Each year the Oregon Medical Board receives around 750-850 complaints. All complaints are thoroughly reviewed, and approximately 400-500 of those complaints result in a complete and detailed investigation.
Complaints come from other health care professionals, hospitals, patients and their families, and other sources. Some complaints are resolved quickly because initial investigation found that the licensee did not violate any state law or regulation. Others are referred to other appropriate state or professional organizations for review. See the chart at the bottom of this page for other health professional licensing boards.
The Board's Investigations Department reviews all complaints to determine whether state law (The Medical Practice Act) may have been violated. There are 27 separate grounds for discipline or denial of a license in the Medical Practice Act. Most are very specific. They include chemical substance abuse, gross or repeated acts of negligence, and conviction of a criminal offense. "Unprofessional conduct" is also a violation and includes sexual misconduct with a patient. These specific violations are set forth at
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 677.190.
Each complaint is unique and is considered on its own merits with its specific set of circumstances. The following list is intended to give the public a general idea of the type of complaints that are under the Board's jurisdiction.
Complaint Examples:
Quality of care; inappropriate or substandard care
| Complaints about providers not licensed by the Board
|
Impaired physician or other licensee
| General billing issues
|
Inappropriate prescribing
| Complaints that a doctor or his/her staff was rude
|
Inappropriate relationship with patient or
patient family member
| Complaints about medical
facilities, including hospitals, clinics, or other medical institutions
|
Inappropriate boundaries by a physician or
other licensee
| Complaints about medical opinions expressed as part of an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
|
Criminal activity (also report to law enforcement)
| Complaints about insurance companies or health plans
|
* In some circumstances, the Board may investigate. For example, if the billing issue is fraud (i.e. repeatedly charging for a service that is not provided), the Board has jurisdiction to investigate.
If you wish to lodge a complaint, you may submit the Board's Complaint Form (English / Spanish) via postal mail. Per ORS 677.200(1), all complaints must be submitted in writing.
The Board strives to provide an inclusive and accessible experience for all Oregonians. If you require accommodations to complete the complaint form, in writing (as required by
ORS 677.200(1)), please contact Jessica Bates, ADA Coordinator, at 971-673-2700 or Jessica.Bates@omb.oregon.gov.
More Information on Filing a Complaint
How to File a Complaint
Who Must Report to the Board? (Mandatory Reporters)
Complaint and Investigation Process (PDF Flowchart)
Information for Complainants
The Oregon Medical Board takes accusations of sexual misconduct extremely seriously. If you have filed a sexual misconduct complaint with the Board and would like additional resources, please visit the
Oregon AttorneyGeneral's Sexual Assault Task Force webpage. There, you will find contact information for nonprofit organizations in your area. Please note that the Sexual Assault Task Force does not operate a shelter or crisis hotline.
Alternative Complaint Resources
If your complaint is not about a physician (MD, DO, DPM), physician associate (PA), or acupuncturist (LAc), use the guide below to help you identify the appropriate Board or agency to contact: