The audit also showed the board of physicians, which is responsible for overseeing licensing and medical professional conduct, has not been keeping complete records and sometimes violated open meetings law, according to the report.
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Regarding physician complaints, the board closed 900 complaints but still faced 800 unaddressed complaints by the end of fiscal year 2011. The board of physicians also took 164 actions, including revoking the medical license of Mark G. Midei, a former cardiologist from St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Md., who was accused of implanting hundreds of unnecessary heart stents in patients.
The audit was conducted just before the state General Assembly session in January, at which time lawmakers will decide whether or not the board will be reauthorized.
According to the report, this is not the first time DLS documented the board of physicians’ deficiencies. Six years ago, DLS detailed similar shortcomings to the ones listed above. This time around, the department offered 46 recommendations, including one suggestion to withhold funding until the board of physicians develops sanctioning guidelines “to ensure an even application.”
Officials with the board of physicians said they partially or fully agree with half of DLS’ findings and expect to submit a full response in the near future.
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