Fiscal Year 2018 Annual report and newsletter

Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Report and Newsletter

December 2018 Newsletter and FY 2018 Annual Report

Inside this issue:
List of Board members and committees, page 3

Board Elects New Leadership

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), page 4

Complaint process, page 5

Declaration of patients' rights, page 6

Board adopted positions, page 6

Maintaining medical records, page 7

Medical malpractice coverage, page 7
Annual report, page 8
Board disciplinary action report, page 12

Pictured: John Jeffrey Marshall, MD, Chair (left) and Ronnie Wallace, Vice Chair (right)
Dr. J. Jeffrey Marshall received his medical degree from University of Florida. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine, and his fellowship in Cardiology and Angioplasty, at Medical College of Virginia. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Marshall is the Chairman of The Heart Center

Newly adopted rules, page 14 Georgia PHP, page 15 FAQs, page 16 Call for advisory committee members and peer reviewers, page 16

of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). He led the creation of the angioplasty program at NGMC and a regional emergency heart attack response program called Northeast Georgia Regional STEMI System, which has received national recognition for its lifesaving work. Dr. Marshall is former President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), which recognized him as a Master Interventionalist (MSCAI) in 2016. He also previous served on the faculty at Emory University, where he

Active license count, page 17

was an associate professor of Medicine and Cardiology for 11 years, as well as the faculty

Board calendar, page 18

at Medical College of Virginia.

Mr. Ronald J. Wallace is the co-founder and President of

New Members Appointed to the Board

Webb Creek. For over thirty (30) years Mr. Wallace has been involved in banking, both at community and super

regional levels, holding positions of President and CEO as

well as EVP of Retail, Commercial, Mortgage and SBA

lending areas. Additionally, Mr. Wallace has been involved

in economic development activities at both the local and

state level including being a State Certified Economic De-

velopment Trainer and having started and managed a suc-

cessful incubator program. Mr. Wallace served local government for twelve years as Rome City Commissioner and

Mayor. Additionally, he served state government for many

years on the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Board

Pictured: Thomas Harbin, MD (left) and Rob Law, CFP (right)
The Georgia Composite Medical Board welcomes its newest members: Thomas Harbin, MD and Rob Law, CFP, as a consumer member.

of Directors. He was appointed to its executive committee and chaired the DC/DC Retirement Committee and the State Education Board of GMA. Mr. Wallace was also named to the Georgia Municipal Association Hall of Fame.

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Members of the Georgia Composite Medical Board

John Jeffrey Marshall, MD Chairperson Gainesville

Thomas Harbin Jr., MD Atlanta

Ronnie Wallace, MBA Vice Chairperson Rome

Rob Law, CFA Consumer Member
Atlanta

John S. Antalis, MD Past Chairperson Dalton

B.K. Mohan, MD Riverdale

Keisha Callins, MD, MPH Macon

David W. Retterbush, MD Past Chairperson Valdosta

Gretchen Collins, MD Lawrenceville

Joe Sam Robinson, MD Macon

E. Daniel DeLoach, MD Past Chairperson Savannah

Barby J. Simmons, DO Atlanta

Charmaine Faucher, PA-C Ex-Officio Member Kennesaw

Richard L. Weil, MD Past Chairperson Atlanta

Alexander S. Gross, MD Past Chairperson Atlanta

Board Committees

1. The Investigative Committee (4 Board members) examines initial complaints, results of all investigations, and medical malpractice reports.
2. The Physician Licensing Committee (4 Board members) evaluates each applicant's fitness to practice by establishing and applying standards for licensure and practice; reviews all non-routine applications; sets policies for staff on how to handle nonroutine applications.
3. The Wellness Committee (5 Board members) reviews all cases in which a practitioner's practice might be affected by a behavioral, cognitive, physical, or substance use issue; meets with the practitioner and his or her advocates and treatment providers to assess the individual situation and ability to return to practice; recommends restrictions or sanctions as warranted.
4. The Rules Committee (all board members) develops rules to govern the performance of practitioners regulated by the Board; assists in defining, assessing, and assuring the continued competency of all licensees throughout their careers.
5. Advisory Committees (each with at least 2 board members, plus practitioners from the professional community) for each profession regulated -- Perfusion, Acupuncture, Respiratory Care, Physicians Assistant, Orthotists & Prosthetists, APRN Protocol, Cosmetic Laser Professionals.

