About the Board

The Maryland Board of Physicians (the "Board") is an agency of the state with the authority to license physicians and other health care providers such as physician assistants, radiographers, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants, nuclear medicine technologists, respiratory care practitioners, psychiatrist assistants (renewals only), polysomnographic technologists, athletic trainers, and naturopathic doctors to practice in Maryland, and to discipline licensees who violate the Maryland Medical Practice Act.

In addition to establishing qualifications for licensure, the Board is responsible for investigating complaints against licensees and for taking action against the license of those who fail to maintain Maryland's high standards of medical care delivery or who break the laws governing licensure.

Mission

The mission of the Board is to assure quality health care in Maryland, through the efficient licensure and effective discipline of health providers under its jurisdiction, by protecting and educating the clients/customers and stakeholders, and enforcing the Maryland Medical Practice Act.

Board Composition

Members of the Board are appointed by the Governor, based on specific criteria set forth in § 14-202 of the Health Occupations Article. The 22 member Board includes:

• 11 practicing licensed physicians, including 1 Doctor of Osteopathy, appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary of the Department of Health (MDH) and the advice and consent of the Senate;
• 1 practicing licensed physician appointed at the Governor's discretion
• 1 physician representative of MDH nominated by the Secretary
• 1 licensed physician assistant appointed at the Governor's discretion
• 2 practicing licensed physicians with full-time faculty appointments to serve as representatives of academic medical institutions in the State, nominated by one of those institutions
• 5 consumer members; and
• 1 public member knowledgeable in risk management or quality assurance matters appointed from a list submitted by the Maryland Hospital Association.

History

Medical licensure and discipline in Maryland dates back to 1789. Regulatory controls over the practice of medicine in Maryland have undergone many revisions since that time, from licensing anyone who collected fees for medical services, to establishing strict statutes and regulations governing licensure and compliance in the practice of medicine. Since July 1, 1988, the Maryland Board of Physicians (Board) (formerly known as the Maryland State Board of Physician Quality Assurance), has had the sole responsibility for the licensure and discipline of physicians and Allied Health (AH) practitioners under the Maryland Annotated Code, Health Occupations Article, Title 14 and Title 15.