Here's the article that some person screen name "drusso" posted in the Everyone Forum with the subject "DO's in Louisiana"
Louisiana Medical Board Recognizes Osteopathic Medical Exam and Establishes Parity Between D.O.s and M.Ds.
(Chicago, IL)—The osteopathic profession achieved a victory in Louisiana as the state board of medical examiners voted in support of granting full licensure to D.O.s who have completed the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination-USA (COMLEX-USA), or the earlier exam of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, and present certification from a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This rule change also makes it possible for osteopathic graduates, who have taken the COMLEX-USA, to participate in the state's residency programs.
As the issue of full licensure received approval, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) worked with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) to amend the state's Medical Practice Act. Legislation was enacted establishing parity between D.O.s and M.D.s by including D.O.s in the definition of a physician. The revised definition states that "A ‘physician' means a person who is the holder of an allopathic (M.D) degree or an osteopathic (D.O.) degree from a medical college in good standing…" It further declares that "Doctors of allopathic medicine (M.D.) and osteopathic medicine (D.O.) shall be accorded equal professional status and unrestricted privileges in the practice of medicine." In addition, the state medical board updated the definition of osteopathic medicine.
According to Nancy Bellemare, D.O., president of the Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association (LOMA), these decisions could not have come at a better time. "The LOMA and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) firmly believe that these changes will provide opportunities for many D.O.s to provide quality care in a state drastically short of physicians," stresses Dr. Bellemare.
Prior to the medical board's decision of recognizing the COMLEX-USA, fewer than 100 D.O.s practiced in the state. Under the new rules, the AOA expects to see this number increase to 150 D.O.s within the next two years. "As the number of D.O.s grows, the LSBME will understand that the standards established by the osteopathic medical community in the areas of education, training and testing are equal to those of the allopathic medical community," Dr. Bellemare adds.
The American Osteopathic Association represents more than 47,000 osteopathic physicians, promotes public health, encourages scientific research and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities.
I think it's pretty legit... but I didn't double check.... That's a pretty big step if it's true.... 😎