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Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)

During the 2017 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 249, which provided several changes to the PDMP:

1. Dispensers are required to enter prescription information for Schedule II, III, IV controlled substances within 24 hours. This provides prescribers more efficient access to information with less wait time as they make the best clinical decisions possible for their patients.
2. All prescribers were required to register in the PDMP by January 1, 2018. Currently only about 98% of prescribers in Georgia are registered in the PDMP. Prescribers already registered DO NOT need to re-register.
3. Prescribers are required to check PDMP before prescribing opiates or cocaine derivatives in Schedule II drugs or benzodiazepines. This requirement applies to the first time a prescriber checks the PDMP and every 90 days thereafter.

Registration
To register in PDMP, go to georgia.pmpaware.net/login. You will need:
Your name and business address Primary phone number Last 4 digits of SSN DEA number NPI number Professional license number and type Health care specialty

Opioid Prescribing
Effective January 1, 2018, every physician not subject to Rule 360-15-.01(3) who maintains an active DEA certificate and prescribes controlled substances, except those holding a residency training permit, shall complete at least once three or more hours of AMA/ AOA PRA Category 1 CME that is designed specifically to address controlled substance prescribing practices. The controlled substance prescribing CME shall include instruction on controlled substance prescribing guidelines, recognizing signs of the abuse or misuse of controlled substances, and controlled substance prescribing for chronic pain management. The certification of such completion must occur at the first renewal following January 1, 2018 or the first renewal following licensure. Completion of this requirement may count as three hours toward the CME requirement for license renewal.

Under the new law, prescribers and dispensers are allowed to register two delegates (staff without a DEA number) per shift or rotation to check the PDMP and enter prescription information.
If you have any questions about the PDMP or registering, please send an email to pdmpsupport@dph.ga.gov or call 404-463-1517.

The Complaint Process
When to file a complaint
If you believe a provider licensed by this Board has:
Violated provisions of the Medical Practice Act
Acted in a manner that is considered "unprofessional conduct"
Provided a level of care that would fall below the minimum standard of care
Anonymous Complaints
The Medical Board prefers to receive signed and dated complaints. The Board's investigative files are confidential. However, doctors and other allied health care professionals within the jurisdiction of the Medical Board are disciplined through an administrative law procedure. At some point in this procedure a hearing may be required. In order to defend him or herself, the physician or other licensee has a right to face their accuser. This is a basic principle in the American judicial process. Therefore, the Medical Board does not accept anonymous complaints except in cases where the physician or health care provider is an immediate danger to the citizens of Georgia or a complaint involving the death of a patient. Please remember that if the Board does accept an anonymous complaint, there must be sufficient evidence, absent the identity of the complainant, for the Board to determine whether a sanction

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What happens after a complaint is filed?

To file a complaint, please fill out our online Complaint Form or download the paper form and mail it to:
Georgia Composite Medical Board 2 Peachtree Street NW, 6th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303
Please note: We are unable to take complaints by phone. All complaints must be submitted in writing or by online submission.

