The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners (BME) plays a vital role in upholding medical standards, yet many physicians view it with apprehension. This fear often stems from uncertainty about its function.
However, those who understand the BME’s role in licensure, regulation, and accountability approach it with less trepidation, explained Dr. Jennifer Root, FASA, who has served on the board for District 2 since 2021.
“Our number one goal is to protect the public,” said Dr. Root, who is an anesthesiologist now serving in her second term on the BME. “We work in a spot that combines medicine, policy, law, and legislation.”
Dr. Root often offers four key reminders to students and physicians who worry about staying in compliance with state regulations:
- Know state laws and regulations. Rules vary by state; it is important to stay current on the laws governing the state in which a provider works.
“If you know what the rules are you are less likely to break them,” Dr. Root explained.
- Document everything.
“I tell them to think about storytelling through documentation,” she said. In that way, they will ensure that each patient’s medical record is complete and accurate.
Dr. Root also emphasized the importance of avoiding certain behaviors with the final two reminders:
- Never write a prescription for themselves or a family member.
- Never get involved with a patient.
Dr. Root completed medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and her anesthesiology residency at Duke University.
When she began her term with the BME, she was no stranger to professional involvement at the state and national level. She served on the SCMA board as well as serving on multiple committees and in leadership roles with the South Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
It was during her time with the South Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists that she was first thoroughly immersed in the legislative world through an issue related to a hospital anesthesia service requirement. “It was an eye-opening experience to enter a courtroom and explain medicine in that setting,” she explained. “I could see many nuances involved.”
As the representative for Congressional District 1, Dr. Lisa Gregory is one of the newest faces on the BME. “The extreme deficit of the number of OB/GYNs that practice in the state and in this country,” motivated her to join, she said. Dr. Gregory attended her first meeting in January.
Dr. Gregory graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina before attending the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed her residency in OB/GYN, in Denver, Colorado, at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and she has been part of Low Country OB/GYN since.
Both Dr. Root and Dr. Gregory feel a great sense of pride in their work protecting the public and advocating for their patients’ safety.
“I really wanted to try and get involved to make sure that those of us that practice this profession can continue to practice it and keep the women in South Carolina safe,” Dr. Gregory said. “There are definitely situations currently where the standard of care is at odds with what our laws are in South Carolina.”
At the conclusion of a disciplinary proceeding, the BME can take a range of actions that might include requiring additional education or training, placing limitation on practices, or occasionally suspending or revoking a medical license.
For Dr. Root, the most satisfying part of her work with the BME is to witness a provider return to practicing medicine after an issue resulted in having their license removed.
Dr. Gregory believes that serving on the board is a public duty, similar to jury duty. “Everybody needs to do it,” Dr. Gregory said. The Board of Medical Examiners, among other responsibilities, ensures that when people go to a doctor, that doctor has been vetted and qualified, she added.
Although the board only meets four times a year, the preparation is often significant and requires a strong commitment of time in the weeks before a meeting. There may be hundreds of pages of documents to review to be fully prepared.
However, both Dr. Root and Dr. Gregory believe that the time invested is very rewarding and results in a much stronger medical system.
If physicians are interested in serving on the board, they can get information from the current member in their district. They may also gain some insight by watching any non-confidential meetings. Schedules and agendas are posted online so there might be a topic of interest worth learning about to someone considering serving.
What Does The BME Do?
The BME fulfills two major functions:
- Licensing physicians (M.D. and D.O.), physician assistants, anesthesiologist assistants, respiratory care practitioners, registered cardiovascular invasive specialists, acupuncturists, auricular therapists, and auricular detoxification specialists.
- Investigating and disciplining licensees found to be engaged in misconduct as defined in the professions’ respective practice acts. This includes illegal, unethical, or incompetent conduct.
The board is composed of 13 members, each serving a four-year term. Seven of those members are physicians who reside in and are elected from each of the seven congressional districts.
The board office offers assistance with examination information and materials, continuing education requirements, licensure applications and renewals, board information, and more.
Learn More: llr.sc.gov/med/
