What happens if a complaint is filed against me with the Montana Board of Medical Examiners?

Once a complaint is filed, a response is requested from the doctor. Whether or not the doctor responds to the complaint, the Compliance Office proceeds with a meeting to discuss the complaint allegations. Then the information is provided to a Screening Panel that can decide whether to dismiss or investigate the complaint. If the Screening Panel recommends that an investigation take place then an investigation is conducted and a report is generated which describes whether or not there reasonable cause to proceed with disciplinary action. If Reasonable Cause is found then the Department issues a Notice of Proposed Board Action to the doctor. A proposed stipulation may be included with the Notice. The doctor can either sign the stipulation or request a hearing. If a hearing is requested then an Adjudication Panel will hear the case and determine appropriate sanctions, if any.