Except in nine states, medical boards act independently and have full decision-making authority regarding discipline and investigations, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
In all but 19 states, medical board members are appointed by the state’s governor and don’t require additional confirmation. In states where separate confirmation is required, the Senate or legislature is responsible, according to FSMB.
In general, state medical boards drive the public health policies of their state. They also have the authority to investigate doctors and nurses if complaints against are lodged and can strip them of their medical license.
Consequently, according to lawyers representing doctors facing medical board investigations, many doctors and nurses are being targeted by their boards for advocating for alternative medications during the COVID-19 pandemic….