State Member Board Briefs

The Georgia Composite Medical Board has added a new question to their physician license renewal application asking if the licensee has completed education and training in professional boundaries and physician sexual misconduct.

OCGA § 43-34-11(a)(6) requires all physicians “to receive one-time education and training, for a minimum of 2 hours, regarding professional boundaries and physician sexual misconduct,” and the CME “shall include subject matter relating to how to proceed with basic as well as sensitive or intimate examinations and the communication with patients that is required as a component of such examinations.”

Renewal applicants who answer “no” will have the license placed on hold and it will not renew until Board staff removes the hold. Staff will remove the hold upon the licensee submitting documentation of successful completion of the education.

This two-hour education and training only needs to be completed once during a physician's career and may count toward the required 40 hours of continuing education per licensure cycle if meeting other CME guidelines.

Licensees can renew their license via the Board's online account portal: https://gcmb.mylicense.com/egov/Login.aspx

Source: Georgia Composite Medical Board News Release, January 1, 2023

The Board of Registration in Medicine implemented a series of initiatives to improve efficiency and service to physicians. One of these initiatives is the launch of a new online licensing platform that will improve the application experience and decrease application processing times.

First time users of this new platform will be required to create a new account and link their license to their account at medboard.mass.gov. Video tutorials are available and provide step-by-step instructions on creating and linking accounts.

Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine News and Announcements, November 17, 2022

Governor Jim Pillen has announced the appointment of Timothy A. Tesmer, MD, as the next Chief Medical Officer of the Division of Public Health for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

“I am excited to have Dr. Tesmer join DHHS,” said Governor Pillen. “Dr. Tesmer is a distinguished physician and surgeon with over 35 years of practice. His expertise will be pivotal in serving Nebraskans as our Chief Medical Officer. I look forward to the strides our Division of Public Health will make in helping people live better lives under his leadership.”

Dr. Tesmer comes to the Department from his private practice, Tesmer ENT. Prior to starting his practice, he was at the CHI's Physician Network/ENT Nebraska, where he served as a physician specializing in ear, nose, and throat otolaryngology. Dr. Tesmer holds a Bachelor of Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He earned his MD from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Dr. Tesmer also completed an Internship in General Surgery and a Residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Tesmer is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Dr. Tesmer's start date is March 27, 2023.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services News Release, February 14, 2023

The North Dakota Board of Medicine is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the Board. There are several positions opening on July 31, 2023, including 2 physician positions and 2 public member positions. The physician member must hold an active North Dakota license and have practiced in the state for at least 5 years. The term of office for each member of the Board is 4 years and a Board member may serve no more than 2 successive terms. The public member must be a North Dakota resident and may not be affiliated with any group or profession that provides or regulates health care.

Inquiries or requests for additional information should be directed to the Board's Executive Director, Sandra DePountis, [email protected].

To apply for appointment, please fill out the application available at: https://apps.nd.gov/gov/boards/Application/PersonalInfo

Source: North Dakota Board of Medicine News Blast, January 2023