Certified, Criminal Investigator. Patients should not rely solely on the information provided by the physician's office, as ultimately, you are financially responsible for all authorized medical procedures. COMPLAINTS: What complaints are within the Board's jurisdiction? Licensees and complainants are notified of the decision. Complaints to the Board are an important avenue for members of the public to air their concerns. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1995. All complaints are evaluated by the Boards medical director and management staff to determine if the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the GCMB. Public action consists of suspensions, revocations, probation, public orders and voluntary surrenders. 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. If a licensee refuses to sign an order the case may then go to a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). These physicians are trained in all aspects of medicine with additional training in osteopathic manipulation, which is an added tool in the aid of diagnosis and treatment. If a chaperone is not present and the physician does not provide one as requested, a patient has the right to refuse to undergo the procedure. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. To serve the citizens of the State of Georgia, the public, and the justice system by investigating sudden, unexpected, or unexplained deaths throughout the state with integrity and credibility. Persons practicing in these businesses and professions, with some exceptions, are required by state law to be licensed under the Professional Licensing Boards Division. Dr. Rachel Geller received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in 2005 and earned her Doctor of Medicine from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2013. Most boards generally do not have legal jurisdiction over business practices/billing/fee disputes. COMPLAINTS: How do I file a complaint against a doctor or hospital? Welcome to Web Lookup/Verification. The Board also receives anonymous complaints, which may be investigated. As with any request being made of a large institution, you should allow six to eight weeks for delivery. No, a patient does not "own" his or her personal medical records(s). About: The Medical Examiner's Office of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation provides complete forensic pathology services to 155 of Georgias 159 counties in deaths which qualify as coroner cases under the Georgia Death Investigation Act (OCGA 45-16-2). Investigations may need to be disclosed to other licensing authorities and law enforcement agencies, but only at the Boards discretion. The Board may decide to take no formal action (Accept as Information or AAI); the Board may vote to take private action (such as issuing a private letter of concern); or, the Board may vote to take public action to resolve the case. Dr. Geller was employed by the Fulton County Medial Examiners Office and the DeKalb County Medical Examiners Office before joining the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as the Forensic Pathology Fellowship Director in May of 2022. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. Suspended License or Certificate: If a doctor or other health care provider's license has been suspended, the doctor or other health care provider has been ordered by the Medical Board to temporarily cease the practice of medicine in Georgia until given permission to do so by the Medical Board. Also, look in the Obituary Section of your local newspaper. To submit a complaint against a licensed individual or a licensed facility, you must provide their name and license number. (Click Here), Want to File a Complaint Online? While medical boards find it necessary to suspend or revoke licenses when appropriate, some problems can be . However, if your letter gives us the details that we need and includes a written, signed and dated statement that authorizes the use of your name, the release of your name and the release of information to necessary individuals to conduct an investigation, we will accept your letter. As a courtesy to the health care consuming public of Georgia, we do offer a guide on "How do I know if a doctor is right for me?". The Richmond County Coroner's Office is investigating the death of 51-year-old inmate, Patrick Logan of Grovetown If you have a complaint about any other licensed profession, please contact the Secretary of State's Office. Does Georgia differentiate in the type of license granted to a D.O. The Department of Community Health's affiliated agency, the Georgia Board of Dentistry is seeking a P.O.S.T. The Board investigates such complaints and disciplines those who are found to have violated the Medical Practice Act or other applicable laws. Dr. Atkinson joined the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2008 as an associate medical examiner. It could also be something that is in the past and the terms and conditions have been fulfilled. The ultimate responsibility is on the patient to know what procedures the insurance company will or will not cover. How you know. https://www.thename.org/. Complaints Unit ." A second fellowship in forensic pathology was completed with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation where she joined as an associate medical examiner in 2021. Insurance billing complaints should be referred to the Office of Insurance Commissioner. Inability to practice medicine by reason of mental or physical impairment (alcohol or chemical abuse, mental or physical condition). This page contains information for