Recent enforcement statistics of complaints and investigations against Texas doctors and medical professionals licensed by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) are available. Agency statistics are published annually and can be located on the TMB’s website here.
Texas Medical Board Complaint Statistics, FY 2018
Total complaints filed against TMB licensees have been on the rise for the past five years. As reported in the Texas Medical Board Statistics, Fiscal Years 2009-2018, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, the TMB received 8,955 total complaints against Texas physicians, Physician Assistants, Surgical Assistants, and others it licenses. This marks an increase of 841 total complaints over FY 2017 and an increase of 2,108 total complaints over five years prior, in FY 2014.
Not all complaints received by the Medical Board are pursued. The TMB first reviews every complaint to determine whether it has jurisdiction that the complaint is in fact against someone the Board licenses. Complaints deemed “nonjurisdictional” are not further pursued. Of the 8,955 total FY 2018 complaints filed with the TMB, 3,095 were determined to be nonjurisdictional.
The TMB also reviews every complaint it receives to determine if adequate evidence exists, demonstrating a violation of the Medical Practices Act. If during this initial review, the Board determines that there is insufficient evidence demonstrating a potential violation, then the complaint is deemed “jurisdictional, not filed.” This refers to cases where no violations were found, and no further investigation is pursued by the board. Of the 8,955 total FY 2018 complaints filed with the TMB, 3,659 were determined to be nonjurisdictional.
Investigations Against TMB Licensees
Just as total complaints filed with the TMB has increased over the last five years, so too has the number of investigations the TMB has opened against its licensees.
The following are the number of investigations opened based on complaints against TMB licenses over the past five fiscal years:
- FY 2018: 2,201
- FY 2017: 2,055
- FY 2016: 1,967
- FY 2015: 1,853
- FY 2014: 1,808
Based solely on the number of investigations opened annually, TMB licensees are currently 22% more likely to face an investigation by the Board than they were five years ago.
TMB investigations are serious. Even an investigation into a complaint you think has no merit can wreak havoc on your career and livelihood if not properly defended against. As soon as you are notified of a TMB investigation against you, we urge you to consult with an experienced Medical License Defense Attorney.
Texas Medical Board Enforcement Statistics, FY 2018
According to the Texas Medical Board Statistics, Fiscal Years 2009-2018, in FY 2018:
- 2,000 Investigations were completed
- 673 cases were resolved by Informal Settlement Conference
- 94 cases were filed with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)
- 290 disciplinary actions were taken against physicians, including
- 31 temporary suspensions
- 669 instances of probation (against all types of license)
- 2,984 drugs screens (against all types of license)
If you have been notified of a complaint filed against you with the Texas Medical Board, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We are experienced medical license defense attorneys, and we know how to navigate the TMB’s complaint process. We are prepared to represent you at any legal hearing or proceeding regarding your professional license, including:
- Temporary Suspension Hearings
- Informal Settlement Conferences (ISC)
- Show Compliance Proceedings
- State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) Proceedings
Our firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced medical license defense attorney to review allegations of misconduct helps ensure the most favorable outcome in your case. Our results speak for themselves.
BERTOLINO LLP represents licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. If you are facing disciplinary action from a professional licensing board, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
