The National Medical Commission has published draft regulations to amend the registration framework for medical practice across India. These proposed rules mandate a centrally generated Unique Identification Number on the National Medical Register, enabling doctors to practise nationwide and establishing real-time electronic synchronisation across all State Medical Registers.

Regulation 9A grants territorial jurisdiction to any State Medical Council whenever an allegation of medical negligence or professional misconduct is made, irrespective of the State where the doctor is primarily registered. Furthermore, licences remain valid for five years and automatically lapse to inactive status if not renewed within three months. The National Medical Register serves as a centralised public repository for all disciplinary orders and suspensions.

This heightened regulatory transparency will expose doctors to unprecedented public scrutiny and administrative vulnerabilities. This, in turn, will influence their daily medical decision-making, defensive practice patterns, and willingness to adopt advanced healthcare solutions.

Safeguarding medical practice against these complex legal and operational risks requires proactive compliance frameworks, continuous risk mitigation, and structured legal education. Supporting doctors and hospitals with robust legal risk management is essential to preserve professional autonomy, build enduring trust, and ensure the seamless delivery of high-quality patient care.

Institute of Medicine & Law (IML) partners with healthcare and life-sciences leaders to design medico-legal education, risk-mitigation frameworks, and compliance certifications that build clinician trust.

Source: https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/redefining-medical-practice-with-a-centralised-registry/454932/

[This news analysis by the Institute of Medicine & Law was also published in Express Healthcare]