Oklahoma medical board sees high caseload
HEALTHALLEGATIONS INCLUDE DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

BY VALLERY BROWN Comments 1
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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Medical professionals licensed and regulated by the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

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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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Lyle Kelsey, the board’s executive director, said that’s the most hearings he has seen in his 11 years on the job.

The five licenses revoked or surrendered were also the highest in Kelsey’s memory.

Since November 2007, the board has held 45 disciplinary hearings for doctors and other medical professionals licensed and regulated by the state.

According to board meeting records since November 2007, nearly 30 percent of the disciplinary hearings this year were related to drug or alcohol abuse. Almost 20 percent were a result of alleged sexual misconduct, and 11 percent involved improper prescription practices for medication.

Kelsey said above all, the function of the OMLB is to protect the people.

"If the behavior or potential exists for harm to a patient, we will step in and protect them,” Kelsey said.

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.