2019 oregon medical board annual report...about the board the omb annual report is published to...

2019Oregon Medical Board

Annual Report

www.oregon.gov/OMB 3

The Oregon Medical Board (“OMB” or “Board”) began its work in 1889, soon after the Oregon Legislature created the agency. Originally named the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners, the agency was renamed the Oregon Medical Board effective January 1, 2008. For the past 130 years, the OMB has adhered to a simple, yet profound purpose:

The mission of the Oregon Medical Board is to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of Oregon citizens by regulating the practice of medicine in a manner that promotes access to quality care.

The OMB is the regulatory agency and governing board for a large portion of the professional health care community in the state of Oregon. The OMB licenses all physicians (medical, osteopathic, and podiatric), physician assistants, and acupuncturists practicing in the state.

The OMB regulates the practice of medicine, podiatry, and acupuncture, and investigates and disciplines its licensees when appropriate. In doing so, the OMB is governed by and enforces Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 677, also known as the Medical

Practice Act. The OMB also follows and enforces Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 847.

The Board sets educational, examination, and practice requirements for licensure for all health care professionals under its purview. It reviews new and modified practice agreements and approves supervising physicians for physician assistants.

To accomplish these tasks, the full Board meets quarterly in January, April, July, and October. At each of these two-day sessions, the Board grants licenses, decides investigative, disciplinary, and policy matters, and reviews administrative rules and committee reports. Additionally, the Board has committees whose members examine license applications, make recommendations on investigations to the Board, and interview applicants and licensees when needed.

The Board is also responsible for establishing the scope of practice for Emergency Medical Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics, and setting the qualifications for supervising physicians of emergency medical services providers.

About the Board

The OMB Annual Report is published to demonstrate accountability through transparency in reporting the activities of the Board in an effort to further our mission to ensure patient safety in Oregon.

Oregon Medical Board1500 SW 1st Ave, Suite 620

Portland, OR 97201

Contact the Board

Phone: 971-673-2700

Toll-Free: 877-254-6263

Fax: 971-673-2670

Email: [email protected]

www.oregon.gov/OMB

2019 Annual Report4

The Oregon Medical Board is comprised of 13 members* appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Seven of the members have the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD), two have the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), one has the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), and one must be a physician assistant. Of the seven MDs, there is at least one member appointed from each federal congressional district.

Physician appointees may be nominated by their professional association or may be individuals who apply directly to the Governor’s Office as candidates for Board service. In addition to the 10 physician members and one physician assistant, there are two public members representing health consumers. Board members must be Oregon residents.

Each member is selected for a three-year term, with the opportunity to participate in a second term, for a total of six years. Terms begin on March 1 and end on the last day of February.

The 2019 Board members were:

2019 Board Members

K. Dean Gubler, DOBeavertonChair

Robert Cahn, MDPortland

Erin Cramer, PA-CStayton

Saurabh Gupta, MDPortland

Kathleen Harder, MDSalemVice Chair

James Lace, MDSalemSecretary

Charlotte Lin, MDBend

Patti Louie, PhDPortland

Jennifer Lyons, MDPortland

Chere PereiraCorvallis

Christoffer Poulsen, DOEugene

Andrew Schink, DPMEugene

*Note: One Board seat was vacant for part of 2019.


The Board depends on advisory committees to accomplish its work of protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of Oregon citizens. The Board has six standing committees:

The Acupuncture Advisory Committee consists of three acupuncturists, two physicians, and a Board member. It meets at least twice a year and reviews all applications for licensure and administrative rules related to acupuncture.

The Administrative Affairs Committee (AAC) consists of five Board members. The AAC meets quarterly, in the month prior to each Board meeting to review administrative and operational matters, applicants for licensure, and administrative rules and procedures.

The Editorial Committee consists of two Board members. It assists the Board’s Communication Team with the creation of the Board’s quarterly newsletter, the OMB Report.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Committee consists of six members: three emergency medical service providers, two physicians, and one public member. It develops emergency medical technician and paramedic scopes of practice, as well as qualifications and responsibilities of the supervising physician.

The Investigative Committee (IC) consists of six Board members. The IC meets monthly, except for those months when the full Board convenes, to consider all investigative and disciplinary matters. The IC makes recommendations to the full Board regarding the disposition of disciplinary cases.

