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| How do I file a complaint? |
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Call, fax or write for a complaint form. You can also download a complaint
form from the web site. Once you receive it, list all doctors or physician
assistants, hospitals, clinics, labs, or other medical facilities connected
with your complaint and write a specific explanation including details
of your complaint. Mail or fax the complaint to the Board of Medical Examiners.
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| Are there alternatives to filing a
complaint? |
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The Board recommends trying to resolve the issues through face-to-face
communication first. Mediation, which is designed to enhance communication
between the patient (complainant) and the doctor or physician assistant
in an effort to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution, is another.
If you are interested in mediation, please indicate this preference on
your complaint form. Certain types of complaints concerning an allopathic
physician can be handled by the Pima and the Maricopa County Medical Societies'
Professional and/or Grievance Committees. Please call Maricopa County
Medical Society at (602) 252-2015 or the Pima County Medical Society at
(520) 795-7985 for information regarding the types of complaints that
are appropriate and their jurisdiction. Peer Review, which will address
certain complaints regarding a physician assistant, is conducted by The
Health Committee for the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants
at 1-800-595-6721. Please call for information regarding the types of
complaints that are appropriate for the Association's Peer Review Committee.
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| Why are the details of the investigation
confidential? |
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By law, due to the private nature of the patient's medical records, the
Board's complaint files and records are confidential.
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| Will I be notified when my complaint
is presented to the Board? |
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You will receive notification that your case is coming before the Board
three to four weeks before the Board meeting.
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| How long will the investigation take? |
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A thorough and in-depth investigation is performed on each complaint
in as expeditious a manner as possible. There is no way to determine how
long each case will take as it depends on many factors.
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| How am I sure that my case is being
investigated thoroughly? |
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Each complaint is reviewed and prioritized according to "potential harm
to the public." The case is then assigned an investigator who begins the
research immediately. Each staff member in the enforcement center at the
Board is a trained investigator. In addition to their expertise, a medical
specialist reviews each quality of care case and/or a member of the Board
reviews all the facts prior to the Board meeting.
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