In recent developments, the National Medicare Commission has introduced new regulations regarding the professional conduct of registered medical practitioners. These regulations aim to ensure ethical practices within the medical field and improve patient care. One significant change is that doctors and their families are now prohibited from accepting gifts, travel facilities, hospitality, cash, or access to recreation from pharmaceutical companies, commercial healthcare establishments, and medical device firms. Additionally, the regulations emphasize the importance of timely access to medical records and the need for doctors to attend professional development programs regularly. This blog post will delve deeper into these new regulations and their implications for doctors and patients.
Restrictions on Gifts and Endorsements:
Under the new rules, doctors are no longer allowed to endorse any drug brands, medicines, or equipment. This regulation aims to prevent any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from doctors receiving gifts or benefits from pharmaceutical companies. Not only doctors but their families are also prohibited from accepting any form of gifts or benefits from these entities.
Improved Access to Medical Records:
The regulations also address the issue of timely access to medical records. Previously, patients or their authorized attendants had to wait for 72 days to receive medical records from a registered medical practitioner responsible for patient records in a hospital. However, the new regulations require doctors to duly acknowledge any request for medical records and supply the documents within five working days. In cases of medical emergencies, efforts should be made to provide the medical records at the earliest, within three years.
Digitization of Medical Records:
To ensure efficient record-keeping, registered medical practitioners are now required to maintain fully digitized records. These records must comply with the provisions of the ID Act, data protection, and privacy laws. Self-employed doctors must maintain medical records of patients for three years from the date of the last contact with the patient, following the format specified by the National Medical Commission.
Professional Development Programs:
To stay updated with the latest advancements in the medical field, registered medical practitioners are now obligated to attend professional development programs regularly. These programs aim to enhance doctors’ knowledge and skills, ultimately benefiting patient care.
Restrictions on Third-Party Educational Activities:
The regulations also prohibit doctors from participating in any third-party educational activities, such as seminars, workshops, or conferences, that involve direct or indirect sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies or the health sector. This restriction aims to maintain the integrity and independence of medical professionals.
Handling Abusive and Violent Patients:
In cases where patients or their relatives exhibit abusive, unruly, or violent behavior, doctors have the right to document and report such behavior. They may also refuse to treat the patient and refer them for further treatment elsewhere. This provision ensures the safety and well-being of medical practitioners.
Definition of Emergency:
For the first time, the term “emergency” has been clearly defined in the regulations as a life and limb-saving procedure. This clarification helps doctors determine the appropriate course of action in critical situations.
Conclusion
The new regulations introduced by the National Medicare Commission bring significant changes to the professional conduct of registered medical practitioners. By prohibiting doctors from accepting gifts and endorsements from pharmaceutical companies, the regulations aim to ensure ethical practices and prevent conflicts of interest. Additionally, the emphasis on timely access to medical records and the requirement for digitization will improve patient care and record-keeping. By attending professional development programs regularly, doctors can stay updated with the latest advancements in the medical field. Overall, these regulations aim to enhance the quality of healthcare services and protect the interests of both doctors and patients.