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Declaration of Patients' Rights
Rule 36-27-.02. Declaration of Patients' Rights
(1) Physicians are required to post a declaration of the patient's rights to file a grievance with the Board concerning a physician, staff, office, or treatment received.
(2) The declaration shall contain the following language with no alterations, deletions, or additions:
The patient has the right to file a grievance with the Georgia Composite Medical Board, concerning the physician, staff, office, and treatment received. The patient should send a written complaint to the Board. The patient should be able to provide the physician or practice name, the address and the specific nature of the complaint. Complaints or grievances may be reported to the Board at the following address or telephone number:
Georgia Composite Medical Board Attn. Complaints Unit 2 Peachtree Street, N.W. 6th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 656-3913 www.medicalboard.georgia.gov
(3) The declaration shall be prominently displayed in a sign that is 8 1/2 x 11 inches in type that is no smaller than 24 point Times Roman print in black on white background. It shall be displayed in the physician's waiting room in an area that is not obstructed and can be easily viewed by patients.
Board Adopted Positions
Physician Scope of Practice (07/12/2018): Physicians shall have acquired the appropriate level of education and training intending to expand their practice to an area outside their residency/fellowship, post-graduate education.
Board Guidance (02/09/2017): A medical practice advertising "treatment of pain" is required to be licensed as a pain management clinic.
Official Opinion of the Attorney General (10/28/2016): Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses may be able to access the GAPDMP database as delegates of physicians who have the authority to prescribe or dispense.
Official Opinion of the Attorney General (10/07/2016): A physician is required to report to the Georgia Composite Medical Board a payment made as a result of a high-low agreement in a medical malpractice case, even if there is a judgment in favor of the physician.
AG Memorandum (03/26/2009): An advanced practice registered nurse who distributes drug samples must be authorized to do so under a nurse protocol agreement.
Official Opinion of the Attorney General (12/28/2000): A physician assistant is allowed to prescribe Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances while acting under the requisite supervision of a physician and pursuant to the requisite job description, thereby permitting the physician assistant to have a DEA number.

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Maintaining Medical Records
If you leave your practice or retire, please read the following rule:
(a) A physician shall be required to maintain a patient's complete medical record, which may include, but is not limited to, the following: history and physical, progress notes, X-ray reports, photographs, laboratory reports, and other reports as may be required by provision of the law. A physician shall be required to maintain a patient's complete treatment records for a period of no less than 10 years from the patient's last office visit.
(b) The requirements of this rule shall not apply to a physician who has retired from or sold his medical practice if: 1. such physician has notified his or her active patients of retirement from or sale of practice by mail, at the last known address of his or her patients, offering to provide the patient's records or copies thereof to another provider of the patient's choice and, if the patient so requests, to the patient;
2. has caused to be published, in the newspaper of the greatest circulation in each county in which the physician practices or practiced and in a local newspaper that serves the immediate practice area, a notice which shall contain the date of such retirement or sale that offers to provide the patient's records or copies thereof to another provider of the patient's choice, and if the patient so requests, to the patient; and
3. has placed in a conspicuous location in or on the faade of the physician's office, a sign announcing said retirement or sale of the practice. The sign shall be placed 30 days prior to the retirement or the sale of the practice and shall remain until the date of retirement or sale.
4. Both the notice and sign required by Rule 360-3-.02 shall advise the physician's patients of their opportunity to transfer or receive their records.
(c) The period specified in this rule may be less than the length of time necessary for a physician to protect himself or herself against other adverse actions. Therefore, physicians may wish to seek advice from private counsel or their malpractice insurance carrier.
Medical Malpractice Coverage
The physician license renewal form includes the mandatory question, "11b. Do you currently carry medical malpractice insurance, or are you covered under a medical malpractice insurance policy? (Yes or No)"
Of the 35,946 physicians with active licenses, 32,279 (89.8%) physicians responded to the question (as of July 2018). 14,148 (43.8%) of the respondents were age 56 or older. 1.1% of the respondents are no longer actively practicing.
2,512 (7.8%) respondents said they have no direct or umbrella malpractice coverage. 1,769 (70%) of those who responded, "no," are over the age of 56, and 1,128 (44.9%) are practicing in Primary Care.

