USMLE | The Health Law Firm Blog

Tips for Medical Students and Medical Residents Accused of Irregular Behavior on the USMLE

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

We frequently receive calls for consultations from students who receive a letter from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) accusing the medical student or medical resident of “Irregular Behavior” on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). In many cases these are graduates of foreign medical schools who have applied through the Examination Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Irregular behavior can consist of many different things before, during or after taking the USMLE. What you must know is that, in effect, you are being accused of cheating.

Examples of What […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:46-04:00June 1, 2018|Administrative law, Medical Students, The Health Law Firm Blog, USMLE|

Medical Students and Residents Must Fight Allegations of “Irregular Behavior” on the USMLE Step Exams

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

I am constantly taking calls from medical students and residents (or future residents) relating to allegations brought against them of “irregular behavior” in connection with the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) exams. Although the term “irregular behavior” is equated by many with the word “cheating,” it is actually defined by the USMLE to mean:

Irregular behavior includes any action by applicants, examinees, potential applicants, or others when solicited by an applicant and/or examinee that subverts or attempts to subvert the examination process.

The notice that a person has been accused of irregular behavior may […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:49-04:00June 1, 2018|Administrative law, Medical Students, NBME, The Health Law Firm Blog, USMLE|

Use Caution in USMLE Step Exam Preparation

By Catherine T. Hollis, J.D., The Health Law Firm and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Bulletin of Information outlines several examples of conduct that is deemed to be irregular behavior. On February 27, 2014, the USMLE posted an Announcement listing the types of alleged irregular behavior recently reviewed by the Committee for Individualized Review (CIR). Some of the cases reviewed involved individuals who were accused of soliciting unauthorized access to examination materials or communicating about specific test items, cases, or answers with other examinees. This particular type of irregular behavior seems […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:56-04:00June 1, 2018|Health Care Industry, In the Know, NBME, The Health Law Firm Blog, USMLE|

Ready or Not, It’s Irregular Behavior Season…

By Lenis L. Archer, J.D., M.P.H., The Health Law Firm

Every year at regular intervals, our firm receives calls from panicked medical students and residents about a recent letter they have received, alleging irregular behavior.

This letter may come from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). No matter the organization, if you receive a letter alleging irregular behavior, it will typically say the following:

1. A bulletin or policy related to the exam stating that Irregular Behavior is not permitted.
2. The facts alleging irregular behavior in this case.
3. You have an opportunity to respond […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:59-04:00June 1, 2018|Medical Student, Medical Students, NBME, The Health Law Firm Blog, USMLE|