An issue was recently brought to the attention of the SC Board of Medical Examiners on behalf of the South Carolina Society of Pathologists dealing with certain anatomic pathology business practices that have ethical and legal considerations that practicing pathologists should be aware of.  The matter was presented to the Board by Jane Pine Wood, Esq. and Steven M. Harris, Esq. and recently responded to by the Board.  Documents of the request and response are available on the SC Board of Medical Examiners website (links below correct - wrong on source page).

The documents are worth reading for background and the types of business models that may be occurring and what it means for our specialty.  Welcome your comments.

"At its May 2010 meeting, the SC Board of Medical Examiners considered the legal and ethical issues related to certain anatomic pathology services arrangements. The board concluded that the arrangements in question may constitute misconduct under the medical practice act. While it has not received a complaint and has not investigated any specific arrangement, based on the facts outlined in the presentation made at the May meeting these relationships raise serious legal and ethical concerns. Accordingly, the board cannot advise that they are permissible under the medical practice act at this time.

May 13, 2010 letter to the SC Board of Medical Examiners requesting advice from the Board about certain anatomic pathology services click here.

June 9, 2010 letter of response from the Board click here."

http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/medical/PDF/pathology%20final.pdf

http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/medical/PDF/PathologyWoodRequest.pdf

http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/medical/PDF/PathologyWoodResponse.pdf