COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
FULL QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◍ How many CMEs can be applied retroactively?.
Answer: 24; only once
◍ How many CMEs do you need if you become "board certified" within 36
months?.
Answer: 24
◍ If you practice pain management, how many CMEs in pain management are
required?.
Answer: None, but they are recommended
◍ Who can initiate a complaint to the board?.
Answer: Anyone
◍ What is the "health professions council"?.
Answer: Council of various professionals that establishes a central telephone
complaint system (800-number)
◍ Does the TMB have to notify a physician when a complaint is filed? Are
there exceptions? How often do the parties get updated on proceedings?.
Answer: Yes, within 30 days, except if it would interfere with the
investigation; updates are quarterly
◍ When does the TMB release complaint information to the hospital?.
Answer: Upon written request
◍ Who investigates issues of "medical competency"?.
, Answer: An expert physician panel appointed by the board consisting of
physicians ONLY
◍ What do medical malpractice carriers have to report to the TMB regarding
malpractice? Within what time limit? Who punishes them if they do not
report? What does a physician without insurance have to report and when?
Is there a difference for NPDB/HCQIA?.
Answer: Within 30 days from a complaint being filed in a lawsuit,
settlement; noninsured MDs have to self-report within 30 days; any payment
must be reported to NPDB by HCQIA requirements
◍ Restrictive action by the TMB: Within what time limit must the board tell
the hospital? Tell Medicare? Tell the secretary of health & professional
societies & complainant?.
Answer: Next working day for hospitals; in writing for all within 30 days.
◍ Restrictive action by the TMB: How often must the board make public
notices about disciplinary orders?.
Answer: 2 times per year.
◍ Restrictive action by the TMB: Must the board report crimes found during
investigations?.
Answer: Yes, to the law enforcement.
◍ Restrictive action by the TMB: Within how many days must the board
report to the NPDB?.
Answer: 30 days.
◍ Restrictive action by the TMB: Within how many days must a court report
to the board about convictions, felonies, and misdemeanors and addiction
issues be filed?.
Answer: 30 days.
◍ Are TMB reports confidential?.
Answer: Yes
◍ Who can the NPDB give info to? How about to patients? How about
, statistical data?.
Answer: Hospitals, self-requesting physicians, board, other state or federal
agencies, attorneys; for statistical purposes if no identity disclosed
◍ When is it not illegal to perform a third-trimester abortion?.
Answer: To prevent mother's death, if unborn has severe irreversible brain
damage
◍ When is it not illegal to perform an abortion on a minor?.
Answer: In emergency and with court order
◍ Is sexual contact between a physician and patient OK if the patient
consents?.
Answer: NO, the disparity of power does not allow consent
◍ Why is it unprofessional to initially prescribe drugs over the Internet?.
Answer: Did not verify identity of patient, no physician coverage or
follow-up guaranteed
◍ How can you terminate care to a patient?.
Answer: 30 day notice, certified letter, available for emergencies during that
time, give alternative physicians
◍ What prescriptions does a physician need to keep records on? Dangerous
drugs? Controlled substances? Samples?.
Answer: Samples and dangerous drugs as part of medical record; for
schedule 3-5 records and log; for schedule 2 separate log and records; keep
record for 2 years; do inventory on schedule drugs every 2 years
◍ Can the board administer monetary penalties?.
Answer: Yes
◍ What happens to his/her license if a physician goes to prison?.
Answer: TMB is required to suspend
◍ How many malpractice claims within what time period automatically open a
board investigation?.
Answer: 3 within 5 years