Complaint, Investigation, and Adjudicatory Procedures
Complaint and investigation
Complaints may come from patients, employers, or the Board. DPL screens them; the Board may investigate, request records, and interview witnesses. If probable cause exists, the Board issues an order to show cause. A licensee may be summarily suspended if there is an immediate threat to public health.
Adjudicatory hearing
Hearings follow G.L. c. 30A and 801 CMR 1.00. The licensee has notice, the right to counsel, the right to present evidence, and the right to cross-examine. The Board may accept a consent agreement, which is a public disciplinary document. Sanctions include reprimand, suspension, revocation, probation, and fines. Appeal is to the Superior Court under c. 30A.
Worked example
A complaint alleges poor sterilization. Reasoning: the Board may inspect records and the office; the licensee should preserve logs and cooperate. If the autoclave logs are missing, that gap can support a violation independent of the clinical allegation.
Traps
Do not ignore a DPL letter. Do not assume the complaint is dismissed if the patient does not testify. Do not miss the deadline to answer or appeal. Do not alter records after receiving notice of an investigation.