Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners: Your Guide to Medical Licensure and Regulation

The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (TBME) is responsible for licensing and regulating physicians and other healthcare professionals in the state of Tennessee. The board’s mission is to protect the public health and safety by ensuring that physicians are competent and ethical.

Licensure Requirements

To obtain a license to practice medicine in Tennessee, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a graduate of an accredited medical school
• Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• Complete a residency program in an accredited hospital
• Obtain a background check
• Submit an application to the TBME

The application process can be lengthy and complex, so it is important to start early. The TBME website provides detailed instructions on how to apply for a license.

Scope of Practice

The TBME regulates the practice of medicine in Tennessee. This includes the following activities:

• Diagnosing and treating diseases
• Prescribing medications
• Performing surgery
• Providing medical advice

Physicians who wish to practice outside of their scope of practice must obtain additional training and certification.

Disciplinary Actions

The TBME has the authority to discipline physicians who violate the Board’s rules and regulations. Disciplinary actions may include:

• Reprimand
• Suspension
• Revocation of license

The TBME takes disciplinary action against physicians who engage in unprofessional conduct, incompetence, or negligence.

Complaints

Patients who have concerns about the care they have received from a physician may file a complaint with the TBME. The Board will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.

Contact Information

Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners
426 5th Avenue North, Suite 900
Nashville, TN 37247
(615) 532-9330
www.tn.gov/health/topic/healthcare-professionals/licensing-boards-commissions/tennessee-board-of-medical-examiners

Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (TBME)

The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (TBME) is responsible for ensuring that physicians in the state are competent and ethical. According to the TBME, there were 25,000 active physicians licensed in Tennessee in 2022. The TBME’s mission is to protect the public health and safety by regulating the practice of medicine in Tennessee.

The TBME’s Role

The TBME has a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Licensing physicians
• Investigating complaints against physicians
• Disciplining physicians who violate the law or the TBME’s rules and regulations
• Developing and enforcing standards for the practice of medicine in Tennessee
• Providing information to the public about physicians and the practice of medicine

The TBME’s Impact

The TBME’s work has a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in Tennessee. By ensuring that physicians are competent and ethical, the TBME helps to protect patients from harm. The TBME also works to ensure that the public has access to high-quality healthcare services.

How to File a Complaint Against a Physician

If you have concerns about the care you have received from a physician, you may file a complaint with the TBME. The TBME will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action. More than 3,500 complaints were filed with the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners in 2021. Of those complaints, 25% were related to patient care issues.

How to Contact the TBME

You can contact the TBME by phone at (615) 532-9330 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit the TBME’s website at www.tn.gov/health/topic/healthcare-professionals/licensing-boards-commissions/tennessee-board-of-medical-examiners.

Pain Points

Patients

• Lack of access to affordable healthcare
• Difficulty finding a doctor who accepts their insurance
• Long wait times for appointments
• Lack of communication from doctors

Physicians

• High cost of malpractice insurance
• Increasing administrative burden
• Burnout
• Difficulty keeping up with the latest medical advances

Motivations

Patients

• Want to receive high-quality healthcare
• Want to be treated with respect
• Want to have access to affordable healthcare

Physicians

• Want to provide the best possible care to their patients
• Want to be fairly compensated for their work
• Want to have a reasonable work-life balance
• Want to be respected by their patients and colleagues

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Patients

• Don’t self-diagnose or self-treat.
• Don’t ignore your symptoms.
• Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
• Don’t hesitate to file a complaint if you have concerns about your care.

Physicians

• Don’t put off getting malpractice insurance.
• Don’t ignore your patients’ concerns.
• Don’t overwork yourself.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The TBME ensures that physicians are competent and ethical.
• The TBME protects the public health and safety.
• The TBME provides information to the public about physicians and the practice of medicine.

Cons

• The TBME can be slow to investigate complaints.
• The TBME can be difficult to contact.
• The TBME’s rules and regulations can be complex and confusing.

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