MS SB2729

Revises the Medical Practice Act to consolidate allopathic and osteopathic medicine under a unified definition of "practice of medicine" and "physician," eliminating separate licensing procedures for osteopathic physicians

Extends the maximum duration for temporary medical licenses from 5 years to 7 years for physicians in ACGME-approved residency or fellowship programs, and extends limited institutional licenses for foreign medical graduates from 5 to 7 years

Establishes civil penalties for unlicensed practice of medicine: up to $25,000 for first violation, $35,000 for second violation, and $50,000 for third and subsequent violations, with the Board authorized to seek injunctive relief

Authorizes punitive fines against licensed physicians of up to $25,000 per offense, with a cumulative cap of $100,000, and removes the previous $10,000 cap on cost assessments for disciplinary proceedings

Creates a "retired status" license option for physicians who wish to retain their license without actively practicing, exempting them from renewal fees and continuing education requirements