Healthcare Regulation in the US: Governing Bodies for Hospitals & Doctors

In the United States, there are several governing bodies that oversee the actions of hospitals and medical doctors staff.

1) The Joint Commission

- The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.

- The Joint Commission's standards are designed to improve the quality and safety of patient care.

- Hospitals and medical doctors must meet the Joint Commission's standards in order to be accredited.

2) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

- CMS is a federal agency that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

- CMS also sets standards for hospitals and medical doctors who participate in these programs.

- Hospitals and medical doctors must meet CMS's standards in order to receive payment from Medicare and Medicaid.

3) State Medical Boards

- State medical boards are responsible for licensing and regulating medical doctors.

- Medical doctors must meet the requirements set by their state medical board in order to practice medicine.

- State medical boards investigate complaints against medical doctors and can take disciplinary action, including suspending or revoking a medical doctor's license.

4) The American Medical Association (AMA)

- The AMA is a professional organization that represents medical doctors in the United States.

- The AMA has a Code of Medical Ethics that sets standards of professional conduct for medical doctors.

- Medical doctors must adhere to the AMA's Code of Medical Ethics in order to maintain their membership in the AMA.

5) National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)

- The NPDB is a federal database that collects and disseminates information on medical malpractice claims and disciplinary actions taken against medical doctors and other health care professionals.

- Hospitals and medical boards use the NPDB to screen job applicants and identify practitioners with a history of malpractice or disciplinary action.