The Legislative Advisory Committee consists of three Board members. It works with the Executive Director and Legislative and Policy Analyst to develop and respond to legislative proposals. It meets before and during the sessions of the Oregon Legislature.

Advisory Committees2019 Committee Rosters

Acupuncture Advisory CommitteeCollin Stoll, LAc, Portland, Chair Lisa Albanese, MD, Eugene David Berkshire, LAc, PortlandForrest Cooper, LAc, PortlandBarbara de la Torre, MD, PortlandCharlotte Lin, MD, Board Liaison, Bend

Editorial CommitteeCharlotte Lin, MDPatti Louie, PhD, Public Member

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory CommitteeMike Verkest, Paramedic, Sherwood, ChairStephen Brost, Paramedic, PendletonMohamud Daya, MD, PortlandLouise Groomer, EMT-I, ChiloquinJoan Paluzzi, Paramedic, MilwaukieChristoffer Poulsen, DO, Eugene, Board Liaison

Administrative Affairs Committee (AAC)James Lace, MD, ChairErin Cramer, PA-CK. Dean Gubler, DOPatti Louie, PhD, Public MemberAndrew Schink, DPM

Investigative Committee (IC)Kathleen Harder, MD, ChairRobert Cahn, MD/Jennifer Lyons, MDK. Dean Gubler, DOSaurabh Gupta, MDChere Pereira, Public Member

Legislative Advisory CommitteeJames Lace, MD, ChairErin Cramer, PA-CK. Dean Gubler, DO

2019 Annual Report6

Board Staff

Medical Consultants

Nicole Krishnaswami, JD, has been the Executive Director of the Oregon Medical Board since September 2018 and began her career with the Board in 2010 as the Legislative and Policy Analyst. Ms. Krishnaswami serves on the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) Strategic Planning Committee, the IAMRA Management Committee, and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) AI Taskforce. She is also a frequent lecturer at Oregon’s medical schools, hospitals, clinics, and health care conferences. Ms. Krishnaswami earned a law degree from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Her previous careers were in broadcast news and health care administration support.

David Farris, MD, joined the Board as Medical Director in October 2019. Dr. Farris comes to the OMB after 33 years of practice at Legacy Emanuel/Randall Children’s Hospital. During his time there, Dr. Farris provided trauma care, pediatric ICU care, and adult and pediatric cardiac anesthesia. He also served as Chair of Anesthesia, Medical Director of Legacy’s Bloodless Medicine/Surgery and Patient Blood Management Program, and Medical Staff Officer, and was an active member of the Credentials and Peer Review Coordination Committees. Dr. Farris is a graduate of Stanford University, where

he majored in Human Biology and obtained his medical degree from UC San Diego. He completed his Anesthesia Residency and Fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesia at UCLA.

Joseph Thaler, MD, retired as the Board’s Medical Director after seven years serving in this role. Dr. Thaler began his career with the OMB as a Board member in 1999 and served as Board Chair in 2005. After his time on the Board, he provided consultant services and acted as a “substitute” Medical Director before taking over the role in 2012.

The OMB would like to congratulate Dr. Thaler on a long and successful career.

Warren Foote, JD, is the Senior Assistant Attorney General assigned to the OMB. He is based at the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) main office in Salem.

Other key staff members include Jessica Bates, Human Resources Director; Carol Brandt, Business Manager; Eric Brown, Chief Investigator; Nathan Divers, Public Affairs Specialist; Walt Frazier, Assistant Chief Investigator; Gretchen Kingham, Executive Assistant; Jennifer Lannigan, PhD, Business Systems Analyst; Netia N. Miles, Licensing Manager; and Elizabeth Ross, Legislative and Policy Analyst.

The OMB uses over 150 qualified medical consultants who work as independent contractors. These consultants provide medical consulting services such as case review, licensee evaluations, written reports, testimony at hearings, and investigative interviews. Consultants must have an active, unrestricted, Oregon license (MD, DO, DPM, PA, LAc) and are selected based on their medical specialty. The development of a consultant pool (comprised of a large cross-section of specialties) enables the Board to protect the public by ensuring that medical professionals under investigation are being evaluated by those best trained to judge the facts of the case in a timely manner.


