NC Medical Board License Defense Attorney

When the Board Comes Calling

If you’ve received notice of a complaint from the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB), your medical career and professional reputation could be on the line. The NCMB regulates physicians, physician assistants, anesthesiology assistants, and perfusionists — and its investigations can lead to serious disciplinary actions including suspension, revocation, or denial of your license.

Having a North Carolina medical license defense attorney on your side early in the process can make a critical difference in protecting your career.

What Triggers an NCMB Investigation?

The NC Medical Board is charged with protecting the public by investigating complaints about medical professionals. Common allegations that may prompt an investigation include:

  • Substandard medical care, such as diagnostic errors or treatment delays

  • Improper prescribing practices, including controlled substance issues

  • Unprofessional or unethical conduct, including billing fraud, misrepresentation, or confidentiality violations

  • Sexual misconduct or boundary violations with patients

  • Substance use or impairment concerns

  • Criminal convictions or disciplinary actions in other states

Complaints can come from patients, colleagues, hospitals, or even anonymous sources. Once a complaint is received, the Board determines whether it falls within its jurisdiction and whether it suggests a possible violation of the North Carolina Medical Practice Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-14 et seq.).

The NC Medical Board Complaint Process: What to Expect

The complaint process is not a simple customer service issue — it’s a formal regulatory investigation that can impact your license.

Here’s what typically happens:

  1. Complaint Filed:
     The NCMB receives and reviews the complaint to determine whether it involves conduct that, if true, would violate the Medical Practice Act.

  2. Initial Review & Investigation:
     Board investigators gather information, interview witnesses, and obtain medical records. The licensee is notified of the complaint and asked to respond in writing (or interview—or both).

  3. Board Review:
     After investigation, the case may be dismissed, resolved informally (e.g., letter of concern), or referred for formal charges and a hearing.

Formal Hearing:
 If informal resolution fails or is not appropriate, the case proceeds to a trial-like formal hearing under N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 90-14.1 and 90-14.2.

This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the Board’s evidence and present your defense — with representation from your attorney.

Take the Next Step

Your medical license represents years of education, training, and dedication. A single complaint or misunderstanding should not jeopardize your career.

If you are under investigation by the North Carolina Medical Board, or have been notified of a formal hearing, contact our office today. We provide confidential consultations and representation for physicians, PAs, and other licensed professionals throughout North Carolina.

Possible Disciplinary Actions by the NC Medical Board

The NCMB is odd in such that the range of disciplinary options well exceed that of most other boards in North Carolina. If the Board does find a violation, it may impose one or more of the following sanctions:

(1) probation with or without conditions; (2) limitations and conditions on the ability to practice; (3) public reprimand; (4) monetary redress; (5) public letter of concern; (6) requiring the provision of free medical services; (7) requiring satisfactory completion of treatment programs or remedial or educational training; (8) a fine; (9) denial of licensure; (10) annulment of a license; (11) suspension of a license; or (12) revocation of a license.

All public disciplinary actions are published on the NCMB website as public records, which can severely impact your professional reputation and career. On some occasions the Board may also offer private options for discipline. This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to contact an attorney to inquire into your options.

The Formal Hearing Process Explained

Formal hearings before the NCMB are adversarial proceedings, much like a courtroom trial. They may be conducted before a quorum or panel of Board members. A designated presiding officer oversees the hearing, assisted by independent counsel advising the Board on procedure and evidence.

Key points you should know:

  • You’ll receive written notice of the charges and the date of the hearing (at least 30 days in advance).

  • You have the right to be represented by legal counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present your own evidence.

  • The Board carries the burden of proof in disciplinary cases and must prove the allegations by a preponderance of the evidence.

  • Hearings are recorded by a court reporter and become part of the public record.

After testimony concludes, the Board enters closed session to deliberate and then issues a Final Order — which may include sanctions ranging from a public reprimand to license revocation.

Appealing a Board Decision

If you disagree with the NCMB’s final decision, you have the right to appeal within 30 days to the Superior Court in your county or in Wake County (where the Board is located).

Our firm assists with:

  • Reviewing the administrative record for appealable issues

  • Drafting the written notice of appeal

  • Preparing court filings and arguments for review

Appeals are time-sensitive — missing the 30-day deadline can forfeit your right to challenge the Board’s decision.

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What To Do If You Receive an NCMB Complaint Notice

If you’ve been contacted by the Board, take these steps immediately:

  1. Do not ignore the notice. Failing to respond can result in loss of rights or default sanctions.

  2. Do not contact the complainant. Direct communication may complicate your defense.

  3. Do not respond to the Board without counsel. Your initial statements can impact the entire case.

  4. Contact an experienced NCMB defense attorney immediately.