contacting the appropriate entity to provide a medical licensing board, hospital, managed care organization, or credentialing agency with a physician's licensing exam history. Click Fellowship training in Forensic Pathology at the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office from 1995-1996 was followed by work as an Associate Medical Examiner/Deputy Chief Medical Examiner at the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office (1996-1997, 2004-2013), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation State Medical Examiners Office (1997-2004), and the Dekalb County Medical Examiners Office (2013-2022). Send a certified letter to the doctor asking for a copy of your medical records. How you know. Dr. Grandhi joined the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 2015 as an associate medical examiner. It would be greatly appreciated if you could have my record(s) there at least five (5) days in advance of this date to give Dr. (Last Name) an opportunity to review the file before hand. 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. Includes MD licenses that were revoked, suspended or surrendered. Laboratory in Decatur (Atlanta) and in the regional laboratories in Maconand Pooler (Savannah). Once the investigative process is completed, you will be notified. Please enter search criteria below to start your search. business/patient records, cancelled checks, billing statements, proposals, contracts, invoices) that could be used to support your complaint. Please remember that Investigations are confidential; we are unable to provide any information concerning the status of a complaint, except to report if the complaint investigation is ongoing or closed. These cases typically involve public safety issues such as the licensee is not fit to practice, public safety concerns, violation of board rules and laws, sexual misconduct, and other violations of board rules and laws. Georgia Composite Medical Board. She then completed her pathology residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland in 2014. Dr. Steven AtkinsonAssociate Medical Examiner. 2 Peachtree Street, NW The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) has a County Medical Society listing on their web page. Pursuant to O.C.G.A 43-34A-3 certain information regarding a physician's background and history is available on the physician's profile. What can the Georgia Medical Board do if I think the doctor has charged me too much? If the complaint does not fall within the legal jurisdiction of the board, you will receive notice to that affect. Physician Licensing Exams Information. Choose and complete the appropriate online form and submit. You may expect the state board to be genuinely concerned with your complaint. The Board determines there was a violation of the Medical Practice Act that requires remedial and/or disciplinary action. The Federation of State Medical Boards maintains and reports to licensing boards all examination . The Georgia Medical Board's only authority is to review quality of care issues or other professional conduct issues as they may relate to enforcement of the Medical Practice Act. If you still cannot obtain your records, you may file a complaint with the Medical Board. The Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Secretary of States Office provides administrative support to the 42 licensing boards housed with our agency. Formal complaint filed by the AGs office. The following information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a clinical tool to help clinicians and patients work together to make informed, patient-centered decisions about pain care. Therefore, the Medical Board does not accept anonymous complaints except in cases where the physician or health care provider is an immediate danger to the citizens of Georgia or a complaint involving the death of a patient. The descriptions below are intended to provide a general guide to the factors that are present when the Board votes to resolve a case in the following ways: After a thorough review the Board closes a case with no action due to no evidence to support the allegation, no jurisdiction. Evidence Collection Kit Ordering Information. The Department of Community Health's affiliated agency, the Georgia Board of Dentistry is seeking a P.O.S.T. The Georgia Medical Board has no authority to intervene in insurance or billing disputes between a physician and a patient. Do medical records belong to the patient? The Board's rules require that each licensee maintains a current copy of the license at his/her practice . Virginia may be the first state in the South to legalize marijuana possession, but actually getting a hold of the drug hasn't gotten any easier. Osteopathic manipulation is the movement of the bones and joints. When a board receives a complaint about a physician, the board has the power to investigate, hold hearings and impose discipline, including suspension, probation or revocation of a physician's license, public reprimands, and fines. Certified, Criminal Investigator. Please remember that if the Board does accept an anonymous complaint, there must be sufficient evidence, absent the identity of the complainant, for the Board to determine whether a sanction may be warranted. The Board may adopt modify and adopt or reject the ALJs decision. An official website of the State of Georgia. Welcome to the Georgia Composite Medical Board: In order to utilize the online services, you must first register with the eGov site. 