2019 Agency Overview

Dr. Joseph Thaler Wins George S. Palmer, MD, Award for ExcellenceAdministrators in Medicine (AIM) celebrated and recognized Dr. Thaler’s outstanding contributions to improve the standards for medical licensure and disciplinary procedures in the United States and its territories. Dr. Thaler served as the Medical Director of the OMB from 2012 to 2019, previously serving as a Board member and Chair. In 2017, Dr. Thaler designed a very successful “opioid prescribing intervention” to ensure patient safety while providing remediation through education and a peer support network. We celebrate these and many other achievements that demonstrate Dr. Thaler’s commitment to excellence.

Senate Bill 61 Approved, Adding Third Public Member to the BoardThrough Senate Bill 61, the OMB proposed adding a third public member to the Board and consolidating the qualifications for public membership into one provision of statute.

With the current Board composition of two public members out of thirteen, public members make up only 15% of the Board. This is the lowest percentage of public member representation among Oregon health professional boards. SB 61 increased the number of public members on the Board to three, bringing the percentage to 21% public members.

Oregon’s Liability Limitation Program for Volunteer ServiceTo further the OMB’s mission to promote access to quality care, in 2019, the Board streamlined and expanded the state’s program to encourage health care providers in volunteering their medical services. This effort resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of OMB licensees who are participating in the state’s Liability Limitation Program.

Oregon’s program began in 1999 to encourage health care practitioners to provide free health care by limiting their liability when providing services without compensation. Under the program, patients consent to receiving free medical care and agree to limit the provider’s civil liability to only gross negligence. The program is open to 11 health care professions regulated by six different health professional regulatory boards in Oregon.

In 2019, the OMB introduced legislation to change the registration requirement from annually to biennially in order to align with medical license renewals. The OMB’s bill also expanded the program to include podiatric physicians and acupuncturists among the eligible providers, thus allowing all OMB licensees to participate for the first time.

With passage of the bill, the OMB was able to increase operational efficiencies and encourage more medical providers to consider volunteer service. First, registration in the program is now aligned with the OMB’s biennial license renewal, which allows online registration in the Liability Limitation Program. Second, more licensees are aware of the program because it is offered to 100% of licensees at the time they are renewing their license to practice medicine in the state. This has increased awareness of the program, which has been reinforced with newsletter articles, improved website content, and stakeholder outreach.

The results of the OMB’s efforts are indisputable. In 2019, the OMB saw a dramatic increase in the number of licensees registered for the program. Specifically, the number of registered licensees went from 266 in 2018 to more than 3,500 licensees by the end of 2019 immediately following the OMB’s initiative. Many of these 3,500 licensees have expressed an interest in volunteering in underserved areas and to underserved population groups.

The OMB is proud to report that over 15 percent of its licensees are now registered for the Liability Limitation for Volunteer Services Program, which promotes access to quality care by encouraging practitioners to provide health care services without compensation.

In addition to the statistics provided throughout this report, here are a few notable items the Board is most proud to have acommplished in 2019.

2019 Annual Report8

Licensure and Registration

New Licensees in 2019

OMB licensure and registration is coordinated through Netia N. Miles, Licensing Manager. She has served the OMB since 2005 and has been the Board’s Licensing Manager since 2013. Ms. Miles and her team of 10 provide exceptional customer service and assist in ensuring that licensed practitioners are providing quality care to the citizens of Oregon. During her time with the Board, Ms. Miles has participated in several outreach activities on behalf of the OMB.

In 2019, 1,753 new medical professionals were granted licensure in Oregon, further extending high-quality care throughout our state.

MD - 1,191

PA - 260

DO - 194

LAc - 95

DPM - 13

Annual Licensing StatisticsAs of December 31, 2019, the OMB had a total of 24,323 licensees. Of that number, 21,712 held active* licenses to practice in Oregon. Another 856 individuals held limited licenses of various kinds.

