PHILIPSBURG:--- As of January 7th 2014 Sint Maarten has its own Medical Disciplinary Board (Medisch Tuchtcollege) after 1.5 yr. of discussions and preparatory legal work by the Ministry of VSA.
The MDB evaluates complex cases were medical professionals are involved (e.g. doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse) and may take disciplinary measures against the medical professional. These may vary from a warning, suspension, permanent prohibition to exercise one's official duties.
The cases usually involve suspected malpractice and/or medical fraud and can be submitted to the MDB by the Inspectorate or directly by a patient or family member. Every case presented to the MDB needs to be substantiated and properly documented.
Because of the small amount of cases brought forward, the limited amount of available medical professionals to become a member and the experience needed to evaluate a case properly it was decided to use the pre-existing Netherlands Antilles MDB, now Curacao MDB, but as a legal Sint Maarten entity extended with Sint Maarten members. MDB sessions on local cases will be held on Sint Maarten.
The MDB is chaired by Judge L.van Gastel from the common court of Justice and consists further of 4 permanent members (2 doctors, a dentist and a pharmacist) and 6 substitute members. Dr. G. Spencer and Mrs. Natasha Carty, pharmacist have been nomiare the members on behalf of Sint Maarten.
The Ministry VSA continues its efforts to improve the health care sector by introducing updated and/or new legislation, by developing policy, by enforcing regulations and legislation, by supporting health care institutions and by establishing proper operational and regulatory mechanisms in the sector.
Press Release from Inspectorate of the Ministry of VSA