To analyze the setup basis and registration rules of the practice scope of physicians in China, and take into account the current situation of individual provinces, for suggestions on further revision of the practice scope of these physicians.

Relevant documents on practice scope setup were retrieved from such databases as CNKI, Wanfang and Weipu databases, while relevant national policies, laws and regulations were reviewed. On-site visits were conducted to health committees and medical institutions in 7 provinces from June 2020 through December 2020. Seminars and special interviews were held with relevant management personnel and doctors of different positions, for the purpose of learning the current physician practice scope setup and their suggestions for reform. Data gained from the above methods were summarized to arrive at reform suggestions for optimizing China′s practice scope setup, with further improvement made based on expert consultation method.

Several setbacks were found in the setup of their practice scope in China, namely as unclear setup principles, generalized setup of the national standards, inconsistent setup standards among the provinces, prohibition of cross-category registration, and roadblocks against in changing scope of practice. As the setup of the practice scope should set free manpower, unleash vitality, and delegate power, the practice scope should be changed to three categories of " discipline" , " discipline+ technology" and " comprehensive" . Physicians should be entitled to register separately as " discipline" and " discipline+ technology" as their practice scope, with " comprehensive" practice scope approved by a simple procedure of a notice.

The setup and modification of the practice scope should be in a general rather than detailed manner, and conducive to the development of related disciplines. Such measures should also fully unleash the vitality of Chinese physicians, and take into account of both peacetime and emergencies, and both medical service and prevention.

Practice management, medical; Physicians; Scope of practice; Setup scope; Current setup