An Act To Combine The Board Of Licensure In Medicine And Board Of Osteopathic Licensure Into A Single Licensing Board For All Physicians And Physician Associates

This Maine legislation merges the Board of Licensure in Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Licensure into a single entity called the Maine Board of Medicine, which will regulate allopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians, and physician associates starting January 1, 2027. The new board is composed of 22 members, including representatives from each medical profession and public members, who are appointed by the Governor to oversee licensing standards and disciplinary actions. While the bill consolidates administrative functions under one agency, it explicitly states that this does not combine the distinct professions into a single practice category. Additionally, the act requires the existing boards to submit a planning report to the state legislature by January 31, 2027, to facilitate the transition and identify any necessary follow-up legislation.