These days, filing complaints against medical professionals to the North Carolina Medical Board is about as easy as leaving a Google review. The result: significantly more complaints. In 2022 alone, our office has received an average of one request every day to help medical professionals navigate these complaints. So, what should healthcare providers do if they fall on the receiving end of one? In this episode, Lincoln Derr attorney Scott Addison explains the complaint process in detail and outlines the critical steps you need to take in response. The big takeaway: Never ignore a complaint, even those that may seem benign or baseless. “Most physicians will have some malpractice coverage, and your policy will likely give you access to attorneys who can help you navigate the med board system,” Scott explains. “You’re already paying for that service. Take advantage of it.”

About Scott Addison

Scott has a track record of success representing national corporations, large regional hospital systems, physician practices, banks, and entrepreneurs as both plaintiffs and defendants. He practices at both the trial and appellate levels and has a growing mediation practice.

Scott is licensed to practice law in North and South Carolina, and he is a North Carolina Certified Superior Court Mediator. He received his undergraduate degree from Davidson College in 1998, where he was a member of the National Biological Honor Society and served as a Love of Learning Mentor to at-risk inner-city high school students. After graduating from Davidson, Scott worked in quality control for Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, as an Information Technology Planner for the Office of the State CIO for the State of South Carolina, and as a Server Administrator for a General Electric gas turbine plant. In 2006, Scott obtained his law degree, cum laude, from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the South Carolina Law Review.

About the North Carolina Medical Board 

Board composition: The board consists of 13 members – 11 appointed by the governor and two appointed by the general assembly upon the recommendations of the speaker and president pro tempore. Eight of the 13 are licensed physicians, one is a licensed physician assistant (PA), one is an approved nurse practitioner (NP), and three are members of the public with no financial or professional interest in a health service or profession. All board members serve three-year terms. State law limits members to serving two full, consecutive terms on the board.

Meeting schedule: The board meets bi-monthly and holds disciplinary hearings in non-meeting months, as needed. Meetings typically last 2.5 days and include committee meetings and interviews, as well as disciplinary and licensing activities. Though some board business, such as meetings to discuss investigative or complaint information, is confidential under law, board meetings are otherwise open to the public and media. Meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes are available from the board’s office or website.

Organizational structure: The board is supported by a full-time professional staff based in Raleigh. The board is a public organization that regulates medical professionals for the state. It operates outside of the state budget process, with 100% of its operating budget provided by license application and renewal fees.

More information on navigating board complaints

This article from Medical Economics offers a national look at how the complaint process, as well as tips for managing through it.

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