There are strict standards all physicians must meet throughout their practice. These requirements have no room for mistakes that may harm a patient. Any mistakes made due to negligence during a physician’s practice will lead to serious consequences. When doctors are charged with medical misconduct, an investigation will begin by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct or OPMC. To learn more about the OPMC, continue reading to discover their role and what occurs during an OPMC investigation. If you are facing an OPMC investigation, it is important that you retain the services of a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney who can walk you through the process ahead.
What is the role of the OPMC?
The OPMC is in charge of supervising medical professionals. It is the committee’s job to ensure medical professionals conduct themselves ethically and morally. When a complaint is filed against a medical professional, it is the OPMC’s job to investigate in search of evidence of misconduct. The committee of the OPMC consists of two physicians and one non-physician. The OPMC committee investigates the following complaints:
- Insurance fraud
- Billing fraud
- Substance abuse issues
- Sexual misconducts
The OPMC handles the following tasks:
- Monitor physicians who are on probation
- Monitor physicals who have had their medical license restored after it was revoked
- Monitor the Committee for Physician Health
- Discipline and prosecute physicians that have been charged with misconduct
- Educate the medical community about misconduct
- Investigate complaints against medical professionals
What happens during an OPMC investigation?
The OPMC will interview the co-workers, patients, and employees of the physician in question regarding the accusations of misconduct they are facing. The physician is required to answer the OPMC board’s questions which will help the OPMC decide if the physician is guilty of misconduct. If the physician is found guilty there are a few possibilities to occur, the physician will either receive a letter of reprimand, a censure letter of reprimand, face probation, or lose their medical license.
If you are facing an OPMC investigation, it is important that you gain the services of an experienced medical malpractice attorney who will fight for your rights to practice medicine. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you will increase your chances of beating an OPMC investigation. It is important to have their assistance through this thorough process. You do not have to go through this alone. Contact our firm today to discuss your options. We are here to help.
Contact our experienced New York City firm
When a medical professional is accused of misconduct, they must retain strong legal representation. If you require a medical law attorney for your legal matters, call Paul E. Walker, an experienced New York City OPMC & OPD Lawyer. Please contact the Walker Medical Law firm to set up a free initial consultation.
