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Board enforcement unit reports faster case handling, launches diversion and new required‑interview practice
Summary
The enforcement unit reported a jump in complaints and investigations but faster average desk‑investigation times; the board implemented a required‑interview process for quality‑of‑care complaints, completed a transition to a new diversion vendor and began outreach to delinquent fictitious‑name permit holders.
The Osteopathic Medical Board’s enforcement unit told members Feb. 13 that complaint intake and investigative volume have increased while certain case cycle times have dropped.
Enforcement staff reported 499 complaints and 16 arrest/conviction notices in year‑to‑date figures presented at the meeting — a year‑over‑year increase that staff said partly reflects a new practice of opening enforcement complaints on licensure applications with prior arrests (so that the department’s workload is tracked) and heightened public awareness from outreach. The unit said average time to initiate and acknowledge complaints is about five days (target: 10). Average completion time for investigations handled entirely in‑house was reported at 185 days (target: 365), a 14% improvement versus the prior fiscal year. Cases referred to the Attorney General’s Office for formal discipline continue to age longer (1027 days year‑to‑date), a measure the board cannot control because it depends on outside counsel and hearing timelines.
The board described three operational changes: (1) a required‑interview process for quality‑of‑care complaints — enforcement staff now offers complainants an interview before a file is closed so that families can provide missing information; (2) a new diversion services contract and kickoff — the board’s probation/diversion staff has transitioned to Premier Health (and has an additional contractor Famatech for specimen testing) after its long‑term vendor withdrew; and (3) a compliance outreach project on fictitious‑name permits — enforcement staff contacted 581 delinquent permits that expired 12/31/2024 to educate holders about renewal and prevent unlawful practice.
Board staff and advocates said the required‑interview change responds directly to recommendations from the board’s recent sunset review and consumer advocates’ requests. Several public commenters from Consumer Watchdog praised the board for implementing the interviews and other changes; those speakers said the interviews were not available in prior years and that the new process helps families provide evidence earlier in an investigation.
Probation staff reported 34 active probationers at the time of the meeting (six practicing out of state), ongoing quarterly reviews, and a handful of interim suspension orders with stays that allow restricted practice while matters proceed.
Enforcement staff said it will continue to purge old closed files per records schedules, update enforcement performance reporting, and track outcomes of diversion contracts and the new specimen testing vendor.
