FSMB: Medical Professionals Risk Losing License for Spreading False COVID-19 Vaccine Info

 Posted on August 30, 2021 in Medical License Defense

There is no doubt that the country is deeply divided over just how serious COVID-19 is and what steps should be taken to mitigate the spread of the virus. There is intense debate over vaccines, masks, and social distancing, with much of that debate raging over social media platforms. Unfortunately, there has been an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation posted on these platforms about the virus. Some of this information comes directly from physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. All of this misinformation has prompted the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) to announce that any healthcare professional who spreads COVID-19 misinformation is at risk of losing their medical license.

The Federation of State Medical Boards

The FSMB is a nonprofit organization that represents 71 state medical and osteopathic boards in the United States. The organization provides education, data, assessment, and research to medical boards, while also focusing on initiatives and services that promote regulatory best practices, quality health care, and patient safety. The FSMB also co-sponsors the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

In July, the FSMB announced that any medical professional who spreads COVID-19 vaccine disinformation or misinformation on social media, in the media, or online could face disciplinary action by their state medical boards. This action could include revocation or suspension of their medical license.

In its statement, the organization pointed out that physicians and other medical professionals hold a high degree of public trust, giving them a powerful platform. Healthcare professionals also have a professional and ethical responsibility to provide the care that is in the best interest of their patient and, because of their influence, only share information with patients that is based on facts. This information should also be grounded in science, as well as consensus-driven by the medical community. In its statement, the FSMB stated that when medical professionals spread inaccurate information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, it not only can result in trust the public has in the medical profession to erode, but also puts the life of patients at risk.

While the organization has issued this warning, they have not yet announced what the definition of “disinformation” or “misinformation” is that could result in disciplinary action by a state board against a medical professional. That should be coming at a later date. For now, state medical boards can use their own definitions and procedures to address the issue.

Contact an Illinois License Defense Attorney

There is a wide array of issues that can result in a healthcare professional facing disciplinary action and loss of their medical license by the Illinois Medical Board, including substandard care, substance abuse, and unprofessional conduct. If you are a medical professional who has been accused of misconduct, you need an experienced and skilled Illinois medical license defense lawyer aggressively advocating for you to help protect your medical license and your future. Call The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. at 630-310-1267 to schedule a free and confidential consultation and find out what legal options you may have.

Sources:

https://www.fsmb.org/

https://www.newswise.com/coronavirus/fsmb-spreading-covid-19-vaccine-misinformation-may-put-medical-license-at-risk/?article_id=755190