Q:  Must the Medical Board investigate every complaint it receives?

A:  No.  If the complaint would, were it proven to be true, be a violation of the Medical Practices Act, the Board is required to investigate (see section 4731.22(F)(1), ORC).  The Board is not required to investigate complaints that do not allege a violation of the Medical Practices Act.

    The Medical Board can discipline its licensees for violations of the Medical Practices Act. Grounds for discipline include:

- impairment of ability to practice due to drug or alcohol abuse, or due to physical or mental illness 

- failing to meet minimal standards of care in treating patients

- prescribing drugs in an inappropriate manner or without legitimate reason

- inappropriate sexual conduct

- conviction of a misdemeanor in the course of practice or conviction of a felony

- falsifying information; fraud

- performing duties beyond the scope of a license

- failing to meet continuing medical education requirements