Meeting Highlights

Summary of Board Actions

During its August 15-17 meeting, the Board voted to issue:

Two Revocations
One Surrender
Six Practice Restrictions
Two Decrees of Censure
Nine Letters of Reprimand
Six Probationary Orders
Referred 3 physicians to Formal Hearing

Election of Officers and New Board Member Appointment

The Board held its annual election of officers and introduced new leadership to carry the Board forward in its next phase of development. Patrick Connell, M.D. replaced Ram Krishna, M.D. as Chairman; Edward Schwager, M.D. was voted Vice-Chair; and Honorable Becky Jordan was elected Secretary. All three Board officers have numerous years experience in healthcare and regulatory reform and are prepared to take the necessary steps to continue the Board�s steady evolvement to a model regulatory board. �Dr. Krishna has led us through tremendous and sweeping changes,� said Dr. Connell, �and I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and staff to continue the tradition he has established.�

Additionally, Ms. Foutz, Executive Director, welcomed Robert Matthies, M.D. to the Board. Dr. Matthies has a family practice in Prescott that consists of four full-time physicians and is appointed to the Board as successor to William Waldo, M.D.

Legislative and Rules Update

The Board voted to amend or approve the following Rules for promulgation.

o R4-16-101 Continuing Medical Education
o R4-16-103 Licensure by Endorsement
o R4-16-109 Miscellaneous Fees
o R4-16-401 Interim Evaluation and Investigational Interview
o R4-16-402 Direct Referral to Formal Interview
o R4-16-403 Uncontested Request for Inactive Status and License Cancellation
o R4-16-404 Interim Consent Agreement
o R4-16-405 Mediated Case
o R4-16-406 Referral to Formal Hearing
o R4-16-407 Dismissal of Complaint
o R4-16-408 Denial of License
o R4-16-409 Reserved
o R4-16-410 Appealing Executive Director Actions

2002 Joint Board Legislation and Sunrise Application

The Joint Board will be proposing legislation to conform their statutes to those of BOMEX, raising their fees to become self-supporting, and expanding the scope of practice for physician assistants. Due to the nature of these changes, the Joint Board will go through the Sunrise application process. The Executive Director, Ms. Foutz, stated that the Joint Board will be recommending the Governor appoint all members of the Board.

Approval of Agency Publications

If information is power, then the Board has plenty of it. The Board voted to unanimously approve the agency�s fiscal year 2000-2001 Annual Report and the Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2002-2004. These publications will be submitted to the Governor and posted on the agency�s website. �Both reports clearly outline the Board�s accomplishments and project an aggressive plan for future Board developments,� said outgoing Chairman Ram Krishna. Some of the Board�s accomplishments, as outlined in the Annual Report, include a record number of disciplinary actions last year; successful passage of a consumer protection bill including a Cease and Desist provision and redefined sexual misconduct statute. Additionally, the Board designed and distributed a multi-tiered public information campaign including an award-winning public service announcement. The Board also conducted extensive research and planning for the future using the Balanced Scorecard approach. This approach clearly defines the agency�s business processes, the quality of work related to those processes and rewards innovation. Future agency plans include the introduction of on-line license applications and renewals; reduced complaint resolution timeframes with an on-line investigation tracking; and the introduction of healthcare delivery issues that will affect the framework of physician regulation.

Year 2000-2001 Meeting Dates

February 14-16, 2001
April 25-27, 2001
June 20-22, 2001
August 15-17, 2001
October 10-12, 2001
December 5-7, 2001

Next Full Board Meeting

The next Full Board meeting will take place October 10-12, 2001 at the Board of Medical Examiners office: 9545 E. Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85258-5539.

From the South- Take Interstate 101 to 90th Street and Pima exit. Take right to Via Linda.

From the North, East or West - From the intersection of Shea and 90th Street, head south on 90th Street to Via Linda.

Take Via Linda east to 95th Street and then head south on 95th Street until you reach San Salvador Drive. Turn east on San Salvador Drive and head south on 95th Way. 95th Way will run into Doubletree Ranch Road. The office is the north white building at 9545 E. Doubletree Ranch Road.

An interactive map is also available.