A recent audit has found that it sometimes takes years for the state board to discipline Tennessee doctors who have committed misconduct.
The Tennessean reports an audit released Monday by the comptroller reveals that during that time, many doctors continue to practice medicine.
The report says the slow pace of investigations by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners subjects patients to "potentially harmful medical practices."
The audit also found that the board hasn't taken steps to comply with a 1979 state law requiring it to collect information from state courts that would alert it to a physician who has been convicted of a crime.
Assistant commissioner for health and licensure regulation Michelle Long says the Tennessee Department of Health will examine each of the cases highlighted in the audit.