Fiscal Year 2019 Annual report and newsletter

Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report and Newsletter

Fall 2019 Newsletter and Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report

Inside this issue: Board Elects New Leadership for FY 2020

List of Board Members and Committees, page 3
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, page 4
New Legislation, page 4
Recently Adopted Rules, page 5
Reminders from the Board, page 5
Annual Report, page 7

The Georgia Composite Medical Board voted at the June 11, 2019, meeting to elect Gretchen Collins, MD, as its new chairperson through June 2020. "I am truly honored that my colleagues have given me this opportunity to lead and serve the board," Dr. Collins said. "I am looking forward to building on the successes of the past years and taking this Board to new heights."

Board Disciplinary

Gretchen Collins, MD, is a board

Action Report, page 11

-certified psychiatrist with exten-

Board Management Staff, page 13
Upcoming Meetings, page 14

sive experience in both public and private settings. She earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and completed her

Upcoming State Holidays, page 14
Active License Count,

Pictured: Barby Simmons, DO, Vice Chair (left) and Gretchen Collins, MD, Chair (right)

residency at Emory University & affiliated hospitals. Dr. Collins is dedicated to the continuous learn-

page 14

ing for herself and others in her industry, and has held positions as a clinical pro-

fessor and as a researcher in clinical trials. She is an American Psychiatric Asso-

ciation Fellow and has been awarded as a Diplomat in the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Compelled to uplift those in need, Dr. Collins has served as the Voice of the Poor for her local Saint Vincent

de Paul conference for several years.

Barby Simmons, DO, received her medical degree from Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Medicine Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical School. She joined Permanent Medicine, Georgia in 2010 and has held many clinical and leadership roles in the organization. She is currently the Lead Physician of Virtual Care. She is a member of the Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association, the Medical Association of Atlanta, and the Medical Association of Georgia.

The Board thanks Dr. J. Jeffrey Marshall, Dr. B. K. Mohan, Dr. Joe Sam Robinson, and Michael Fowler, Sr., CFSP, for their faithful service to the Board and to the citizens of Georgia.

Members of the Georgia Composite Medical Board

Gretchen Collins, MD Chairperson Lawrenceville
Barby Simmons, DO Vice Chairperson Atlanta
John S. Antalis, MD Past Chairperson Dalton
Debi Dalton, MD Powder Springs
E. Daniel DeLoach, MD Past Chairperson Savannah
Charmaine Faucher, PA-C Ex-Officio Member Kennesaw
Alexander S. Gross, MD Past Chairperson Atlanta

Thomas Harbin, Jr., MD Atlanta
Rob Law, CFA Consumer Member
Atlanta
Matthew W. Norman, MD Atlanta
David W. Retterbush Past Chairperson Valdosta
Andrew Reisman, MD Atlanta
Richard L. Weil, MD Past Chairperson Atlanta

Page 3

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 non-routine 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, Physician Assistant, Orthotists & Prosthetists, APRN Protocol, Cosmetic Laser Professionals, Pain Management, and Genetic Counselors.

Page 4
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
If you have a current DEA -- regardless if you have written a prescription or use your DEA -- YOU MUST REGISTER!
1. Dispensers are required to enter prescription information for Schedule II, III, IV controlled substances within 24 hours.
2. All prescribers were required to register in the PDMP by January 1, 2018. If you are currently registered, you do not need to re-register.
3. Prescribers are required to check the 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.
4. 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.
Continuing Medical Education (CME):
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.
Help Using and Registering with the PDMP
Register at georgia.pmpaware.net/login. If you have any questions about the PDMP or registering, please send an email to pdmpsupport@dph.ga.gov or call 404-463-1517.
PENALITIES FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER
Fine up to $3,000.00 Public Consent Order Reportable to the National Practitioner Databank Could impact your ability to obtain jobs and insurance premiums
New Legislation
During the last legislation session the Board received the following legislation from the General Assembly:
HB 166 Genetic Counselors establishes licensure requirements for genetic counselor applicants.
SB 118 Telehealth establishes licensure requirements for physicians that do not reside in Georgia to practice telemedicine.
SB 16 Interstate Medical Compact -- establishes licensure through the Interstate Compact.

