Source: State Medical Board of Ohio
As a licensee of the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO), you have a statutory and ethical duty to report misconduct. You are obligated to report violations of law, rule, and code of ethics standards to the SMBO. Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to, sexual misconduct, impairment, practice below the minimal standards of care, and improper prescribing of controlled substances. If you suspect or have observed inappropriate behavior by a health care professional or colleague, you should contact your local law enforcement immediately and file a complaint with the SMBO. Knowing a colleague is violating regulations and not reporting to the SMBO not only puts patients at risk but also puts your license to practice in jeopardy.
If the SMBO discovers you failed to report a colleague’s misconduct, you may be disciplined by the SMBO, up to and including permanent license revocation, and you may be ordered to pay fines up to $20,000.
Effective May 31, 2021, MDs, DOs, and DPMs are required to complete one hour of continuing medical education (CME) prior to renewal on the topic of a licensee’s duty to report misconduct. The enforcement of this requirement will commence with renewal applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021. The SMBO has created a one-hour course designed to educate physicians (MDs, DOs, DPMs) on the duty to report to the SMBO.
To file a complaint, you can visit med.ohio.gov or call the SMBO’s confidential complaint hotline at 1.833.333.SMBO (7626). Remember, provisions in the Ohio Revised Code make all complaints received by the board confidential.
You can read more about your duty to report and the CME requirement on the SMBO website.