A Physician Nightmare: State Licensure Medical Board Investigation

Abstract

State licensing medical board investigations may result in serious disciplinary actions for practicing physicians, including license revocation. Physicians can navigate these investigations by cooperating and complying with medical board directives, including self-reporting requirements. Additionally, state laws that govern medical board investigations and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings are designed to provide physicians due process rights before revoking or restricting a professional license. Physicians should ensure that due process rights are respected and that the medical board follows accurate administrative procedures when their licensure is at risk. Further, physicians should consider HIPAA and medical records laws to guarantee that any patient information disclosed to a medical licensing board is disclosed in a legally and regulatory conforming custom.