and sometimes other related practitioners.
Set education and training standards: Determines the minimum qualifications, exams, and training required to practice medicine in Wyoming.
Regulate professional conduct: Establishes rules for ethical behavior, patient care, and medical practice standards.
Enforce compliance: Investigates complaints, disciplines licensees, and can revoke or suspend licenses.
Approve continuing education: Ensures practitioners stay updated on medical advances.
3. Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed physician in Wyoming, an applicant must generally:
Education:
Graduate from an accredited medical school (MD or DO).
Postgraduate Training:
Complete an accredited residency program in the chosen specialty.
Examinations:
Pass national licensing exams (USMLE or COMLEX) and any state-specific requirements.
Application and Fees:
Submit a complete application with transcripts, exam results, and proof of training.
Pay licensing fees set by the Board.
Legal and Ethical Requirements:
Meet age and character requirements, which may include background checks and disclosure of past disciplinary actions.
Once licensed, physicians can legally diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications in Wyoming.
4. Duties and Responsibilities of Licensed Physicians
Licensed physicians in Wyoming are expected to:
Practice medicine competently and ethically.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Keep accurate medical records.
Follow state and federal medical regulations.
Stay current with medical knowledge through continuing education.
5. Continuing Education and Renewal
The Board requires licensees to renew their licenses periodically, usually every 1–2 years. Renewal requirements typically include:
Completing a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) hours.
Paying renewal fees.
Submitting proof of ongoing professional practice.
This ensures physicians remain up-to-date on medical advances and standards.
6. Board Structure and Powers
The Wyoming Board of Medicine typically consists of:
Licensed physicians with experience in different specialties.
Public members who represent the general community.
The Board can:
Issue, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses.
Investigate complaints about misconduct, negligence, or incompetence.
Discipline licensees through fines, probation, or revocation.
Develop and enforce rules and regulations for medical practice in Wyoming.
7. Enforcement and Penalties
If a physician violates professional or ethical standards, the Board can:
Issue a warning or reprimand.
Require additional training or supervision.
Suspend or revoke a medical license.
Impose monetary fines.
Practicing medicine without a license in Wyoming can result in legal consequences, including fines, criminal charges, or both.
✅ Summary
The Wyoming Administrative Code, Agency 052 – Board of Medicine ensures that:
Only qualified and trained medical professionals practice in Wyoming.
Physicians adhere to professional, ethical, and legal standards.
The public is protected from unqualified or negligent practitioners.
Licensed physicians stay current through continuing education.
The Board can discipline or revoke licenses when necessary.
In short, the Board is Wyoming’s guardian of safe and ethical medical care, making sure doctors are competent, trustworthy, and accountable.
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