Unprofessional Conduct

According to the Medical Practice Act, unprofessional conduct includes "any departure from or failure to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice and shall also include, but not be limited to the prescribing or use of drugs, treatment or diagnostic procedures which are detrimental to the patient as determined by the minimal standards of acceptable medical care."

The types of actions which can be considered unprofessional conduct are varied, but generally include any type of physical abuse by the doctor against the patient, performing actions which are beyond the scope of one's license, not keeping adequate records, illegally prescribing medications, verbal abuse of a patient, or the refusal by a physician to comply, within a reasonable time frame, with a request from another physician for medical records or medical information when such request is accompanied by a properly executed authorization of the patient. Unprofessional conduct can also include engaging in conduct which is immoral, willful, shameful, and which shows a moral indifference to the standards and opinions of the community. This list is not exhaustive and can vary by state.