File a Complaint

Information About Filing a Complaint with the Medical Board

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Who can I file a complaint against?

The State Medical Board of Ohio is responsible for licensing and regulating

the following health care professionals.

 

Physicians (MD, DO, DPM)	Anesthesiologist Assistants
Physician Assistants	Genetic Counselors
Massage Therapists	Acupuncturists
Radiologist Assistants	Dietitians
Respiratory Care Professionals

 

What steps should I take before filing a complaint?

The following are options available in attempting to resolve problems with

one of the Medical Board licensees listed above:

 

OPTION 1 Discuss your complaint with the licensee or his or her supervisor.

In most cases, they are sensitive to complaints about their services. You may

feel reluctant to use this approach, but many complaints are resolved in this

manner and it might be your most convenient way to proceed.

 

OPTION 2 A consumer may have the option of retaining an attorney for the purposes of bringing a personal injury lawsuit or other legal action. 

 

OPTION 3 File a complaint with the State Medical Board of Ohio.

(click button at top or bottom of the page)

 

What does the Medical Board investigate?

The board investigates the following:

-Improper prescribing, dispensing or administering of drugs

-Minimal standards of care

-Fraud, misrepresentation or deception

-Lewd and immoral conduct

-Unlicensed practice

-Criminal convictions

-Impairment of ability of practice

-Continuing education violations

-Duty to report

-Miscellaneous violations

 

The Medical Board has no jurisdiction over the following:

-Billing or fee disputes

-Insurance coverage

-Personality conflicts

-Bedside manner or rudeness of practitioners

-HIPAA violations-- this falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Disclosure of confidentiality is a violation.

-Scheduling issues

-Employee/employer disputes

-Issues with hospitals, urgent care centers, or clinics

-Nursing homes

 

Filing A Complaint

Should you choose to file a complaint, know that the Medical Board is required by State law to maintain the confidentiality of all information related to Board investigations. In addition, the board will not identify you as the complainant without first obtaining your permission to release your name.

Investigations can take as little as a few days up to a year or more with most lasting several months. It depends on the complexity of your complaint and the current caseload. 

There is no statute of limitations on filing a complaint.

If the board finds that there has been a violation of the Medical Practices Act, it may choose one of the following disciplinary actions:

-Reprimand the licensee

-Put the licensee on probation 

-Limit/restrict the practitioner’s license

-Suspend the license

-Permanently revoke the license