[The regulation of medical practice in Mexico]

The recent evolution and present situation of the regulation of medical practice in Mexico is discussed. In part one the regulation function is defined in the context of the main functions of a health system. In part two, sanitary regulation and health care regulation are distinguished and discussed. Finally, the present situation of the regulation of medical practice in Mexico is discussed in detail in part three, more specifically, two of the most developed forms of regulation: i) legal regulation and ii) regulation through licensing and certification of general practitioners and medical specialists, respectively. A set of measures to develop a mixed and participatory regulatory system is presented in the section on conclusions.