About The Georgia Composite Medical Board . Public Board order means that there is a public document concerning the licensee. The outcome of an individual case depends on the unique circumstances of that case, as well as any mitigating or aggravating factors (such as a prior disciplinary history with the Board) that may be present. The Medical Board prefers to receive signed and dated complaints. If so, what, if any, guidelines are there for such circumstances? Dr. Reynolds then completed a one year fellowship in Forensic Pathology at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, VA. The Forensic Pathology Fellowship at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is offered in partnership with Medical College of Georgia Augusta University, where Dr. Geller is a Clinical Assistant Professor. For information about Covid-19 testing please click here. Why it matters: Virginia will not have a legal . Do I have the right to request a chaperone? Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure youre on an official state website. Dr. Lora DarrisawDirector of Pediatric Forensic Pathology. Welcome to the Georgia Composite Medical Board: In order to utilize the online services, you must first register with the eGov site. He then joined the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office for another fellowship, which ended in 1999. . Therefore, the Medical Board is prohibited by state statute from disclosing to the public investigative information or complaint information. Dr. Rochelle Simon received her undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 2000 and her medical degree from Howard University in Washington, DC in 2004. The existence of a Board order does not necessarily mean the licensee was sanctioned by the Medical Board or that the licensee, if sanctioned, is currently under any type of disciplinary action. She completed a forensic pathology fellowship at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland in 2019, where she was subsequently employed as an assistant medical examiner. She completed her anatomic and clinical pathology residency at East Carolina University in 2008. and an M.D.? If the Boards review determines that some type of public action may be warranted, it is possible the outcome of the case will be determined through a public hearing. You should read your benefits brochure or contact the insurance company's "Coverage Verification Office" prior to agreeing to have a procedure. Request for rehearing or review board hears this request if the physician does not prevail, 2. COMPLAINTS: Is there a statutory limit on when I may file my complaint? Is there a difference between the Georgia Medical Board and the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners? Botulinum toxin is a dangerous drug and soft tissue fillers are medical device implants approved by the FDA. The board has no authority to take further action unless the individual or facility applies for a license. Dr. Natasha Grandhi completed her undergraduate and medical school through the combined BS/MD program at Youngstown State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University in Ohio in 2010. HIPAA* may apply. Evidence Collection Kit Ordering Information. These letters are not public information. (b) A local medical examiner shall be a licensed physician appointed by the state medical examiner to perform scene investigations, external examinations, limited dissections, autopsies, or any combination of such duties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Geller was also employed by Emory University at Grady Hospital where she contributed to autopsy services and research. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use "georgia.gov" or "ga.gov" at the end of the address . If completing an online complaint, you will automatically receive your complaint acknowledgement letter, which you should print or save for your records. Investigations are completed as soon as possible, depending upon the nature and circumstances of the complaint. Other unlicensed individuals may not perform these injections. Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiners Office is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. However, the matter is closed with a private agreement between the licensee and the board. Complaints to the Board are an important avenue for members of the public to air their concerns. Court records will list a telephone number of the Executor. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. The order is then signed by the Board Chair and the Executive Director. endstream endobj 1585 0 obj <. Give the physician at least three (3) weeks notice, if possible. Dr. Geoffrey Smith Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. During this time, Dr. Lehman also completed a fellowship at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This brochure is intended as a guide to help consumers and licensees understand the Boards Investigative Processes. Autopsies are conducted by GBI medical examiners at the Headquarters Laboratory in Decatur (Atlanta) and in the regional laboratories in Maconand Pooler (Savannah). To serve the citizens of the State of Georgia, the public, and the justice system by investigating sudden, unexpected, or unexplained deaths throughout the state with integrity and credibility. The case then repeats the cycle. It would be greatly appreciated if you could have my record(s) there at least five (5) days in advance of this date to give Dr. (Last Name) an opportunity to review the file before hand. The Investigative Committee examines each case and makes a recommendation for Board action by consensus agreement. Please review any public documents carefully. Medical Board members devote much personal time and attention to overseeing the practice of physicians and other allied health care professionals by reviewing complaints from consumers, malpractice data, information from hospitals, other health care institutions and reports from other government agencies. the action is taken when there is a violation of the laws and rules governing practice. Patients have the right to inquire as to estimated charges for routine office visits, routine treatments and lab tests prior to receiving such treatment. Doctors licensed in Georgia have a published physician profile that includes medical education, training and board certification. If a hearing is held, the