When a medical professional receives a complaint from the Office of Professional Medical Conduct, they are faced with an uncertain future. Once a complaint is received, the OPMC will conduct an investigation into the accusations. Then, the results of the investigation will be presented in a trial to a board of individuals that will determine repercussions. Often, the claims that have been made against physicians and nurses include sexual misconduct, substance abuse, insurance fraud, billing fraud, and more.
In the trial, information from the investigations will be presented to the state board for professional medical conduct. This is one of the most important parts of the entire process, as it ultimately decides the fate of the medical professional. The board must be comprised of at least eighteen physicians that have been licensed in New York State for at least 5 years. The state requires that:
- 2 doctors must be osteopathic
- at least 2 must dedicate some of their practice to non-conventional medical treatments
- 1 should have expertise in palliative care
- 7 should be lay members
- the executive secretary must be a licensed physician who was appointed by a chairperson
In addition, the state of New York requires that all board members only serve terms that are three years in length. If you have received a letter stating you are to be investigated by the OPMC, it is important that you consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
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.
