georgia state medical board investigations

The state medical board identifies individuals and intuitions with relevant information. Most often, a clear and thorough response from the licensee, along with supporting medical records or other documentation, provides the Board with all the information it needs to complete a review. endstream endobj 1585 0 obj <. Autopsies are conducted by GBI medical examiners at the. The Forensic Pathology Fellowship at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is offered in partnership with Medical College of Georgia Augusta University, where Dr. Geller is a Clinical Assistant Professor. Why it matters: Virginia will not have a legal . The most recent order indicates the Board's latest action. In general, examples of unprofessional conduct include, but are not limited to, physical abuse of a patient, inadequate record keeping, not recognizing or acting upon common symptoms, prescribing drugs in excessive amounts or without legitimate reason, personal impairment (mental or physical) that hinders safely practicing within the scope of one's license or certificate, performing duties beyond the scope of one's license or certificate and dishonesty. OIG also reviews the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP), Healthcare Facility Regulation and other offices at DCH. Yes, a physician generally has the right to terminate the doctor-patient relationship. Notices are not provided in those cases where doing so would jeopardize the Boards investigation. He completed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Cases are assessed by one of the medical directors. What are the duties and responsibilites of the Georgia Medical Board? During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Geller was also employed by Emory University at Grady Hospital where she contributed to autopsy services and research. Petition for review before the Supreme Court discord can choose whether to hear the appeal. Dr. Lora Darrisaw completed her undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1985. If we lack sufficient evidence of a violation of a the Medical Practice Act then we will close the investigation and notify you via regular mail. Public board orders means that there is a public document concerning the licensee. How do I obtain a copy of my medical records under these circumstances? In addition, the Board investigates certain reports that are made to the GCMB by hospitals or other health care institutions (which report changes in staff privileges,) malpractice insurance carriers (which report professional liability payments) and other insurance companies, federal and state agencies, and the National Practitioner Data Bank. In order to defend him or herself, the physician or other licensee has a right to face their accuser. The Investigative Committee recommendations typically include the following: closed with no action, close with a Letter of Concern (loc) (this is a non-disciplinary action that is used to bring attention to areas of improvement), table (usually to allow time for additional information to come), further investigation (usually to collect additional information that the committee has asked for), investigative interview (this allows the licensee to come in front of Board members to better explain the situation), peer review (the case is reviewed by a non-board member physician to see if the standard of care was breeched), or disciplinary action (all cases either suspension, revocation, or public or private Board orders are referred to the Attorney Generals office). . After the formal hearing is conducted, the administrative law judge issues a ruling (Initial Decision and recommended disciplinary action). The matter is public and you will be notified of the Boards decision. Dr. Geoffrey Smith Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. You can also search for a licensed individual. You, the health care consumer, are the eyes and ears for the Medical Board and it is your responsibility to help us monitor the quality of care given to the citizens of our state by health care practitioners. He went on to complete his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1998. Please explain to us, if possible, why you believe the treatment you received was either a violation of the Medical Practice Act, considered by you to be unprofessional conduct, or the treatment you received was below standards. Certified, Criminal Investigator. Subscribe to update notifications from the Securities Division, The Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Secretary of States Office, Learn about the Georgia Licensing Division, File a complaint regarding licensed or unlicensed individuals, Receive licensing updates and notifications. When a Board seeks to sanction a license holder and the license holder does not voluntarily enter into a consent agreement/order with the board, the board may be required to hold an Administrative Hearing. A private consent order is private and cannot be shared. The existence of a Board order does not necessarily mean the licensee was sanctioned by the Medical Board or that the licensee, if sanctioned, is currently under any type of disciplinary action. If you are attempting to obtain or locate your medical records from a doctor who is no longer in practice, here are some steps you should follow in attempting to recover a copy of your medical records: No, the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners, our official name by state law, is also known as the "Georgia Medical Board" or even just the "Medical Board." Get to know Georgia's Secretary of State. Licensees and complainants are notified of the decision. Dr. Grandhi joined the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2015 as an associate medical examiner. All cases and their accompanying recommendations receive