Reject Federation of State Medical Board Bill in New Hampshire

Last year, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) released model legislation for the creation of an interstate medical licensing compact. It would allow physicians to apply for an expedited license in one state without going through a formal application procedure.

The FSMB—a private trade association that sets standards which are often followed by state medical boards—is no friend to integrative medicine. Despite having no public funding, transparency, or accountability, FSMB wields a tremendous amount of power over the practice of medicine in all fifty states.

This trade group’s proposed legislation, HB1665, would cede state licensing power to an unaccountable Interstate Commission controlled behind the scenes by FSMB, and it would force many physicians to participate in a burdensome and costly recertification process. Tell your state legislators to reject HB1665!

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Please Vote NO on HB1665

Dear [Decision Maker],

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The FSMB -- a private trade association that sets standards which are often followed by state medical boards -- has no public funding, transparency, or accountability, yet it wields a tremendous amount of power over the practice of medicine in all fifty states. This group's proposed legislation would cede state licensing power to an unaccountable Interstate Commission controlled behind the scenes by FSMB.

The legislation would have states give away their autonomy and authority to grant licenses to physicians. If an applicant is deemed "compact eligible" by any other compact state, all member states must grant licensure based on that eligibility. There is no discretion to look at moral character, malpractice history, training irregularities, or other requirements. There is also no opportunity for a state to disagree with another state's interpretation of the compact requirements or their determination that a particular applicant meets those requirements.

In other words, contrary to FSMB's claim elsewhere, the interstate compact clearly takes power away from the states and gives it to FSMB.

Moreover, it would effectively force many physicians to participate in a burdensome and costly recertification process. It would require physicians seeking a license through the compact to participate in a credentialing process overseen by one of twenty-four approved medical specialty boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). While ABMS argues that its recertification process maintains high standards, many physicians see this as little more than a money-making endeavor for ABMS -- in fact, the chair of ABMS makes $1,000 a day. Worse, these certifications are often used as a requirement for hospital employment.

Please reject HB1665 and all similar legislation proposed by the Federation of State Medical Boards!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
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