History

• The Medical Practice Act first took effect in 1889 when Oregon Legislative Assembly created the Board of Medical Examiners. The act meant that physicians either had to show a medical school diploma or pass a test before receiving a license. After revisions in 1895, the act required applicants to produce details of their educational background. The act, which has changed over the years, remains in force and makes up chapter 677 of the Oregon Revised Statutes, the combined body of state law.
  
  

Purpose

• The act exists to enforce the legal position that practicing medicine is a privilege rather than a right. Additionally, the state regulates the practice to protect the public from unlicensed practitioners and from unprofessional conduct by those with licenses.
  
  

Exemptions

• Some of the key exemptions from the requirement to hold a license are Army doctors, acupuncture students under supervision, emergency medical treatment, "the domestic administration of family remedies," massage and spiritual healing. There are also several medical-related fields such as dentistry, optometry, psychology and chiropractic work which come under separate licensing laws.
  
  

Administration

• The Oregon Medical Board (the new name for the Board of Medical Examiners since 2008) currently administers the act. It handles licensing for medical doctors, doctors of osteopathic medicine, podiatric physicians, physician assistants and acupuncturists. The board consists of 12 members, all of whom are medical or osteopathic doctors except for two public members.
  
  

Offenses

• Violating any aspect of the act is a misdemeanor, even for a single act rather than a pattern of conduct. Practicing medicine without holding a license under the act is a class C felony.
  
  

Changes in 2009

• Changes passed to the act in 2009 mean all Oregon health professionals must report any prohibited conduct by another professional. They must also report cases of impairment among other professionals, which can include the effects of drugs, alcohol and mental health conditions. The changes also set up a single statewide program for treating health professionals with impairment issues.