New-York tribune., 1902-01-23
HOPE FOR FEDERAL LAW
MOVEMENTS on FOOT TO PERMIT DOC
TORS TO PRACTISE IN DIFF
FERENT STATES

Several movements for the purpose OF bringing
about the passage Of federal law making II legal
for physician practise his profession in every
State without having to pass an examination IN
each State as his qualifications TO practise are
under way. 1t learned from James Taylor
Lewis counsel for the New-York State Medical AS
sociation. that the subject had been discussed by
of the medical societies in this State but none
of them had taken any definite action oEjthe ques-
ton One of the leaders in the movements for an
interstate interchange of courtesy with reference to
medical diplomas is Dr. Il. y. Harrison. secretary
of the Michigan State Board of Registration in
Medicine The Michigan State law. which has been
in effect for two years it is said provides for reel
procity.
From what can he learned in this city about the
movement the executive officers of the State Board
of Medical Registration in Wisconsin Illinois, 1ndi
and Ohio also heartily in favor of the
proposed plan. 1t is said that effort will be
made have this interchange of courtesy in effect
in these States possible Then the next
step VIII be toward the passage of a federal act
making legal the recognition OF medical diplomas
OF all reputable colleges IN this country. not only
in the State in which they were granted. but in
every State
In speaking about DR.. Harrison's plan Mr.. Lewis
said that Dr.. Harrison striving to have groups
OF States in various parts Of the United States.
through their State governments. agree TO recog-
niZe the diplomas issued by the reputable institu-
tons in adjoining States. There were 10 be about
nine centres groups throughout the United
States. Mr.. Lewis further said:
Such plan if carried out and applied 10 all
States, Will be a great success conducted under
federal statute For several years the question
has been up for discussion 10 the end that fed
eral provision might he made whereby diplomas
of the recognized reputable medical schools of a
State should be accepted in any other state IT
appears almost absurd say that physicians
practising their profession in San Francisco s..
Louis. Chicago. 81. Paul Pittsburg cannot he
trusted give dose Of medicine in this city, but
first be put through rigid examination or
medical book learning ny State Regents Exam
lining Board. A well known professor who has re-
Gently been called 70 chair in one Of ouE medical
schools, and who has practised in this State for
twenty years. has recently passed the examination
Of the State Board of Newly ork. The requirements
of some States for a physicians admission are low.
there would be little trouble in putting both the
medical schools equal footing in all States.
Mr. Lewis thought that it Of great impor
tance keep track of each practitioner of medi-
cine and that the plan Of county registration now
in force be continued Mr.. Lewis continued;
Yes there may be an analogy in membership to
the bar. Physicians might be allowed to receive
their license practise when indorsed by one or
more duly licensed physicians after the applicant
had practised a certain number of years in another
State This point might well be considered by the
ciation and have New-York take the lead in pre-
senting TO Congress remedy TO obviate the
red tape now necessarily encountered by physl-
who have practised for years in sister states
and desire 10 come New-York State. The care or
the State Board Of Examiners in their general re-
may well be emulated by all State boards. II is d
weilnigh impossible for talking or substitution
OF persons for the purpose Of taking the eXanlna-
tion to be successfully carried through.