Page 5
Recent Rules Adopted by the Board
The Board periodically sends notifications by email about Rules hearings, newsletters and important licensure -related news. If you would like to receive these notifications, please email medbd@dch.ga.gov.
Newly Adopted Rules
Rule 360-13-.01 "Requirements for Board Certification" Changes to Respiratory Care Examination Requirements Rule 360-30-.01 "Federal Student Loan Default" Law changed the requirement to suspend a license for student loan default
Update on Recent Rules Hearings
Adopted by the Board and sent to Governor's Office of Planning and Budget for review in FY 2020: Rule 360-6-.11 "License Renewal" (Acupuncture) changes the continuing education requirement.
The following Rules change the requirement for International Medical School Graduates: Rule 360-2-.1 Requirements for Licensure Rule 360-2-.14 Requirements for International Medical Schools Approval
Reminders from the Board
Renewal Information
1. The Board no longer mails you renewal notices. Renewal notices are now sent by email only. If the Board does not have your email address, please send your email address to medbd@dch.ga.gov.
2. The Board has a new renewal site. If you have an old renewal site saved, please delete it from your browser and use our new site, gcmb.mylicense.com/egov.
3. Can I work on an expired license? No, your expiration date is the date your license expires. You can still renew your license with a late fee up to 90 days after expiration. After the 90-day period, your license will lapse and you must reinstate your license.
Investigations
4. If you are contacted by the Board for an interview, this is your opportunity to tell your side of the story regarding a complaint. Please respond to all board inquiries.
Delegation of Duties
5. Can I authorize a medical assistant to perform laser duties or remove skin? Who can perform "laser" fat reduction (cryolipolysis and cavitation) and cosmetic procedures using radiofrequency, ultrasound, microwave, and other non-light based energy emitting devices?
Under Georgia law, these procedures may be performed by a physician, a physician assistant with an approved additional duty request, or an APRN as part of an approved nurse protocol agreement. These procedures are considered the practice of medicine and cannot be delegated to unlicensed individuals such as medical assistants. The Cosmetic Laser license does NOT provide actual authority under the law to use these devices, and recommends that at the very minimum a physician be physically present on site when these devices are being utilized by licensees. Injuries caused by use of these devices in these circumstances may constitute practice below minimum standards.

Page 6
Reminders from the Board (continued)
General Information
7. License numbers: When using your license number, you do not need to include the leading zeros.
8. If I am planning to retire, what should I do with my medical records?
See Unprofessional Conduct Rule 360-3-.02 regarding:
(16) Failing to maintain patient records documenting the course of the patient's medical evaluation, treatment, and response.
(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 or her 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 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 facade of the physician's office, a sign announcing said retirement or sale of the practice. The sign shall be placed 30 days prior to 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.
Declaration of Patients' Rights -- Rule 360-27-.02
(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.

Page 7
Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2019
Licensure
The Board is responsible for protecting the citizens of Georgia by ensuring that qualified healthcare providers have the education, training, and ability to practice with skill and safety. The Board also reviews Advanced Practice Registered Nurse protocols for prescriptive authority.
During FY 2019, the Board received 4,386 applications and issued 4,819* new licenses. The Board also processed 21,925 renewal applications and renewed 24,764* licenses. From applications, the Board generated $6,422,205 in revenue.
*Applications received during one fiscal year may be processed during the next fiscal year.

Page 8
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 2019, the Board received 2,621 new complaints, a 13% increase from FY 2018. Of the allegations, 1,966 were found to be within the jurisdiction of the Board either as a Matter Under Investigation (MUI) or required an agent investigation.

Page 9
Percent of total licensees was calculated using the Board's Active License Count on December 9, 2019 (see page 14).
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.

Page 10
Discipline
During FY 2019, the Board issued 81 public sanctions against licensees through various dispositions.

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 manner.

In FY 2019, the Board's total budget was $2,957,846, 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 $7,091,676, more than double that amount in fees, which were turned over to the state's treasury.

This is a 139.76% return on investment on the budget granted by State Legislature. These funds are returned to the general treasury.
Revenue Collected, FY 2019

Fee Category Renewal Fee

FY 2019 $4,370,455.00

Percent Change from FY 2018
-3.19%

Application & Other License Fees $2,138,750.00

-3.52%

Fines & Enforcement Cost Recovery $135,585.00

+137.34%

Other Administrative Fees Total Revenue Collected

$446,886.00 $7,091,676.00

+30.31% -0.55%

Page 11
Board Disciplinary Action Report
The following report lists public disciplinary actions taken by the Board between July 2018 and June 2019. 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

License

Name

22983 BURTON, MANLEY FRANCIS

38600 SALINAS, JOHN YOLMAN 34023 MAYFIELD, MICHAEL EUGENE 38140 GRIFFIS, MARK 25677 TANNER, MARK LESLIE 39026 AHMED, ALY ABBAS 75206 DI BLASI, JOHN JAMES 24320 PATEL, NATVARIAL MANILAL 31700 BEESON, TOMMY CHARLES

