Resolution on State Medical Board Sunshine and Patient Protection Exposed

The Resolution on State Medical Board Sunshine and Patient Protection was adopted by ALEC's Health and Human Services Task Force at the States and Nation Policy Summit on December 8, 2007, approved by the ALEC Board of Directors January, 2008. According to ALEC.org, the Resolution was re-approved by the Board of Directors on January 28, 2013. (Accessed on 2/4/2016).

ALEC Bill Text

WHEREAS, State medical boards (“boards”) exist for the purpose of protecting patients by maintaining the high standards of excellence to which medical professionals in this country are held, and the public good is served by the boards’ oversight of these standards; and

WHEREAS, The practices of some boards (such as acceptance of anonymous complaints, the prohibition of notes and recordings in proceedings, the lack of due process and appeals, the prohibition of public monitoring of proceedings, failures to disclose conflicts-of-interest of board members, and staff- and board-appointed expert witnesses) have resulted in a lack of accountability of the boards and severely impair the ability of boards to serve the public.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the {insert state legislative body} advocates the elimination of the practices listed above that impair the ability of boards to serve the public, and advocates for their replacement with the following:

1) The increased transparency of charges and proceedings;

2) The increased accountability of the board members for their actions;

3) The increased integrity on behalf of board members in carrying out their responsibilities; and

4) The establishment of full due process in proceedings, including an appeal process.

Adopted by the Health and Human Services Task Force at the States and Nation Policy Summit, December 8, 2007.

Approved by the ALEC Board of Directors, January 2008.