Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline: Illustration of the disciplinary process as it pertains to cases involving opioid prescribing

James V. McDonald, MD, MPH

doi:10.5055/jom.2016.0352

Authors

James V. McDonald, MD, MPH

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2016.0352

Keywords:

opioid, Board of Medical Licensure, discipline, diversion, conduct

Abstract

Prescription-drug overuse/overdose and misuse is an important and pivotal issue to state medical boards. This is an illustration of how some cases involving overprescribing of opioids have been addressed by the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.

Author Biography

James V. McDonald, MD, MPH

Chief Administrative Officer, Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence, Rhode Island

References

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Rhode Island Department of Health: Rhode Island Secretary of State Web page Medical Board. Available at http://sos.ri.gov/govdirectory/index.php?page=DetailDeptAgency&eid=231. Accessed July 21, 2016.

Rhode Island Department of Health: Prescription drug monitoring program data, 2016. Available at http://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=156. Accessed October 17, 2016.

Rhode Island General Law: Board of medical licensure and discipline – Creation – Composition – Appointment, removal, and compensation of members – Officers – Meetings – Funds, § 5-37-1.1.

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Rhode Island Department of Health: Rules and regulations for physicians 5-37. 2015. Available at http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/regdocs/released/pdf/DOH/8148.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2016.

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