The primary duty of the Medical Council is to protect the public by regulating the conditions of medical practice across Jamaica. The Council therefore has the duty to investigate appropriately when any alleged case of professional misconduct by medical practitioners is reported, preferably (but not exclusively) in writing. Disciplinary proceedings and action will follow if appropriate.

An updated Medical Register is kept and published in the Jamaica Gazette by the Registrar to the Council from time to time. The Medical Register helps the general public to distinguish between qualified and unqualified practitioners.