The N.C. Medical Board, which licenses and disciplines physicians practicing in the state, is seeking reforms that would greatly expand its power to publicly censure physician misconduct. It isn't clear whether the proposed changes would be eligible for consideration during the short session of the General Assembly, which convenes May 9, but the medical board is hopeful.

PROPOSED REFORMS INCLUDE:

* Broadening the the board's disciplinary authority to allow it to issue public letters of concern, public reprimands, place physicians on probation or limit the scope of their practice, levy fines, and require satisfactory completion of treatment programs or remedial or educational training. All of the above could be imposed without first obtaining the provider's consent.

* Extending the board's expanded disciplinary authority to nurse practitioners and certain pharmacists.

* Granting the board the authority to require additional scrutiny and training for any physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner returning to active practice.

* Giving the board the authority to refer physician assistants with substance-abuse problems to the N.C. Physician's Health Program for treatment.

* Granting the board the ability to have panels of as few as three board members conduct public hearings, to speed up the pace at which the board hears cases.

* Empowering the state Department of Insurance and State Division of Facility Services, respectively, with the authority to issue penalties of up to $1,000 per incident when malpractice insurers or hospitals fail to report to the medical board any malpractice payments or suspension, revocation or limitation of privileges.

N.C. MEDICAL BOARD