What Happens if a Complaint is Made against Me?

If the board has received a complaint about you, it will send you a letter asking you to submit your account of the incident.
The board will review your response and the original complaint to determine if there is a possible issue with patient care or a code of ethics violation.
If a possible issue is identified, the board will request the Investigation Committee to investigate the complaint.
A member of the Investigation Committee will contact you to ask you questions regarding the incident and any other questions relevant to the investigation.

What if I Want Someone to Represent me to the Board?

You are allowed to appoint a representative in accordance with the board’s policy on a representative.
If you would like to appoint a representative, you need to complete and submit the Authorization of Representative form and submit it to the board liaison officer.

Important Things to Know about Appointing a Representative

Information about the complaint will only be provided to you until the Authorization of Representative form is submitted.
The board has the right to deal directly with you if the board is of the opinion that your representative is not working in your best interest or is obstructing the process.
Your representative may be present during the complaint investigation by the Investigation Committee but may not speak on your behalf.

Often the board resolves complaints which are recommended to proceed to a hearing through an alternate dispute resolution (ADR) agreement.

Important Things to Know about an ADR

An ADR documents the facts of the issue of complaint and the respondent’s admissions regarding any misconduct during the incident of complaint.
An ADR outlines a disciplinary action and/or educational measure.
An ADR is a binding document that is written and negotiated by legal counsel.
If you engage in an ADR, legal counsel will contact you to start the process.