VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #S011

The regulated practice of medicine includes such unsupervised activities as independently making and providing a diagnosis to a patient, the rendering of medical care or advice, prescribing medications, performing procedures, and all other activities normally performed by physicians or other licensed professionals. Students on clinical clerkships or participating in patient care related activities may engage in patient care but must recognize that as students, their scope of training is limited. They are permitted to perform clinical care only in supervised settings and under the supervision of the faculty physician. At no time should a student assume independent responsibility for the care of any patient, provide a diagnosis to a patient, prescribe medication, order tests, or render care without supervision and authorization of the faculty physician. Further, no student is authorized to receive or to collect for himself/herself or for any other person, any fee or gratuity for professional service they provide during the course of their medical education training. Any student delivering unsupervised medical care is engaging in the unlicensed practice of medicine, which violates state law and VCOM policy. Medical students who engage in such activities may lose protection under VCOM’s professional liability insurance and may face disciplinary action including dismissal. Engaging in the unlicensed practice of medicine can also result in civil and/or criminal actions being filed against the student. While some medical students may be fully licensed in other health care disciplines/professions (e.g., Physical Therapists, RN’s, PA’s, Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Dentists, etc.), they may NOT exercise the rights and responsibilities of their license while simultaneously performing their duties and responsibilities as a medical student on clinical rotations or during other VCOM sponsored experiences. While working or volunteering in the healthcare field under a certification earned outside of VCOM, the individual will not be covered by any of VCOM’s insurance policy including any medical malpractice or professional liability coverage. Furthermore, the paid or voluntary work will not be overseen, considered for academic credit, or regulated by VCOM. If students have a doctorate in any field, they cannot use this title while in any clinical settings related to their education whether in a student environment or not. 2.1 Expectations of VCOM a. Ensure that supervising faculty physicians at VCOM affiliated core rotation sites hold a faculty appointment or a temporary appointment at VCOM. b. Ensure that supervising faculty physicians at VCOM affiliated core rotation sites must be practicing within the scope of their discipline, must hold current medical licensure, and have had AOA or ABMS board certification/board eligibility in the specialty being taught at some time in their career. c. Ensure that supervising faculty physicians at non-core rotation sites are attending faculty physicians and are reviewed and approved by VCOM.

VCOM Medical Student Patient Care Supervision and Expectations for Performance in Patient Care Policy

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