Public Reprimands and Probation

Order
Suspension Revocation Suspension Voluntary Surrender Suspension Suspension Voluntary Surrender Voluntary Surrender Voluntary Surrender

Date
09/20/2018 09/21/2018 09/27/2018 12/06/2018 01/13/2019 01/17/2019 03/07/2019 03/07/2019 04/17/2019

Profession Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician

License No.
53781

Name MCCOWAN, KEVIN GARY

55757 HASAN, SYED SAJID

38633 33123

HONEYCUTT, DEBORAH ANN TRAVIS
JONES, EDD COLBERT III

33123 JONES, EDD COLBERT III

Order Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Public Reprimand Probation

Date 07/12/2018 09/13/2018 09/17/2018 10/04/2018 10/04/2018

Public Reprimands and Probation (continued)

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

License No.
42035

Name

Order

PATTERSON, MARIAN ANTOINETTE Public Reprimand

42035 PATTERSON, MARIAN ANTOINETTE Probation

46683 HICKS, BRANDON KEMP

Public Reprimand

46683 HICKS, BRANDON KEMP

Probation

24876 WALKER, DON CANNON

Public Reprimand

62054 JOHNSON, LORIE NICOLE

Public Reprimand

55290 RAISIG, WILLIAM GEORGE

Public Reprimand

53035 SMITH, KATHLEEN JEANNE

Public Reprimand

25677 TANNER, MARK LESLIE

Public Reprimand

33534 BRADY, MICHAEL NELSON

Public Reprimand

33534 BRADY, MICHAEL NELSON

Probation

70274 MALIA, VAN LEE

Public Reprimand

31857 WINDSOR, ROBERT EARL

Public Reprimand

39829 JALIL, KHALID

Public Reprimand

39829 JALIL, KHALID

Probation

31014 HARPER, JENNIFER MADGE

Public Reprimand

Public Fines

Profession
Physician Physician Physician

License
53781 55757 38633

Name
MCCOWAN, KEVIN GARY HASAN, SYED SAJID HONEYCUTT, DEBORAH ANN TRAVIS

Page 12
Date 10/05/2018 10/05/2018 11/02/2018 11/02/2018 11/02/2018 12/06/2018 12/06/2018 12/06/2018 01/13/2019 04/03/2019 04/03/2019 04/11/2019 04/12/2019 05/02/2019 05/02/2019 06/13/2019
Date 07/12/2018 09/13/2018 09/17/2018

Public Fines

Profession
Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician

License No.
62054
55290 53035
25677 70274

Name
JOHNSON, LORIE NICOLE RAISIG, WILLIAM GEORGE SMITH, KATHLEEN JEANNE TANNER, MARK LESLIE MALIA, VAN LEE

Other Disciplinary Actions

Profession
Physician Physician
Physician Physician Physician Physician Physician

License No.
53781

Name MCCOWAN, KEVIN GARY

38633 HONEYCUTT, DEBORAH

Order Public Practice Restriction CME

62054 JOHNSON, LORIE NICOLE CME

55290 RAISIG, WILLIAM GEORGE CME

33534 BRADY, MICHAEL NELSON Public Practice Restriction

70274 MALIA, VAN LEE

CME

31014 HARPER, JENNIFER MADGE CME

Page 13
Date 12/06/2018 12/06/2018 12/06/2018 01/13/2019 04/11/2019
Date 07/12/2018 09/17/2018 12/06/2018 12/06/2018 04/03/2019 04/11/2019 06/13/2019

Georgia Composite Medical Board Management Staff

LaSharn Hughes, MBA, Executive Director Lisa R. Norris, MPH, Deputy Executive Director Director Phyllis White, Executive Assistant Carl Bedingfield, MD, Medical Director

Jonathan McGehee, Director of Investigations Phyllis Douglas, JD, Legal Services Officer LaTisha Bias, Enforcement Supervisor

Editor: Harini Indrakrishnan

Upcoming Board Meetings

January 9, 2020 February 6, 2020 March 5, 2020 April 2, 2020

Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 6th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303
Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 6th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303
Board Meeting 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 6th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303
External Board Meeting Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322

Active License Count on December 9, 2019

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

37,168 5,455 5,622 0 277 165 2,475 218 217 904
52,501

*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

Page 14
Upcoming State Holidays
The Board office will be closed in observance of the following holidays.
2020 Wednesday, January 1
New Year's Day Monday, January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday
Friday, April 10 State Holiday
Monday, May 25 Memorial Day Friday, July 3
Independence Day Monday, September 7
Labor Day Monday, October 12
Columbus Day Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 27
State Holiday Thursday, December 24
State Holiday Friday, December 25
Christmas Day