Board of Medical Examiners

This report covers several aspects of the Board’s performance, including adequacy of complaint investigations, extent of disciplinary action taken by the Board, timeliness of complaint processing, and public representation on the Board.  Specifically, based on a review of 117 complaints resolved by the Board in fiscal year 1997, auditors determined that complaint investigations are often incomplete, medical review of complaints is sometimes inadequate, and the Board lacks policies and procedures for its investigation and medical review process. Additionally, auditors found that most complaints are resolved with no disciplinary action, the Board continues to misuse letters of concern and fails to use its disciplinary guidelines, and some disciplinary orders are not enforced. These are issues that were raised in prior Auditor General reports.  However, the Board has been able to reduce its complaint backlog and has improved its complaint processing time between 1994 and 1997.  Finally, this report discusses the impact vacancies have had on the Board’s ability to perform its duties.