*Active licenses include: Active, Emeritus, Locum Tenens, Military/Public Health, Telemedicine, Telemonitoring, Teleradiology, Administrative Medicine, and Volunteer Emeritus

Status

Active

Inactive

Limited (all types)

Total

15,927

1,375

681

17,983

135

163

1,964

14

12

238

172

0

2,503

59

0

1,635

1,666 212 2,331 1,576

Doctors of Medicine (MD)

Podiatric Physicians (DPM)

Physician Assistants (PA)

Acupuncturists (LAc)

Doctors of Osteopathic

Medicine (DO)


Annual Licensing Statistics (Continued)

<30

1%

30-40

22%

40-50

29.5%

50-60

23%

60-70

16.5%

70-80

7%

>80

1%

Male

Male

Male

Male

Male

Male Female

56% 44%

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

56.5%

72.5%

29%

61.5%

35%

43.5%

27.5%

71%

38.5%

65%

DO

DPM

LAc

MD

PA

Total

Active Licensees by Gender Total Number of Licensees

Active Licensees by Age

2017

22,869

2018

22,739

2019

24,323

2019 Annual Report10

Licensees by CountyThe data below reflects current practice addresses reported by licensees who have full licenses at practicing status. If a licensee provides practice addresses in more than one county, the licensee will be counted in each county. Therefore, the data does not represent full-time clinical practitioners in each county.

County (Seat)

Baker (Baker City) 73 10 2 13 2 100 16,765

Harney (Burns) 16 5 0 0 0 21 7,380

Morrow (Heppner) 6 1 0 5 0 12 11,885

Crook (Prineville) 23 5 0 10 1 39 22,710

Lake (Lakeview) 11 2 0 2 0 15 8,115

Union (La Grande) 60 12 2 4 5 83 26,885

Benton (Corvallis) 297 95 4 76 21 493 93,590

Hood River (Hood River) 116 7 2 20 19 164 25,310

Multnomah (Portland) 4,695 346 48 641 830 6,561 813,300

Curry (Gold Beach) 58 6 1 8 4 77 22,915

Lane (Eugene) 990 86 15 204 86 1,381 375,120

Wallowa (Enterprise) 19 1 1 2 7 30 7,175

Clackamas (Oregon City) 1,162 136 23 165 119 1,605 419,425

Jackson (Medford) 677 85 10 131 71 974 219,200

Polk (Dallas) 70 20 1 27 4 122 82,100

Deschutes (Bend) 645 84 10 180 86 1,006 188,980

Lincoln (Newport) 88 24 3 29 11 155 48,210

Wasco (The Dalles) 93 9 2 13 12 129 27,200

Clatsop (Astoria) 123 7 4 19 12 165 39,200

Jefferson (Madras) 27 1 0 16 2 46 23,560

Sherman (Moro) 2 0 0 2 0 4 1,785

Douglas (Roseburg) 215 44 7 49 7 322 111,735

Linn (Albany) 179 48 4 46 8 285 125,575

Washington (Hillsboro) 1,893 136 31 334 172 2,566 606,280

Columbia (St. Helens) 26 5 0 16 6 53 51,900

Josephine (Grants Pass) 147 31 6 47 19 250 86,935

Tillamook (Tillamook) 57 6 2 12 7 84 26,395

Gilliam (Condon) 1 0 0 1 0 2 1,985

Malheur (Vale) 126 24 0 36 0 186 31,925

Wheeler (Fossil) 2 0 0 1 0 3 1,450

Coos (Coquille) 154 18 3 24 7 206 63,275

Klamath (Klamath Falls) 159 14 2 27 6 208 67,960

Umatilla (Pendleton) 230 30 4 30 2 296 80,765

Grant (Canyon City) 12 3 0 0 2 17 7,400

Marion (Salem) 854 107 15 161 48 1,186 344,035

Yamhill (McMinnville) 197 26 6 33 16 278 107,415

MD DO DPM PA LAc Total Population


Compliance and Enforcement

Investigative Process

All OMB investigations are coordinated through Eric Brown, Chief Investigator. He has served the Board since 2008 and has been the Board’s Chief Investigator since 2011. He and his team protect the public by receiving and investigating complaints against applicants and licensees of the Board to determine whether there has been a violation of the Medical Practice Act or the Oregon Administrative Rules.

