A body, established by the laws of a state, which oversees the practice of medicine within the state. In particular, the board of medical examiners reviews the credentials of physicians applying for licensure to practice within the state, administers examinations if required, investigates the background of applicants, and approves or denies licensure. These medical examiners are to be distinguished from the medical examiner who acts as coroner, performing autopsies and investigating suspicious deaths.