California

Annual Report Released

The Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Report of the Medical Board of California was released on October 1, 2024. The report contains a summary of the Board's key activities between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, including various statistics related to its budget and the enforcement and licensing programs. This report discusses various actions taken related, but not limited to, the following:

  • Implementation of the Board's 2023 sunset review legislation, including related changes to the Board's enforcement process.

  • Public discussions on possible revisions to impairment questions on physician related initial applications.

  • Progress made towards a paperless licensing application process.

  • Update on the Licensed Physicians from Mexico Pilot Program, Physician Health and Wellness Program regulations, and the Board's medical expert reviewer and consultant programs.

  • Reports of the enforcement monitor appointed pursuant to SB 806 (Roth) of 2021.

  • Public stakeholder meetings held during the fiscal year.

  • Changes to Board leadership.

The full report is available at https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Resources/Publications/Annual-reports.aspx.

Idaho

Board of Medicine Legislation Passed

During the 2024 Legislative Session, the Idaho Legislature passed H0436. This legislation consolidated 4 advisory boards to the Board of Medicine—the dietetic licensure board, the board of athletic trainers, the licensure board for respiratory therapy, and the naturopathic medical board—into a single Allied Health Advisory Board (AHAB).

This legislation is expected to improve the administrative efficiency of the Board of Medicine. For licensees, there will be no changes. The Board of Medicine will remain the ultimate licensing and discipline authority for respiratory therapists, athletic trainers, dietitians, and naturopathic medical doctors. The regulations and scope of practice for each profession remain unchanged, as does the formulary for naturopathic medical doctors. The AHAB consists of 7 members; 1 physician, 1 dietitian, 1 athletic trainer, 1 respiratory therapist, 1 who is authorized to provide polysomnography-related respiratory care services, 1 naturopathic medical doctor, and 1 public member.

Further information is available in the September 2024 edition of the Idaho State Board of Medicine newsletter: https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-September-BOM-newsletter.pdf

Oregon

IV Hydration Therapy Statement Adopted

IV Hydration Therapy is a rapidly expanding form of medical treatment in the state of Oregon and across the country despite the relative lack of regulation governing this treatment. With the mission of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Oregonians, on October 3, 2024, the Oregon Medical Board (OMB) adopted a policy to inform licensees of the appropriate practice of medical treatment in the context of IV Hydration Therapy.

Specifically, OMB licensees must ensure that all IV Hydration Therapy treatments adhere to the same standards of care as any other medical treatments in the state of Oregon. IV Hydration Therapy may fall within the scope of practice of other healthcare professions, so providers should consult all applicable regulatory boards for guidance. Additionally, OMB licensees must refrain from delegating any part of the diagnosing, obtaining informed consent, prescribing, treating, and documenting process to personnel who are not properly licensed, trained, or qualified to perform these tasks.

Further information is available at https://www.oregon.gov/omb/Newsletter/Fall%202024.pdf