Læknisráð

Læknisráð, meaning Medical Council in Icelandic, is the regulatory body responsible for the oversight of physicians in Iceland. Its primary function is to regulate the medical profession by licensing physicians to practice, maintaining the official register of licensed doctors, and ensuring that medical practice meets established professional standards.

The council develops and enforces codes of professional conduct and ethics, and it oversees continuing medical education requirements to maintain competence. It also investigates complaints about physicians and may impose disciplinary measures if a practitioner’s conduct or competence falls short of accepted standards. Disciplinary actions can include warnings, restrictions, suspension, or removal from the active professional register.

The council is typically constituted as an independent or semi-independent public authority created by law, with members that may include practising physicians and lay representatives. It operates with oversight from the government’s health authorities and seeks to balance physician autonomy with public safety. In its work, Læknisráð cooperates with related institutions such as professional associations and the broader healthcare system to uphold high standards of care and patient protection.

The exact scope, procedures, and composition of Læknisráð are defined by Icelandic law and can evolve over time. As part of Iceland’s regulatory framework for medicine, it aims to ensure that medical practice in the country meets public expectations for safety, competence, and ethical behavior.