Brazil Supreme Court limits CFM authority over medical courses

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) has ruled that the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) cannot interfere in the academic operations of medical schools. While the court affirmed that the CFM maintains the authority to oversee medical acts performed by students under supervision, including during internships, it prohibited the council from exercising powers reserved for educational and sanitary authorities.

The decision follows a legal challenge by the Association of Independent Higher Education Maintainers (Amies) regarding Resolution 2.434/2025. The resolution had attempted to regulate the duties of medical course coordinators and the oversight of practical teaching activities.

Relator Minister Flávio Dino, whose vote was followed by the majority of the court, argued that the Constitution grants the Union exclusive competence to legislate on the guidelines and bases of national education. The court concluded that the CFM's resolution exceeded its normative limits by encroaching upon the academic autonomy of universities and the regulatory domain of the Ministry of Education.