's or D.O's and complaints regarding other health care providers or hospitals. How you know. GCIC Lobby Hours Documents that serve as acceptable proof of citizenship in the state of Georgia. Botulinum toxin is a dangerous drug and soft tissue fillers are medical device implants approved by the FDA. He also completed a forensic pathology fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. You can also search for a licensed individual. The licensee is monitored periodically by the Board to assure compliance with the terms and conditions established in the Board's order. COMPLAINTS: What complaints DO NOT fall within the Board's jurisdiction? Should your complaint be outside the Board's jurisdiction, we will notify you immediately via regular mail. Medical license lookup for Georgia physicians. Dr. Keith LehmanAssociate Medical Examiner. 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. Serious complaints, criminal violations, public safety threats, and similar situations are referred directly for formal investigations by the Boards agents. The duties of the Georgia Medical Board go beyond the licensing of physicians and other allied health care professionals. When the Medical Board receives a complaint about a physician or other allied health care professional and there is reason to believe that the complaint warrants investigation, the board has the legal power to investigate complaints, hold hearings, impose disciplinary actions such as fines, mandate continuing education, order medical or psychiatric treatment, (including treatment for drug or alcohol addiction), or seek suspension, probation or revocation of a doctor's or other allied health professional's license or certificate. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. 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. Is there a difference between the Georgia Medical Board and the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners? When writing to a large institution such as a hospital, be sure to address your written request to the hospital and to the supervisor of the Medical Records Department. These agents are certified law enforcement personnel who are trained in both traditional and specialized investigations. Title 43. However pursuant to O.C.G.A 43-34A-3 (c) (17)(A)(B)(C) some information regarding certain malpractice judgments and/or settlements is available on the physician's profile. How you know. Must I use the Medical Board's forms to file my complaint or will you accept a letter? 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. She completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2008, and a gynecologic and breast pathology fellowship at Brown University in 2010. To provide forensic science expertise to any agency or requestor to the fullest extent possible so as to foster public health, safety, and well-being by conducting death investigation in accordance with the law and professional standards. How do I find out if my doctor has ever been sued for malpractice? Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The next-of-kin is often listed and their telephone numbers should be in your local telephone directory. Check the Georgia Medical Board web site to verify a current mailing address or call (404) 656-3913 for assistance. If you are unable to file online or print the mail-in complaint form, please call us to have a complaint form mailed to you [please note: we are unable to take complaints by phone; all complaints must be submitted in writing by one of the two methods described]. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiners Office is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. An acknowledgment will be sent to you from the board upon receipt of the complaint. About The Georgia Composite Medical Board, Frequently Asked Questions About The Board, Frequently Asked Questions about Complaints, Nurse Protocol Agreements Reviewed by the Board, Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), Continuing Education and Other Required Training for Physicians, Resources on Physician Sexual Misconduct, Professional Boundaries, Trauma, and Implicit Bias, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GCMB updates mental health question on licensure applications, DEA announces elimination of DATA-Waiver Program, Board adds professional boundaries training question to license renewal application, Obtain Verification or Certification of My License, View Approved & Terminated APRN Protocols, Request a Certified Copy of a Board Order, Access online complaint form and instructions, Submit a new, reinstatement, or renewal application, Update personal information or practice location information. A Doctor of Osteopathy is a physician who has been trained at an Osteopathic Medical School. Those recommendations are sent to the Board staff to be added to the next Investigative Committee meeting. By calling ahead of time, you will be able to inquire about the cost of providing this service. . 31-33-2(a)(2)), requires a physician to provide a current copy of the record to the patient under most circumstances. Some examples are requiring supervision by another provider, restricting certain procedures, requiring the licensee to undergo additional training or to undergo medical or psychiatric treatment. She then completed her pathology residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland in 2014. 