What is the Origin of Unauthorized Practice of Medicine?

The concept of UPM is ancient, rooted in the historical establishment of professional medical licensing to protect the public from unqualified practitioners. Modern UPM laws are state-specific and enforced by state medical boards, defining the scope of practice for all licensed healthcare professionals. This legal framework ensures that complex hormonal and metabolic interventions are managed by qualified clinicians.

What is the Mechanism of Unauthorized Practice of Medicine?

The UPM mechanism is one of state-level regulation and enforcement. State medical boards investigate complaints and initiate legal action against individuals practicing medicine without a license. This mechanism functions by clearly defining medical acts—such as prescribing bio-identical hormones or interpreting diagnostic endocrinology panels—and restricting those acts to licensed physicians and, where applicable, other regulated healthcare providers.

Unauthorized Practice of Medicine

Meaning

The Unauthorized Practice of Medicine (UPM) is a legal term referring to the performance of medical acts—such as diagnosing, prescribing, or treating illness—by an individual who is not licensed or otherwise legally authorized to do so in a given jurisdiction. In the hormonal health and wellness space, UPM is a critical legal concern when non-physicians offer medical advice, interpret lab results for treatment, or administer hormonal or peptide therapies. It is a protective measure for public safety.