While doctors are not expected to guarantee specific results, they are required to provide care that meets accepted medical standards. There’s a critical difference between unexpected complications and harm caused by medical negligence or errors. When healthcare providers act irresponsibly or fail to follow established protocols, the consequences can be devastating, ranging from serious injuries to permanent disabilities or even wrongful death.
If a doctor, hospital, or other medical professional delivers substandard care, patients have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate licensing or regulatory board. In cases where this negligence results in harm or death, the injured party or their family may also have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.
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Where Do I Report a Doctor for Malpractice in Maryland?
If you believe a doctor has committed malpractice in Maryland, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Board of Physicians. To begin an investigation, the Board requires enough specific information to assess the allegations—this means complaints may not remain anonymous, as details could be shared with the doctor involved. While you may withhold personal information to remain anonymous, doing so could limit the Board’s ability to thoroughly investigate your claim.
Issues the Board May Investigate
The Maryland Board of Physicians has the authority to investigate serious professional misconduct, including but not limited to:
- Prescribing medications without a valid medical reason
- Substance abuse or misuse of controlled substances
- Providing substandard or negligent care
- Accepting kickbacks or fees for patient referrals
- Engaging in sexual relationships with patients
- Practicing medicine without a valid license
- Being convicted of criminal offenses
These and similar violations can trigger formal investigations and, if substantiated, lead to serious disciplinary actions by the Board.
What to Expect from the Complaint Process
Complaints can be submitted by patients or any concerned party. The Board can only take action if it determines that a violation of the Maryland Medical Practice Act has occurred.
Following an investigation, the Board may decide either that no formal action is necessary or that disciplinary action is warranted.
Possible disciplinary outcomes include:
- License suspension or revocation
- Mandated ethics training
- Continuing education or retraining
- Community service requirements
- Official reprimands
If sufficient evidence supports the claim, the Board may file formal charges against the physician. The doctor then has the right to defend themselves in a hearing before an administrative law judge. Should the judge conclude that a violation occurred, the Board can impose appropriate penalties. Please note that these cases can take over a year to reach a resolution.
Where Do I Report a Hospital for Malpractice in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) licenses, approves, or certifies facilities that provide health care, including hospitals. You can file a complaint against a hospital by submitting an online complaint form or a paper complaint form with the OHCQ.
You must provide the following information in your complaint:
- The name and birth date of the patient
- The date of admission
- The name and address of the healthcare facility
- Any known witnesses to the conduct
- The name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the complaint
- The details of the incident leading to the complaint
The office investigates the complaint and takes action as required by state or federal law. While you can file an anonymous complaint, your identity may be revealed if there is a hearing or trial regarding your complaint.
When Should I Contact a Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
Reporting a doctor or hospital to the appropriate government agency can result in disciplinary and other actions by the state. However, it does not compensate patients injured by a medical provider’s malpractice or negligence. If a medical provider injured you or your loved one, contacting an attorney to discuss your legal rights can be helpful.
A medical malpractice lawyer reviews your situation to determine if you have a legal claim for damages. If so, you may want to pursue a medical malpractice claim.A medical malpractice claim alleges that the provider’s actions caused injury or harm to the patient.
Examples of conduct that can result in a malpractice lawsuit include, but are not limited to:
- Medication errors, including anesthesia errors
- Failure to diagnose a medical condition
- Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors include performing the incorrect surgery, leaving an item inside a patient, failing to monitor the patient, etc.
- Lack of appropriate follow-up and aftercare
- Cancer misdiagnosis
- Failing to make timely referrals to specialists
- Labor and delivery mistakes
- Failing to perform diagnostic tests
- Emergency room errors
- Radiological errors
- Failing to obtain informed consent
A medical malpractice lawsuit may result in compensation for economic damages, including lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and medical expenses. Compensation may also include non-economic damages for pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and permanent impairments.
The Maryland statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing medical malpractice lawsuits. It is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to file a lawsuit against a doctor or hospital for malpractice.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers
If a doctor’s malpractice injures you, contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers today at (410) 837-2144 for a free initial consultation. Our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers help individuals and families pursue malpractice claims and wrongful death lawsuits. We help clients hold negligent medical providers accountable for their actions that injure patients.