The Board’s Investigations Department reviews all complaints to determine whether state law (the Medical Practice Act) may have been violated. There are 27 separate grounds for discipline or denial of a license in the Medical Practice Act; most are very specific. They include chemical substance abuse, gross or repeated acts of negligence, and conviction of a criminal offense. “Unprofessional conduct” is also a violation and includes sexual misconduct with a patient. These specific violations are set forth in ORS 677.190.

Complaints come from a variety of sources, including other health care professionals, hospitals, and patients and their families. Each complaint is unique and is considered on its own merits with its specific set of circumstances.

Approximately 400 - 500 of the complaints received by the OMB result in a complete and detailed investigation. Other complainants are referred to appropriate state or professional organizations for review. Some complaints are resolved quickly by the Board’s investigative staff because the initial investigation found insufficient evidence of a Medical Practice Act violation by the licensee.

The Complaint Resource Officer answers questions about filing a complaint, the complaint process, and additional resources if the issue is outside the purview of the Board. The Complaint Resource Officer is available via telephone and email.

The OMB investigates alleged violations of the Medical Practice Act. In most cases, investigatory information provided to the OMB is confidential, as required by Oregon statute.

The Investigative Committee (IC) is composed of five Board members, including one public member. The Executive Director, Medical Director, Chief Investigator, investigative staff, psychiatric consultant, and the OMB’s Senior Assistant Attorney General also attend IC meetings. The IC meets once a month, except during those months in which Board meetings are scheduled, to review the status of cases under investigation, interview licensees, and provide guidance to the investigators. Proceedings are primarily held in Executive Session.

At these meetings, interviews are conducted with physicians or other licensees under OMB jurisdiction who are under investigation for possible violations of the Medical Practice Act. Licensees are advised that they may have attorneys present and a court reporter transcribes the proceedings. Depending on the nature of the allegations or complainants, alleged victims may also be interviewed by Board members. The IC makes recommendations to the full Board, which must make the final decision regarding any disciplinary action.

When the Board determines that discipline is warranted, a negotiated settlement is the most common outcome. If an agreement cannot be reached, the licensee may request an administrative hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The licensee may have an attorney and present witnesses and evidence. A court reporter attends the hearing and records all testimony presented by the Board and the licensee. The ALJ issues a proposed order for the Board’s consideration.

Board members then review the completed transcript and proposed order from the ALJ and hear any exceptions the licensee may have to the proposed order before the Board renders a decision. Board members (public members excepted) who participated in the investigative phase do not participate in deliberations.

Following deliberations, the Board may (a) suspend judgment, (b) place the licensee on probation, (c) revoke the license, (d) suspend the license, (e) place limitations on the license, (f) take other disciplinary action, or (g) dismiss the actions. Licensees may also be fined and assessed hearing costs or referred to the Health Professionals’ Services Program (HPSP).


Annual Investigative Statistics

Categories of Investigations Conducted in 2019

Investigation Outcomes

OMB investigative staff is continually preparing for and wrapping up full Board and Investigative Committee (IC) meetings. For example, the IC met eight times last year and held two abbreviated meetings. No contested case hearings were held. Each quarterly Board meeting requires Board members to read, and staff to compile, over 10,000 pages of material. The following statistical report is a snapshot of the resulting work.

Unprofessional Conduct - 36%

Inappropriate Care - 30%

Other, Misc. - 17%

Inappropriate Prescribing - 8%

Malpractice Review - 4%

Personal Substance Abuse - 2%

Sexual Misconduct - 1%

Physical/Mental Illness/Impairment - 1%

Board Compliance - 1%

2017

2017

Automatic SuspensionCorrective Action Order

Final OrderStipulated Order

Voluntary Limitation

708

5

682Investigations Closed

Reportable Orders

Investigations Opened

855

17451

65 1

2018

2018

819

0

732

947

36539

51 1

2019

2019

842

1

815

750

48246

56 1

Investigations CommitteeInterviews

Investigations Closed with Public Orders

Investigation Totals

Public Orders


Additional Investigative Statistics

Source of Investigations 2017 2018 2019Oregon Medical Board 76

7N/A31359

N/A56969358423

5N/A33223

N/A831165449322

93 10632250633556370455427

Board or HPSP Non-ComplianceCo-worker/Other Staff

Insurance CompanyMalpractice ReviewHPSP/Monitoring EntityOtherOther BoardsOther Health Care ProvidersPatient or Patient AssociatePharmacySelf-Reported

