Tennessee physicians who create or spread COVID-19 vaccine misinformation or disinformation could now face disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of their medical licenses in the most extreme cases, according to a new policy from the state medical board that oversees doctors.
The policy was adopted by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners – a 12-member board that’s appointed by the governor and responsible for disciplining physicians who violate practice standards – at its most recent meeting, on Sept. 21.
“Spreading inaccurate COVID-19 vaccine information contradicts that responsibility, threatens to further erode public trust in the medical profession and puts all patients at risk,” the policy states.
Board President Dr. Melanie Blake, a Chattanooga-based internist, said during the meeting that the board was forced to address the issue due to “some outliers that are spreading misinformation, misguided information or disinformation – a deceptive form of misinformation.”
Willingness to spread unsubstantiated information around vaccines calls into question a physician’s ability to make other medical decisions, as well, she said.