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Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2018
Licensure
The Board is responsible for protecting the citizens of Georgia by ensuring that qualified healthcare providers have the education, training, and the ability to practice with skill and safety. The Board also reviews Advanced Practice Registered Nurse protocols for prescriptive authority.
In FY 2018, the Board received 4,175 applications and issued 4,341* new licenses. The Board also processed 22,962 renewal applications and renewed 19,808 licenses. From applications, the Board generated $6,731,057 in revenue. *Applications received during one fiscal year may be processed during the next fiscal year.

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Enforcement
The Georgia Composite Medical Board is responsible for regulating and enforcing the Medical Malpractice Act and the Rules adopted by the Board. During FY 2018, the Board received 2,320 new complaints, a 3% increase from FY 2017. Of the allegations, 1,834 were found to be within the jurisdiction of the Board either as a Matter Under Investigation (MUI) or required an agent investigation. Refer to page 5 for an explanation of the Board's complaint process.

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The category "no jurisdiction" accounts for complaints not in the Board's jurisdiction because they: involve dentists or podiatrists that are not licensed by the Board involve billing disputes, which the Board does not investigate do not involve follow-up information or are made anonymously with insufficient information
One complaint may contain multiple allegations.
Discipline
During FY 2018, the Board issued 70 public sanctions against licensees through various dispositions (public fine, reprimand, suspension, revocation, etc.).

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Finance
The Georgia Composite Medical Board operates with a budget appropriated by the General Assembly and certain administrative fees. The services that the Board provides to the people of Georgia are delivered in an efficient, costeffective way.
In FY 2018, the Board's total budget was $2,781,625, appropriated by the General Assembly, with which the Board enhanced the health and safety of Georgia's patients through its licensing and regulatory activities. During the year, the Board collected $7,131,119.00, more than double that amount in fees, which were turned over to the state's treasury.
This is a 156.37% return of investment on the budget granted by State Legislature. These funds are returned to the general treasury.
Revenue Collected, FY 2018

Fee Category Renewal Fee

FY 2018 $4,514,357.00

Percent Change over FY 2017
+4.79%

Application & Other License Fees $2,216,700

+23.85%

Other Administrative Fees

$342,936.00

Fines & Enforcement Cost Recovery
Total Revenue Collected

$57,126.00 $7,131,119.00

-7.43% -35.46% +8.76%

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Board Disciplinary Action Report
The following report lists public disciplinary actions taken by the Board between [date] and [date]. These cases have been investigated and are now part of the public record. Although every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, you should read the order in its entirety. The Board may include several provisions in an order, and the description of the discipline in this report may not reflect all the actions in the order. You may view these public orders on our website at https://medicalboard.georgia.gov.
Revocations, Voluntary Surrenders, and Suspensions

Profession Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician

License

Name

Order

032120 ANDERSON, BASIL LAMONT

Revocation

036932 BYNES, FRANK HOWARD JR.

Voluntary Surrender

014892 BURTON, JOSEPH LAWSON

Voluntary Surrender

035210 BIRD, GEORGE MACK

Suspension

042035 PATTERSON, MARIAN ANTOINETTE

Suspension

013844 DEHGAN, ROBERT BAHMAN

Suspension

021566 OHRI, ACHHINDER KUMAR

Suspension

033534 BRADY, MICHAEL NELSON

Suspension

041812 GRAPER, CHARLSE EDWARD

Voluntary Surrender

039318 DAVIS-BOUTTE, WINDELL CATHERINE Suspension

025733 CARTER, RICHARD FORD

Suspension

Public Reprimands and Probation

Date 07/03/2017 09/22/2017 10/12/2017 11/02/2017 03/05/2018 03/19/2018 04/12/2018 06/07/2018 06/07/2018 06/07/2018 06/12/2018

