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| The Physician Profile on XYZ doctor
says he has two dismissed cases. What were the allegations? Is he a bad
doctor? |
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A dismissal means that the Board found NO evidence that the physician
or physician assistant violated the Medical Practice Act. Given that the
cases were dismissed, there is no evidence to support the allegations
made against this doctor, so we will not disclose them to the public.
We do not give subjective opinions about physicians or physician assistants.
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| The Physician Profile on XYZ doctor
says he has an open investigation? What are the allegations? What is an
open investigation? |
| |
While the investigation is being conducted, we do not report the nature
of the allegations made against this doctor, as there is no conclusive
evidence to support the disclosure. We do not give subjective opinions
about physicians or physician assistants.
|
| If a doctor has a complaint, is he
a bad doctor? |
| |
We are happy to provide you with the profile of the physician. We do
not give subjective opinions about physicians or physician assistants.
|
| If a doctor has settled malpractice
insurance claims, is he a bad doctor? |
| |
Malpractice settlements are not an indication of incompetence or negligence.
Oftentimes due to court procedures, it is less time consuming and costly
to settle out of court.
|
| What does an Advisory Letter mean? |
| |
This is a non-disciplinary action by the Board in the form of a letter
to the physician or PA informing them that, while there is insufficient
evidence to support disciplinary action, the Board believes that to perpetuate
the activity that lead to the complaint would result in further Board
action.
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| What is a Letter of Reprimand? |
| |
A Letter of Reprimand is a disciplinary letter issued by the Board that
informs the physician or PA that the licensee's conduct violates state
or federal laws and may require the Board to monitor them.
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| What is a Decree of Censure? |
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A Decree of Censure is more severe than a Letter of Reprimand. It can
include restriction of practice, required supervision or the payment of
a financial penalty.
|
| What does it mean when a doctor's license
has been revoked? |
| |
This is a termination of a physician's or PA's license. This is the most
severe disciplinary action that can be taken against a licensee.
|
| What does it mean when a doctor's license
has been suspended? |
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This is a temporary cessation of a physician's or PA's ability to practice
medicine or perform healthcare tasks in Arizona.
|
| What does it mean when a doctor is
put on probation? |
| |
This is a disciplinary action that extends over a period of time. The
licensee's practice may be monitored for quality of care, and/or the Board
may restrict the Physician's or PA's practice, require the licensee to
undergo medical or psychiatric treatment, or take focused education.
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| What is a Consent Agreement? |
| |
A Consent Agreement is a settlement negotiated by the Board with the
physician or PA named in a Board investigation. Consent agreements allow
the Board to resolve a complaint while taking appropriate steps to ensure
public protection.
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| Can you give me a physician referral? |
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No, the Board of Medical Examiners does not give referrals. Please contact
the Arizona Medical Association at 602-246-8901
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