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 Comments on this article:

I fail to see how the statute prohibits the board from handling complaints by telephone consultation with the licensee. Your own article cites the statute which notes “The first communication is required by law to be in writing and to provide the licensee with mandatory notifications.” After the board follows the law and notifies in writing it could then proceed to resolve the issue by telephone.

By David Bartholomew on Nov 16, 2015 at 2:24pm

I recently had a complaint filed against me by a patient.  This was my first in 23 years as a practicing physician (10 years in NC).  While it was an inconvenience to say the least, after providing all the evidence of record, as well as my written response, I would like to congratulate the Board for a job well done.  I agree that it is the responsibility of the Board to uphold the public trust.  At the same time, the complaint was dismissed without further cause and the patient was notified.  I firmly believe that it gives us an opportunity to respond to those complaints which have no merit and are submitted solely because a patient did not obtain the outcome they desired (in this case, a workman’s compensation issue).

By Marcelo Perez-Montes, MD, MPH on Nov 16, 2015 at 3:20pm

Recently I was asked by the Board to reply to an irate complaint from the mother of a young man who died under my care.  Investigation on my part revealed that the man was actually not taking the medication I prescribed and his death was likely due to murder by overdose given by another person! 
  In my 44 years of general practice, I have found that investigating and replying to Board complaints has been a most interesting and rewarding experience.

By James Stewart Campbell, MD. on Nov 17, 2015 at 11:13am

In response to Dr. Bartholomew NCMB Chief Medical Office writes:

The necessity for a written response to complaint allegations is to provide licensees with important procedural protections. Complaints, for which a response from the licensee is requested, may have the potential for disciplinary action by the Board. Thus, it is in the licensee’s best interest to provide the Board a written response to the allegations in the complaint - rather than having the Board rely on an interpretation, from Board staff, of a telephone conversation or consultation with the licensee.  However, if you, or any licensee, ever has a question about the Board complaint process, policies, procedures, or any other question for that matter, you are welcome and encouraged to call me at any time to discuss your concerns.

By Jean Fisher Brinkley on Nov 17, 2015 at 11:48am

The Board is mandated to study each and every complaint, and do not forget that

any one of could end up in the role of a PATIENT in life .Give the Board the

facts and your(Professional) judgmental opinions when requested, and if you

have nothing to feel guilty of anything.

By Sastry V,Neti on Dec 30, 2015 at 10:08am