SAIPAN — Gov. David M. Apatang met with representatives of the Federation of State Medical Boards to discuss closer collaboration on healthcare regulation, physician licensure, and patient safety initiatives affecting the CNMI and other U.S. jurisdictions, the Office of the Governor announced Tuesday.
The Federation of State Medical Boards is described as a national nonprofit representing state and territorial medical boards that license, regulate, and discipline physicians and other healthcare professionals, with a mission centered on protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
Governor Apatang and FSMB leadership discussed priorities that included physician licensure standards, telehealth regulation, mobile and temporary medical practice authorities during emergencies, continuing medical education, and professional accountability. The meeting also included discussion on ensuring island communities benefit from medical regulatory systems comparable to those elsewhere in the nation.
“Protecting the health and safety of our residents is paramount,” Apatang said, adding that engagement with FSMB reinforces the administration’s commitment to regulatory partnerships, ethical medical practice, and continued access to high-quality patient care in the CNMI.
The governor’s office said FSMB provides resources, data, policy guidance, and professional development opportunities for medical boards, board members, and staff, and that its membership includes allopathic and osteopathic medical boards across the United States and its territories.
Governor Apatang also expressed appreciation for FSMB’s continued support of U.S. territories and their healthcare needs, including workforce capacity, recruitment of qualified physicians, and cross-jurisdictional cooperation, the release said.
