Physician Reentry into Clinical Practice: Regulatory Challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACT Physician reentry to clinical practice is fast becoming recognized as an issue of central importance in discussions about the physician workforce. While there are few empirical studies, existing data show that increasing numbers of physicians take a leave of absence from practice at some point during their careers; this trend is expected to continue. The process of returning to clinical practice is coming under scrutiny due to the public's increasing demand for transparency regarding physician competence. Criteria for medical licensure often do not include an expectation of ongoing clinical activity. Physicians who maintain a license but do not practice for a period of time, therefore, may be reentering the workforce with unknown competency to practice. This paper: (1) presents survey data on current physician reentry policies of state medical boards; (2) discusses the findings from the survey within the context of regulatory challenges that impact physician-reentry; and (3) offers recommendations to facilitate the development of comprehensive, coordinated regulatory policies on physician reentry.