In Pennsylvania, professional medical boards are responsible for overseeing healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists and other licensed practitioners. When concerns arise regarding a healthcare provider’s conduct or competence, a formal complaint can be submitted to the appropriate medical board. For example, someone may opt to file a complaint against a licensed physician by submitting information to the State Medical Board of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Who is eligible to file such a complaint, and what does the process involve? 

Patients

If a patient feels that they have received substandard care, were harmed due to medical negligence or experienced unethical behavior from a healthcare provider, they have the right to file a complaint. 

Loved ones

Family members of patients can also file complaints on behalf of a loved one, particularly if the patient at issue is incapacitated, deceased or unable to file a complaint themselves. Family members may raise concerns about a healthcare provider’s treatment decisions, bedside manner or failure to communicate effectively about the patient’s condition, just to name a few examples. 

Employers, co-workers and colleagues 

Healthcare providers are often in a position to witness or become aware of unethical or substandard behavior by their colleagues. In Pennsylvania, other doctors, nurses and healthcare workers can submit complaints if they observe misconduct or incompetence that could put patients at risk. The same can be said of employers of professionals who are allegedly behaving in particularly egregious ways. 

In some cases, third parties – such as legal representatives, insurance companies, or even members of the public who are not directly connected to a particular case – may file complaints. At the end of the day, really anyone is empowered to file complaints that can endanger the license of a medical professional.