Profession Physician Physician Physician

License

Name

032592 JOHNSON-JORDAN, DEBRA ELAINE 038079 RIZZO, PETER FOLEY 032592 JOHNSON-JORDAN, DEBRA ELAINE

Order Public Reprimand Probation Probation

Date 08/10/2017 08/10/2017 08/10/2017

Public Reprimands and Probation (continued)

Profession Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician

License

Name

066890 RAHULAN, VIJIL K 076267 MOUSAVI, FATEMEH 021387 COLLINS, DAVID RICHARD 061430 GAVRIKOV, VITALIY 040887 CLARK, ROBERT MILTON 042035 PATTERSON, MARIAN ANTOINETTE 042035 PATTERSON, MARIAN ANTOINETTE 013844 DEHGAN, ROBERT BAHMAN 051926 DISANTO, VINSON MICHAEL 021566 OHRI, ACHHINDER KUMAR 027575 JACKSON, KEITH RICHARD 050694 BURTON, INGRID RENEE 033534 BRADY, MICHAEL NELSON

Order Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Probation Public Reprimand Probation Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand

Public Fines

Profession Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician

License No.

Name

066890

RAHULAN, VIJIL K

076267

MOUSAVI, FATEMEH

021387

COLLINS, DAVID RICHARD

061430

GAVRIKOV, VITALIY

027575

JACKSON, KEITH RICHARD

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Date 08/31/2017 10/05/2017 11/02/2017 11/02/2017 11/03/2017 03/05/2018 03/05/2018 03/19/2018 04/12/2018 04/12/2018 05/03/2018 05/03/2018 06/07/2018
Date 08/31/2017 10/05/2017 11/02/2017 11/02/2017 05/03/2018

Other Disciplinary Actions

Profession Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician

License

Name

034280 WILCOX, MOSES EDWARD

076267 MOUSAVI, FATEMEH

076267 MOUSAVI, FATEMEH 021387 COLLINS, DAVID RICHARD 033534 BRADY, MICHAEL NELSON

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Order Public Practice Restriction Public Practice Restriction CME CME Public Practice Restriction

Date 08/31/2017 10/05/2017 10/05/2017 11/02/2017 06/07/2018

Newly Adopted Rules
The following rules have been adopted during FY 2018: Rule 360-3-.02(21) Unprofessional Conduct Defined Rule 360-8-.02 Standards of Operation Rule 360-31-.13 O & P Rule 360-32-.02 and Rule 360-32-.04 Rule 360-38 PDMP Rule 360-35-.2 Licensure Rule 360-37 PDMP--Notice of Intent and Synopsis Rule 360-38 PDMP--Notice of Intent and Synopsis

2/5/2018 2/5/2018 2/5/2018 2/5/2018 2/5/2018 11/27/2017 11/27/2017 10/13/2017

Rules can be found at the Secretary of State's website at http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/General/rules_and_regulations.

