The proposed rule amendments are intended to update the rule by deleting language which is unnecessary and by incorporating the most recent LCME publication to determine reasonable comparability for foreign medical schools.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Board of Medicine

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:
64B8-15.002Introduction
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule amendments are intended to update the rule by deleting language which is unnecessary and by incorporating the most recent LCME publication to determine reasonable comparability for foreign medical schools.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendments delete unnecessary language which currently remains in the rule and incorporates the most recent LCME publication entitled “Functions and Structure of a Medical School” to determine reasonable comparability for foreign medical schools.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:
The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board, based upon the expertise and experience of its members, determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 458.309, 458.314(4) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 458.314 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Allison M. Dudley, Executive Director, Board of Medicine/MQA, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C03, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3253

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

64B8-15.002 Introduction.

(1) In 1986, Florida enacted legislation governing the certification of foreign medical schools. The intent of the Legislature is best expressed in Section 458.314(1), Florida Statutes (1986 Supp.), in which the Legislature recognized the need to ensure that graduates of foreign medical schools who have received an education which is reasonably comparable to that of similar accredited institutions in the United States and which adequately prepares its students for the practice of medicine shall be subject to the same licensure requirements as graduates of accredited medical schools or colleges. The stated purpose of the legislation is to provide for the evaluation of foreign medical schools and the certification of those foreign medical schools which provide an education which is reasonably comparable to that of similar accredited institutions in the United States and which adequately prepare their students for the practice of medicine.

(2) In order to determine reasonable comparability between the medical education programs of foreign medical schools seeking certification and accredited medical schools in the United States, the Department shall employ the standards published by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), known as Functions and Structure Structures of a Medical School, (May 2012) which is hereby incorporated by reference and available at http:www.lcme.org/functions.pdf , have served as a basis for the development of standards for Florida’s certification program. Portions of the LCME standards which are primarily applicable in the United States have been eliminated or modified where appropriate.

(3) In the United States medical education leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) is evaluated by the LCME, a committee of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association. The LCME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for programs of medical education leading to the first professional degree in the United States. The LCME has 18 members including both physicians and non-physicians, medical students and a representative of the Committee for the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools.

(4) The LCME publishes guidelines for the structure and functions of a medical school which are designed to allow flexibility among schools while requiring that each meets defined basic standards. The LCME has the authority and responsibility to evaluate the quality of each educational program and to withhold or withdraw accreditation from any school which in its judgment fails to meet minimum standards.

(5) The standards  which Florida has developed are known as Florida Standards for Certification of Foreign Medical Education Programs (Florida Standards). Florida has also developed a Florida Medical Education Data Base, adapted from the LCME Medical Education Data Base, designed to elicit from the school the basic information necessary to form a preliminary judgment concerning foreign medical education programs.

(6) To the extent the standards herein are consistent with LCME standards, interpretations given the standards by the LCME shall be relied upon.

Rulemaking Specific Authority 458.309, 458.314(4) FS. Law Implemented 458.314 FS. History–New 8-24-87, Formerly 21M-42.002, 61F6-42.002, 59R-15.002,  Amended                    .

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Rules Committee, Board of Medicine
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Medicine
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: November 30, 2012
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 17, 2012