Oklahoma medical board sees high caseload
HEALTHALLEGATIONS INCLUDE DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
BY VALLERY BROWN
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Published: November 30, 2008
The Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision conducted disciplinary hearings for 10 medical professionals in November that resulted in licensing actions, fines and probation.
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Who’s affected?
Doctors aren’t the only medical professionals licensed and regulated by the state Medical Licensure Board. It also oversees physician assistants, athletic trainers, dietitians, occupational therapists, electrologists, respiratory care practitioners, orthotists, and prosthetists.
HOW TO HELP
To file a report with the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, go to www.osbmls.state.ok.us or call 848-6841.
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Due process
According to Kelsey, hearings are held when the board receives complaints about a medical professional from co-workers, patients, state regulatory and law enforcement agencies, and other sources, such as friends and family members.
Based on their severity and nature, complaints can lead to an investigation and a disciplinary hearing in front of the nine-member board, Kelsey said.
"License revocation is a last resort,” he said. "If the board members feel that if there is a remedy to salvage a doctor’s career, they will look for ways to do that.”
Why speak up?
Reporting incidents of unprofessional conduct, poor performance and erratic or suspicious behavior are vital to protecting patients, Kelsey said.
"We have to know enough in advance so we can get them (medical professionals) help. Once they’ve harmed someone it’s too late,” Kelsey said.
According to statistics compiled by the licensure board, 502 complaints covering a range of accusations have been filed in 2008.
Of those, nearly 93 percent were reported by patients, friends or family members. Less than 1 percent were self-reported, and just under three percent were reported by other doctors, nurses or professionals.
The remainder of the complaints were filed by other regulatory agencies, law enforcement, insurance companies and pharmacies.
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