1608 0 obj <>stream At some point in this procedure a hearing may be required. Most insurance handbooks give a list of "excluded" procedures - procedures that, if provided, the patient must pay. An official website of the State of Georgia. The Georgia Composite Medical Board ensures quality health care for all Georgians by licensing and monitoring physicians and other medical professionals. A referral of the complaint for further investigation does not necessarily mean that a licensing violation has occurred, and you may or may not be contacted by a board Investigator. Death cases are reported to the Medical Examiners Office by coroners, deputy coroners, and government officials. 4. Notice of appeal and briefing before the court of appeals if the physician does not prevail. All cases, for which the board recommends license revocation, suspension or if the licensee doesnt agree to the sanctions, are referred for formal hearing. What does it mean if a physician's license status is listed as Probation, Suspension or Revocation? . Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. 6th Floor If the complaint does not result in a public board order, then the complaint remains a part of the investigative file and is not released. Certified, Criminal Investigator. An official website of the State of Georgia. Click to access the repository of current rules and laws of the GCMB. Below is a sample note of what you should say in writing to request the record(s): Please send a copy of my medical record(s) to my new physician, Dr (First Name) (Last Name). This information is public. Will the Georgia Medical Board refer me to a physician? Chief Medical Examiner. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. If the licensee does not agree to the order than the licensee has a right to a hearing. The doctor or provider may not practice medicine in Georgia. We will not weigh in on the merits, or lack thereof, of any case. This could be a consent order signed by the licensee, a notice that the Board intended to hold a hearing, the decision of an administrative law judge, a Board or court document, or another Board's order including administrative orders. ALJ issues a recommended decision may include dismissal non-discipline or discipline. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use "georgia.gov" or "ga.gov" at the end of the address. 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. HIPAA regulations may also apply. However, as time progresses, it may be more difficult for our investigative staff to gather information to support the complaint. Injection of botulinum toxin and soft tissue fillers does not fall within the scope of practice for estheticians. Does this mean the Georgia Medical Board considers my doctor a "bad" doctor? 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. The Georgia Composite Medical Board ensures quality health care for all Georgians by licensing and monitoring physicians and other medical professionals. She remained in Baltimore to complete her forensic pathology fellowship at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland in 2015. This position will be responsible for conducting investigations related to complaints filed with the Georgia Board of Dentistry and . Return To Medical Examiner's Office Home Page. Dr. Rachel GellerAssociate Medical Examiner, Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program Director. The Medical Board will inform you of the doctor's last reported address. However, the matter is closed with a private agreement between the licensee and the board. In these situations, the case will be sent back to the investigative unit for further information. the action is taken when there is a violation of the laws and rules governing practice. Inquire whether or not a "mail stop" code needs to be included in the address to ensure prompt delivery. The requirements are published in Georgia Law, the Official Code of Georgia Annotates, (O.C.G.A.) Once licensee responses are received, cases are thoroughly evaluated by the Board staff. What are the duties and responsibilites of the Georgia Medical Board? Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. My insurance company won't pay the bill, now the doctor is billing me! Job Responsibilities Please do not edit or scratch out any information preprinted on these forms. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Complainants may request that the board re-review the decision upon submission of additional evidence. Dr. Geoffrey Smith earned his medical degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, graduating in 1984, and practicing primary care and emergency medicine. endstream endobj 1585 0 obj <. COMPLAINTS: Will I be told the status of my complaint? The Board finds no violation of the Medical Practice Act. Find licensed professionals and facilities by name, license number, or location. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this request, I may be reached at (daytime telephone number) or Mr/s. The following data elements on the Board's website should be considered as primary source verification: License number. An official website of the State of Georgia. From all appearances, it should have been a layup for the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Dr. Natasha GrandhiAssociate Medical Examiner. The Medical Examiners Office determines if a postmortem examination will be performed. This committee is made up of GCMB members, Board staff, the medical directors and an attorney from the Attorney Generals Office. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3465. For example, the licensee may have engaged in conduct that was illegal or unethical, or may have issues with clinical competence, posing a potential threat to patient safety or welfare. Complaints are given serious consideration by the board, and further investigative action may be taken, if appropriate.
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