facts and circumstances will be brought out and the complainant may be called as a witness. Boards only have legal jurisdiction over an individuals license to practice and can only discipline an individual if there is found to be a violation of the laws and rules governing the practice. It will be reviewed thoroughly. Get to know Georgia's Secretary of State. We are prohibited from reviewing billing and/or insurance complaints. If we lack sufficient evidence of a violation of a the Medical Practice Act then we will close the investigation and notify you via regular mail. Those recommendations are sent to the Board staff to be added to the next Investigative Committee meeting. Please note the dates on any order. March came in like a lion under the Gold Dome on Wednesday. In addition, complaints can provide a valuable opportunity for licensees to view their practices from a different perspective and, when appropriate, modify and improve certain aspects of conduct or care. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1995. The Board is authorized to take remedial and/or disciplinary action by the Medical Practice Act. She remained in Baltimore to complete her forensic pathology fellowship at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland in 2015. The Georgia Composite Medical Board is the agency that licenses physicians, physician assistants, respiratory care professionals, perfusionists, acupuncturists, orthotists, prosthetists, auricular (ear) detoxification specialists, genetic counselors, cosmetic laser practitioners and pain management clinics. How you know. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure youre on an official state website. Judicial review actions superior court if the physician does not prevail, 3. In your letter, you should clearly indicate where and to whom you would like a copy of your hospital medical records sent. Enter data in any field; we will search with whatever information you provide to us. Please complete the forms giving a brief but detailed statement of the facts in chronological order. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce, county medical society or Police Department - they may be familiar with the doctor's practice and may be able to refer you to the office manager, a former employee or someone else who is knowledgeable about the doctor's situation. Please do not edit or scratch out any information preprinted on these forms. The Board also receives anonymous complaints, which may be investigated. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. The telephone number is listed in the business white pages of the telephone directory. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia in 2000. If the board receives a complaint that substantiates unlicensed practice or the aiding and abetting of unlicensed practice, the board may in some cases proceed to a hearing for a Cease and Desist Order or refer the matter for criminal prosecution in the jurisdiction where the unlawful act took place. Chief Medical Examiner. If the licensee does not agree to the order than the licensee has a right to a hearing. Sometimes the Board may determine that additional information is needed. To review the Board's Complaint process and access the Online Form. Inspection reports are public information. Also, O.C.G.A 31-33-2(b) allows a patient or his/her designee to receive a copy of the requested record(s). Dr. Reynolds received her undergraduate degree in biology from Lander University in Greenwood, SC in 1999 and earned her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 2004. After three business days of submitting the request in writing, follow up with a telephone call to make sure the physician's staff clearly understands what is being requested. After the formal hearing is conducted, the administrative law judge issues a ruling (Initial Decision and recommended disciplinary action). 43-34A-5 requires physicians or other authorized personnel to provide such information when asked. The descriptions below are intended to provide a general guide to the factors that are present when the Board votes to resolve a case in the following ways: After a thorough review the Board closes a case with no action due to no evidence to support the allegation, no jurisdiction. The medical directors then make recommendations for each case they review. The Board reviews complaints reported to it from a variety of sources, including patients, family members and others advocating on behalf of patients, GCMB licensees, other health care professionals such as nurses or pharmacists, and, at times, law enforcement. If you do not know the information, you can, Your name, address, telephone number, and email address, The name and address of the person or facility being reported and, if applicable, their license number. Dr. Rochelle SimonAssociate Medical Examiner. Dr. Keith Lehman graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1989, and received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina in 1993. (Click Here), Want to File a Complaint Online? He also completed a forensic pathology fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. You may have to put your request in writing and then receive correspondence seeking payment for the copying charges in advance. LOCs are non-disciplinary letters that point out areas of improvement for the licensee. An official website of the State of Georgia. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use georgia.gov or ga.gov at the end of the address. If your doctor does not address your concerns, seek medical care from another physician. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. Complaints and all information about the complaint are not subject to open records request and are strictly confidential. Secretary Brad Raffensperger and his staff are honored to serve the citizens of Georgia. Can my doctor charge me for a copy of my medical records? The Charities division enforces the laws regulating charitable organizations, paid solicitors, and solicitor agents. If you are attempting to obtain or locate your medical records from a doctor who is no longer in practice, here are some steps you should follow in attempting to recover a copy of your medical records: No, the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners, our official name by state law, is also known as the "Georgia Medical Board" or even just the "Medical Board."