Which statement about the Board’s handling of malpractice allegations is correct?

• A. The Board automatically provides malpractice insurance.
• B. The Board handles all malpractice claims as civil suits.
• C. The Board issues fines but cannot discipline.
• D. The Board may review allegations of malpractice as unprofessional conduct and has disciplinary authority.

Answer: (D)

When a licensing board reviews malpractice claims, its main job is to regulate the profession and protect the public by upholding standards of practice. It may examine complaints to see if the conduct amounts to unprofessional conduct. If it does, the board has disciplinary authority and can sanction the practitioner—such as issuing a reprimand, placing limits or conditions on practice, suspending, or revoking the license. This disciplinary role is separate from civil malpractice lawsuits, which are handled in court between a patient and a provider and may result in damages without involving the board’s sanctioning process. The board also does not provide malpractice insurance; that insurance is provided by private insurers or other entities, not the licensing board.