Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Disciplinary Actions

Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners disciplinary actions are given to osteopathic examiners with a license or certification in Arizona. If the Board determines formal disciplinary action is necessary it will happen after the completion of an investigation. It’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of the Arizona laws and regulations. Chelle Law’s Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Attorneys have represented over 1,000 health care professionals before Arizona licensing boards. At Chelle Law, our attorney’s have the experience to help osteopathic examiners with all Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners matters.

Thus, at a Board Meeting, the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation. The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the osteopathic examiner formal discipline. Disciplinary actions can include:

Dismissal.
Letter of Concern.
Non-disciplinary order for continuing education.
Administrative warning.
Decree of censure.
Civil penalty not to exceed $5,000.
Probation.
Practice restriction or limitation.
Suspension.
Revocation.

Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Non Disciplinary Actions

CASE DISMISSAL: The Board may dismiss a complaint if they determine the information indicates there was not a violation of the rules of the Arizona Practice Act. This outcome is not available to the public.
ADVISORY LETTER: A letter from the Board expressing concern that the osteopathic examiner’s conduct was not ideal; however, the conduct does not necessarily violate the Practice Act or Board policy and no further contact is needed. This will not effect future licensure or if the massage therapist wishes to further their education. This is not shown on license verification.
NON-DISCIPLINARY ORDER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION: An order that dictates the osteopathic examiner must complete a number of hours of continuing education for specific topics.

Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Unprofessional Conduct

REVOCATION: If the Board revokes an osteopathic examiner’s license the osteopathic examiner will be unable to practice or get licensed again for a minimum of five years. After the five year period license revocation the osteopathic examiner will need to reapply for their license. If the osteopathic examiner reapplies for licensure they must demonstrate the grounds for revocation (substance abuse, mental health problems, criminal convictions) has been rectified through an applicable program. This is a public document.
VOLUNTARY SURRENDER: The osteopathic examiner voluntarily gives up their license. The benefit of this voluntary consent is that the Board is usually willing to reduce the amount of time until an osteopathic examiner can reapply. This is usually between two to three years.
SUSPENSION: A suspension stops the osteopathic examiner from practicing. It prohibits any patient contact or services for a period of time until the Board lifts the suspension.
PROBATION: The Board offers probation through a consent agreement. The consent agreement requires the osteopathic examiner do certain things (drug testing, work supervision, counseling, continuing education). Alternatively, they may need to refrain from doing things (unsupervised Medical like home health, working under the Medical licensure compact, using alcohol, etc.) A request for a removal of probation will be needed.
LETTER OF REPRIMAND: A letter of reprimand is the lowest level of formal discipline against a license or certificate. There are no probationary requirements. However, the action is on the website for five years for the public to inspect. A document removal will occur five years after signed.
STIPULATED REHABILITATION AGREEMENT: An Agreement that dictates the osteopathic examiner must be monitored and complete rehabilitation. For instance, an osteopathic examiner found to have a substance abuse problem would be subject to drug testing, group or individual therapy, practice restrictions and supervision.

Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Complaint

Who can file an Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Complaint against an osteopathic examiner? Patients, health care facilities, other professionals, among others. When the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners receives a complaint, the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint (if the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed). After this happens, the osteopathic examiner receives notice and the board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial for osteopathic examiners as they must submit a response, interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at an Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners.

Responding to Practice Complaints and Investigations

After receiving an Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Complaint or self-report, an osteopathic examiner receives a notice from the Board requesting additional information as well as a response to allegations found in the complaint. From here, the Board of Osteopathic Examiners assigns an investigator to the complaint and they begin to collect evidence. The documents and evidence collected includes:

Patient medical records
Employment files from the osteopathic examiner’s employer and business
Criminal records
Interviews of people associated with the Board Complaint (These interviewees can include the patient, medical director, colleagues, etc.)

If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners Attorney services and how to protect your license, set up a consultation with Chelle Law today.