Iowa Administrative Code Agency 653 - Medicine Board
Overview: Agency 653 — Medicine Board
The Medicine Board oversees the regulation, licensing, and discipline of medical professionals in Iowa. Its mission is to ensure that physicians and other medical practitioners provide safe, competent, and ethical healthcare services to the public.
Chapter 1: Organization and Definitions
Board Composition: The Board is composed of appointed members who establish policies, review applications, and make disciplinary decisions.
Executive Director or Administrator: Responsible for daily operations, managing staff, and communication.
Definitions:
Licensee: A person licensed to practice medicine in Iowa.
Applicant: A person applying for a medical license.
Practice of Medicine: Defined within the agency rules to specify activities requiring licensure.
Discipline: Actions taken against licensees for violations of Board rules.
Chapter 2: Licensing
Types of Licenses
Physician License: For those qualified to practice medicine.
Limited Licenses: May be issued under certain conditions, such as training or provisional status.
Temporary Licenses: For short-term practice or specific situations.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a complete application with required documentation and fees.
Verification of education, training, and examination completion is required.
The Board reviews applications for eligibility and may conduct interviews or investigations.
Examinations
Applicants must pass Board-approved examinations demonstrating medical knowledge and competency.
Requirements for re-examination or additional testing are specified.
Chapter 3: Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed on a regular basis (e.g., every 1-2 years).
Renewal requires completion of continuing medical education (CME) as specified by the Board.
Late renewal or failure to renew may lead to penalties, including license expiration or reinstatement procedures.
Chapter 4: Standards of Practice and Professional Conduct
Licensees must adhere to ethical standards, including:
Maintaining patient confidentiality,
Providing care within their scope of competence,
Avoiding conflicts of interest,
Reporting certain conditions or violations.
The Board provides guidelines for acceptable medical practices and behavior.
Chapter 5: Complaints, Investigations, and Discipline
The Board receives and investigates complaints regarding licensees.
Investigations may include gathering evidence, conducting interviews, or holding hearings.
Grounds for discipline include:
Professional incompetence,
Unethical or fraudulent conduct,
Substance abuse or impairment,
Criminal convictions related to practice.
Disciplinary actions range from reprimands and fines to suspension or revocation of licenses.
The Board outlines procedures for hearings, due process, and appeals.
Chapter 6: Fees and Financial Matters
The Board sets fees for:
Application,
Examination,
License issuance and renewal,
Reinstatement,
Copies of documents.
Fee schedules and payment procedures are defined.
Chapter 7: Recordkeeping and Reporting
The Board maintains records of licensees, applications, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
Licensees must report changes in status, address, or practice location.
The Board may disclose information as permitted within its rules.
Summary
Agency 653 — Medicine Board establishes a comprehensive, internally consistent framework for:
Licensing and regulating medical practitioners,
Ensuring ongoing competency through education,
Enforcing professional conduct standards,
Investigating complaints and disciplining licensees,
Managing administrative tasks such as fees and recordkeeping.
All agency processes, definitions, and responsibilities are detailed in the administrative code itself, providing clarity and accountability for both practitioners and the public.
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