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The Georgia PHP Improving Physician Health and Public Safety across Our
State
Paul H. Earley, MD, DFASAM and Robin F. McCown
Physician Health and Wellness programs launched in the 1970's as the medical community began to recognize that addiction is a disease and those who suffer from the illness need confidential treatment, including physicians and physician assistants. Today, 47 states and the District of Columbia are served by Physician Health Programs (PHP's). Each of these programs assist healthcare providers with substance use disorders, many help with other mental health conditions and some provide wellness services.
Georgia is one of the last states in the US to offer such a program. Back in 2010, Senate Bill 252 allowed the Georgia Composite Medical Board to contract with an outside entity to provide the PHP services. The Georgia PHP was formed and opened its doors in August 2012. Since that time, the Georgia PHP has provided services to almost 500 licensees and is currently supporting approximately 240 individuals (mostly physicians) to remain healthy and productive. The Georgia PHP is not a treating facility. We function more like an employee assistance program, triaging referrals, funneling them for assessment if needed, ensuring they obtain the proper initial treatment and provide the long-term monitoring that generates an astounding record of recovery. Recently, Georgia PHP expanded services to include individuals with other mental health conditions, ensuring that they too are able to safely practice and maintain their health.
Physicians who develop substance abuse disorders live in secrecy and shame. We are supposed to know better. The data show something different. Physicians develop addiction disorders with the same frequently as the general public. Not surprisingly, the most common substance that physicians' abuse is alcohol. Dependence upon the medications we prescribe or administer--primarily opioids--is the second most common form of substance misuse. This type of addiction seems to be an occupational hazard, access accelerates and exacerbates the illness. Despite the frequency and severity of addiction among physicians, we do extremely well if and when proper care is obtained. Multiple well-designed studies demonstrate that over 80% of physicians who engage in a PHP program maintain verified abstinence for five years or more (the common length of a monitoring agreement). Although we become ill, proper care allows us to regain health, our families trust and, importantly, public safety is ensured.
In the past, if a physician became ill with a substance-related disorder, their illness would have to be reported to the Georgia Medical Board. No one liked this arrangement, most of all the members of the medical board. Today, if a physician is suspected of having an addiction problem, they can be referred to the Georgia PHP directly. As long as that physician cooperates with proper assessment and established treatment protocols, they do not have to be reported to the medical board in the vast majority of cases. If a hospital or practice partners, friends, spouses or relatives are concerned about a physician or PA, they can call us directly. After appropriate evaluation, we often find that a substance use disorder is not present. In such cases, we direct that individual to other types of care, if indicated. So, if you are reading this and are concerned about someone you care about, please call us or email us.
Our growth is not without its growing pains. Unfortunately, the Georgia legislature mandated a Professional Health Program, but did not fund it. Therefore, we are supported solely by participant fees, unlike most states across the U.S. The Georgia physicians we monitor are the sole source of our survival. Because we are a wellness and public safety program, it doesn't make sense that only ill physicians should pay for our services. In most states, however, funding comes from multiple sources, including direct state funds, licensure fees, assistance from malpractice carriers, hospital and their associations, and physician societies. We ask for your help in this regard. Our vision is to improve the health of all Georgians through the health of Georgia's physicians. To make a donation or to get additional information, please visit our web site www.gaphp.org or call 855MY-GAPHP.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Rules and Laws
Q: If I change my legal name, may I continue to practice under my "professional name" (old name)?
A: You must use your legal name on your Georgia license. If you are getting married or divorced, you should consider any implications on your "professional name" as you make your decision on a name change.
Q: At what point is it permissible for me to date a former patient?
A: You should be extremely careful in any situation that could be construed as a boundary violation. Remember that no matter how difficult it may be to maintain appropriate boundaries with a patient, it is always the professional's responsibility to maintain those boundaries. You should refer difficult or boundary-testing patients for competent help or counsel. This applies even to former patients, if you did not terminate the physician/patient relationship in writing.
Cosmetic Laser Licensure
Q: How do I know if I need a laser license?
A: If you provide non-ablative cosmetic laser services using laser hair removal devices, intense pulsed light (IPL) devices, or nonablative light-based devices, you need a laser license, unless (1) you have an active Georgia physician license; (2) you have an active Georgia physician assistant license with Board-approved additional duties that include the performance of cosmetic laser services AND you are not supervising an individual who needs a laser license; or (3) you have an active Georgia advanced practice registered nurse license with a protocol that includes the performance of cosmetic laser services AND you are not supervising an individual who needs a laser license.
Q: I'm a PA or an APRN. Do I need a separate laser license to perform cosmetic laser services?
A: Yes, if you supervise someone who is required to have a license as an Assistant Laser Practitioner.
Board Issues Call for Advisory Committee Nominations and Physician Peer Reviewers
The Cosmetic Laser Professionals Advisory Committee has vacancies for Cosmetic Laser Practitioner members. Qualified candidates must be licensed in good standing to practice cosmetic laser services in Georgia, and must provide the committee with a resume and three reference letters. The Committee typically meets once a month. Please forward your nomination and candidate materials to LaSharn Hughes at lhughes@dch.ga.gov.
The Orthotics & Prosthetics Advisory Committee has vacancies for Orthotist and Prosthetist members. Qualified candidates must be licensed in good standing to practice orthotics and/or prosthetics in Georgia, and must provide the committee with a resume and three reference letters. The Committee typically meets once a month. Please forward your nomination and candidate materials to LaSharn Hughes at lhughes@dch.ga.gov.
The Perfusion Advisory Committee has vacancies for Clinical Perfusionist members. Qualified candidates must be licensed to practice clinical perfusion in Georgia, and must provide the Committee with a resume and three reference letters. The Committee typically meets once a month. Please forward your nomination and candidate materials to LaSharn Hughes at lhughes@dch.ga.gov.
The Board is also in search of Physician Peer Reviewers for assistance in our investigative review process. See our flyer for more information.

