A New Draft Of Regulations For Doctors: Things To Know

The National Medical Commission's Ethics & Medical Registration Board (EMRB) has introduced the Draft National Medical Commission, Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Behavior) Regulations, 2022, to address different aspects of registered medical practitioners' professional conduct.

The NMC asked for public and stakeholder feedback when it released the new regulations, and the deadline for submissions was set for June 22.

When presenting the public domain laws, NMC stated, "The comments shall be forwarded to the email address emrb.ethics@nmc.org.in within one month, i.e. by 22.06.2022."

Some of the important regulations mentioned are as follows:

1. Professional Conduct of RMPs

• Only those RMPs who are registered under NMC Act, 2019, can use 3 Medical Doctor (Med Dr.) as a prefix before their names. Every self-employed RMP shall display the unique registration ID assigned to her/him by EMRB in his/her prescription, certificate, and money receipts given to patients. Employed RMP shall get a seal made by the employer for displaying the unique registration number below the RMP’s signatures.
• The RMP shall display as suffix to his/her name only NMC recognized and accredited medical degrees/diplomas as provided in the nomenclature of the regulations and listed on the NMC website.
• A person qualified in more than one system of medicine should decide which system he wants to practice. Once licensed to practice Modern medicine under NMC Act, he shall not practice another system of medicine 4 simultaneously. Short courses in other systems of medicine do not qualify a practitioner to practice and prescribe in that system of medicine.
• Shall not associate professionally with any unqualified person to perform any treatment, procedure, or operation.

2. Continuing Professional Development Program

• Attend continuing professional development programs regularly each year, totaling at least 30 credit hours every five years.
• Only recognized medical colleges and health institutions or medical societies accredited or authorized by EMRB/State medical Councils can offer training and credit hours.
• Renewal of License to practice should be done every 5 years, requiring submission of details of CPD credit hours.
• RMPs who wish to practice in another State (due to transfer of work or residence) should inform the State Medical Council and apply for a License to practice in that State.

3. Regarding Prescription and Remuneration

• Consultation fees and an estimated cost of treatment should be made known to the patient before the examination or treatment of the patient.
• An RMP can refuse to continue to treat a patient if the fees, as indicated, are not paid.
• Every RMP is expected to prescribe drugs using generic names written legibly and prescribe drugs rationally, avoiding unnecessary medications and 5 irrational fixed-dose combination tablets.
• An RMP shall not run an open shop to sell medicine prescribed by RMPs other than himself or for the sale of medical or surgical appliances. They are allowed to sell medication to his/her own patients.
• An RMP shall not dispense or prescribe secret remedial agents of which he does not know the composition or action in the body.

4. Regarding Medical Records of Patients

• Every self-employed RMP shall maintain medical records of patients (outpatients or inpatients) for 3 years from the date of the last contact with the patient for treatment, in a standard proforma laid down by the NMC.
• If any request is made for the medical record by a hospital or healthcare institution either by the patients / authorized attendant or legal authorities, it should be given within 5 working days in regular cases and on the same day in case of a medical emergency.
• Patients’ medical records shall be computerized for quick retrieval within 3 years from the date of publication of these regulations.
• If a signed document ( In their professional capacity ) is issued for any court or administrative purpose, it should not be misleading and a register with full details shall be maintained.
• An RMP shall cooperate in the investigation against incompetent, corrupt or dishonest conduct of other members of the profession without fear or favor.
• Before performing any clinical procedure, diagnostic or therapeutic, or operation, the RMP should obtain the documented informed consent of the patient/legal guardian/family member. In case of an emergency, the doctor should try to obtain consent, but if this is not possible, he must act in the best interest of the patient.
• An RMP shall not publish photographs or case reports of patients without their permission in any medical or another journal in a manner by which their identity could be revealed.