The honor system depends on trust. When Colorado physicians renew their medical licenses, once every two years, they must answer nine questions. Among other things, they are asked if they have been charged with any misdemeanor or felony crime since their last renewal. Behold the weakness of the honor system.
Doctors have reasons to lie.
Those convicted of felonies may lose their licenses. Those convicted of misdemeanors are not necessarily disciplined, because only certain misdemeanors, such as those involving illegal drugs or illegal use of prescription drugs, are grounds for discipline. But doctors must report all convictions, felony and misdemeanor. And there's the rub. There is no cross-checking mechanism to ensure that physicians tell the truth about their criminal records.