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Active License Count on December 19, 2018

Physicians* Physician Assistants Respiratory Care Professionals Auricular Detoxification Technicians Acupuncturists Perfusionists Residents in Training Orthotists & Prosthetists** Pain Management Clinics Cosmetic Laser Practitioners*** Total, all license types

36,483 5,137 5,630 0 270 164 2,485 225 226 892
51,512

*Also includes Provisional, Institutional, and Volunteer in Medicine Physicians
**Includes professionals who are Orthotists, Prosthetists, and those who hold a dual license for O&P
***Includes Senior and Assistant Laser Practitioners

License Renewal Reminder:
Please check the status of your license at the Board's website, https://medicalboard.georgia.gov/. You can also review your identification card for your expiration date. Once your license expires, you should not practice. Please make sure your email is on file with the Board. The Board sends your renewals through email, via SendGrid.
Update your profile:
Please keep your physician profile up to date using the Update and Correction Form. Each licensee shall notify the Board within thirty (30) days, in writing, of all changes of address. Any mailing or notice from the Board shall be considered to be served on the licensee when sent to the licensee's last address on file with the Board.

Georgia Composite Medical Board Management Staff

LaSharn Hughes, MBA, Executive Director Diane Atkinson, Board Secretary Phyllis White, Operations Manager

Carl Bedingfield, MD, Medical Director Karl Reimers, Director of Investigations Phyllis Douglas, JD, Legal Services Officer

Editor: Harini Indrakrishnan

The Board thanks Dr. Keisha Callins, Board member from Macon, for over four years of service to the Georgia Composite Medical Board. She will be missed.

Upcoming Board Meetings

January 10, 2019 February 7, 2019 March 7, 2019 April 11, 2019 May 2-3, 2019 June 13, 2019 July 11, 2019 August 8, 2019

Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 5th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 5th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 5th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303
External Board Meeting GA-PCOM Suwanee, Georgia 30024
External Board Meeting MCG at AU Augusta, Georgia 30912
Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 5th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 5th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 5th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Board Offices Moved
The Board offices moved from the 36th floor to the 6th floor; board meetings will now be conducted on the 5th floor woodpaneled board room. Since the move, we are still experiencing problems with our phones, as some are not connected. These problems have been reported with an expedited repair request. If you are unable to reach a staff member, please send an email to the employee you are trying to reach or to https:// medicalboard.georgia.gov.
2 Peachtree Street NW 6th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: 404-656-6913 Fax: 404-656-9723 Email: medbd@dch.ga.gov

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Upcoming State Holidays
The Board office will be closed in observance of the following holidays.
2019 Tuesday, January 1
New Year's Day Monday, January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday
Monday, April 22 State Holiday
Monday, May 27 Memorial Day
Thursday, July 4 Independence Day Monday, September 2
Labor Day Monday, October 14
Columbus Day Monday, November 11
Veterans Day Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 29
State Holiday Tuesday, December 24
State Holiday Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day