an additional round of review by the Investigative Committee. Without fail, first and foremost, be an educated consumer. Workers Compensation complaints should be referred to the State Board of Workers Compensation. Complaints filed with Georgia's medical board rarely lead to discipline, and a lack of financial support from the state has forced the board to cut key positions, according to a review by. Dr. Geoffrey Smith earned his medical degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, graduating in 1984, and practicing primary care and emergency medicine. What does it mean if a physician's license status is listed as Probation, Suspension or Revocation? The Georgia Medical Board has no authority to intervene in insurance or billing disputes between a physician and a patient. This information is public. Please mail your complaint to: Composite State Board of Medical Examiners Date the Georgia license was first issued. However, remember, the complaint process is a lengthy investigative process and may not be the best route to follow if you need your records on an urgent basis. Be sure to give the names, telephone numbers and addresses of all parties involved in your complaint. Dr. Keith Lehman graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1989, and received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina in 1993. We prefer you to use our forms: as the Waiver - Authorization to Release Information and to Use Complainant's Name Form is extremely important. Most often, it simply takes one telephone call or a letter to clear up any disputed charges. The "records" are owned by and the property of the health care provider. License status. Proud to be of service to Georgias voters and candidates, the Elections Division of the Secretary of States Office organizes and oversees all election activity, including voter registration, municipal, state, county, and federal elections. this action is taken when a fine has been paid for a violation that was discovered during an inspection. She then completed her pathology residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland in 2014. An official website of the State of Georgia. 31-33-3(a). These letters are not public information. The Board does not find a violation of the Medical Practice Act that warrants public action, but it is nonetheless concerned about some aspect of the licensees conduct or performance. Concerns of prescribing/administering of a drug or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this request, I may be reached at (daytime telephone number) or Mr/s. Dr. Rochelle Simon received her undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 2000 and her medical degree from Howard University in Washington, DC in 2004. Is there a difference between the Georgia Medical Board and the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners? How do I obtain a copy of my hospital medical record? After three business days of submitting the request in writing, follow up with a telephone call to make sure the physician's staff clearly understands what is being requested. Cases that are closed with no Board action remain nonpublic. Please read the information below and choose the option that best fits your circumstance. Before proceeding to committee meetings, the House put in a full day on the floor, passing 19 measures including a host of education bills. Generally speaking, 30 days is considered "adequate notice.". Does Georgia differentiate in the type of license granted to a D.O. . My initial visit with this physician to review my medical history is on: day, month, date, year. Certified, Criminal Investigator. The boards jurisdiction is over individuals, facilities or businesses who are licensed or have applied for a license. An official website of the State of Georgia. Dr. Natasha Grandhi Associate Medical Examiner The Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Secretary of States Office provides administrative support to the 42 licensing boards housed with our agency. The licensee may request, or the board on its own, may seek review of the administrative law judges decision. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. If completing an online complaint, you will automatically receive your complaint acknowledgement letter, which you should print or save for your records. How you know. Sometimes, the Board accepts the committee recommendation and votes to carry out the action. How you know. Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Which Legal Entity is Right for Your Business, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, Elections and Voter Registration Calendars, Investor Education and Protection Resources, Registering and Notice Filing a Securities Offering, General Provisions and Joint Secretary Proposed Rules, Professional Counseling | Social Work | Marriage & Family Counseling, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts, Professional Licensing Board Rules and Regs, How A Loan Defaults Or Child Support Can Impact Your License, The Licensing Division of the Georgia Secretary of States Office. The Georgia Composite Medical Board is comprised of sixteen members (15 voting members and one ex-officio) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. While most physicians accept assignment from insurance companies, (payments made from the insurance company directly to the doctor on your behalf), physicians may charge whatever fee they deem appropriate for the service(s) provided. (Click Here)>>, << I am considering legal action against my physician; Will the Georgia Medical Board give me a legal opinion on my case? An official website of the State of Georgia. Seeking legal counsel or seeking a remedy in the civil court arena for any damages experienced as a result of unlicensed practice or aiding and abetting unlicensed practice is an option.