The Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine is a cornerstone of healthcare regulation in Delaware, aiming to ensure that medical decision-making remains in the hands of licensed physicians rather than influenced by corporate interests. For healthcare providers, understanding Delaware’s CPOM laws is essential to maintaining compliance and delivering quality care in an increasingly complex landscape. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of CPOM compliance in Delaware for 2025.

Delaware’s CPOM regulations require healthcare providers to carefully align their practices with state laws. Access Plus Health helps simplify compliance with a complete guide to the rules and requirements for 2025. From addressing ownership restrictions to establishing compliant partnerships, our team ensures your medical practice operates within Delaware’s legal framework. Trust Access Plus Health to guide your practice toward success and compliance in a complex regulatory environment.

What is the Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine?

The CPOM doctrine prohibits non-licensed individuals or corporate entities from practicing medicine or controlling medical practices. In Delaware, this means:

• Preserving Physician Autonomy: Physicians must make all clinical decisions without interference from business entities.
• Ensuring Patient-Centered Care: The doctrine safeguards the prioritization of patient welfare over financial considerations.

Key Components of CPOM Compliance in Delaware

1. Physician Ownership
   Medical practices must be owned by licensed physicians to comply with Delaware’s CPOM laws. This ownership structure ensures that business interests do not overshadow patient care.
2. Management Services Agreements (MSAs)
   Corporations can provide administrative support to medical practices through MSAs, but these agreements must clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all parties to avoid crossing into clinical decision-making.
3. Telehealth and Remote Care
   As telehealth continues to expand, Delaware requires that all physicians providing virtual care to patients within the state be licensed in Delaware. Telehealth operations must adhere to CPOM requirements to ensure compliance.

Challenges in CPOM Compliance

1. Blurring of Roles: Without clear agreements, corporations may inadvertently influence clinical decisions, leading to violations.
2. Technology Integration: Telemedicine, AI tools, and remote monitoring raise questions about clinical responsibility and decision-making.
3. Multi-State Operations: Providers operating across state lines must align Delaware’s CPOM requirements with other states' regulations.

Best Practices for CPOM Compliance

1. Engage Legal Counsel
   Work with healthcare attorneys to review ownership structures, contracts, and operational practices to ensure compliance.
2. Conduct Regular Audits
   Periodically assess your practice’s compliance with Delaware’s CPOM laws to identify and address potential risks.
3. Develop Robust Policies
   Create internal protocols that clearly separate administrative and clinical functions.
4. Educate Staff and Stakeholders
   Ensure that all team members understand the importance of maintaining CPOM compliance and their specific roles in the process.

Compliance with Delaware’s CPOM laws is critical for healthcare providers to operate legally and ethically in 2025. By adhering to these regulations, providers can protect physician autonomy, prioritize patient care, and avoid legal pitfalls.