Technical change could clarify protection of some medical titles

The House passed a technical bill to clarify the protection of titles for professionals licensed by the Board of Medical Practice – which includes medical doctors, doctors of osteopathic medicine, physicians and surgeons – 127-0 Thursday.

HF643/SF482*, sponsored by Rep. Roz Peterson (R-Lakeville) and Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), would also clarify the list of improper conduct which could prompt the board to refuse a license or impose disciplinary action.

“Improper conduct” would include engaging in conduct likely to harm the public, failure to properly supervise a physician’s assistant or health care provider, or having a “willful and careless disregard” for the health, welfare or safety of a patient.

The bill was passed 61-0 by the Senate May 4. It now goes to Gov. Mark Dayton.