Hospital or Other Health Care Institution

Final Dispositions of Investigations 2017 2018 2019No Apparent Violation 204

1201254

1111400151585110

7086821557465

116840

106120051093903

8197320476551

322 3481111072

136161220174614

8428150508256

Preliminary InvestigationPrior to Committee Appearance

Letter of Concern/Prior to Committee AppearanceLetter of Concern/Post Committee AppearanceAfter Staff InquiryExecutive Staff Review of HPSP N/CNo Violation/App Withdrawal w/ Report to FederationTemporarily Closed without Board OrderAutomatic SuspensionCorrective ActionStipulated OrderVoluntary LimitationFinal Order (includes Default Orders)Investigations OpenedInvestigations ClosedContested Case HearingsInvestigative Committee InterviewsInvestigations Closed w/ Public OrdersReportable Orders (National Databanks)

Post Committee Appearance

No

Vio

latio

nsPu

blic

Ord

ers

Tota

l

Inquiries Received 2017 2018 2019Phone Calls 1,637

245712

269818

1,537 1,652859842

EmailsWritten Complaints


Oregon Wellness Program

To acknowledge the tremendous effect burnout and suicide have had on the medical profession and the attendant impact on patient safety, the OMB added a goal to its Strategic Plan to “Promote and maintain the wellness of OMB applicants and licensees.” To achieve this goal, the OMB partnered with a network of professional societies and health care institutions to establish the Oregon Wellness Program (OWP).

The OWP is a proactive, upstream approach to help licensees avoid impairment in their practice of medicine and to promote the well-being of Oregon health care professionals through education, research, and coordinated regional counseling and telemedicine services. This is the first statewide program in the nation to offer a collection of free, confidential wellness and counseling resources aimed at supporting the well-being of medical board licensees.

To help guide the program and keep Oregon’s health care providers at the center of its efforts, the OWP defined three core tenets:

• Provide voluntary, highly confidential, professional counseling and support services for Oregon’s health care professionals when and how they need it;

• Reduce barriers often associated with seeking essential counseling for medical professionals; and

• Encourage access to resources that foster enjoyment in the medical profession as well as in practitioners’ professional lives.

The OWP operates similarly to an employee assistance program, offering eight free counseling sessions per client, per year. Eligible health care providers can access these services through a centralized phone number or by visiting oregonwellnessprogram.org.

Visits are generally available within 48 hours and appointments are confidential. Additionally, no diagnosis is reported to third parties, no insurance is billed, and no information is disclosed to others without written consent.

Currently, the program is available to physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice providers in nine Oregon counties (Clackamas, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, and Washington), with plans to expand across the state in the future.

To ensure the continued success and evolution of the program, the OWP is governed by an Executive Committee made up of members from the Oregon Wellness Coalition, a group of leaders from health care professions and organizations, as well as individuals from the Oregon community who have interest and expertise in physician wellness.

Health care professionals are central to the safety and health of the community in which they practice. Though many of the aspects of a career in medicine are rewarding, every medical provider experiences remarkable, often overwhelming stress. The OMB strongly supports and encourages its licensees to take advantage of the services provided by the OWP and has prioritized the initiative by providing funding for the creation of the program’s website, oregonwellnessprogram.org, as well as various marketing materials. Funding from the Board has also gone toward administrative support and a portion of the clinical services provided.

In the long term, the Oregon Medical Board hopes that the Oregon Wellness Program and the funds it has dedicated to its start-up and growth will help guide health care providers to a more positive and empowered place and renew their love for the profession.


Health Professionals’ Services Program (HPSP)The Health Professionals’ Services Program (HPSP) is a confidential monitoring program for health professional licensees who are unable to practice with professional skill and safety due to a substance use disorder, a mental health disorder, or both.

The program supports public safety while helping licensees continue their careers. The program operates under ORS 676.190 and OAR 415-065.

A board may refer a licensee to HPSP, or a licensee may self-refer. When a board refers a licensee, HPSP works with the referring board to ensure the licensee is monitored in accordance with his or her board agreement.

When a licensee self-refers, HPSP works with the licensee to develop an individualized monitoring agreement and keeps the licensee’s enrollment confidential, as long as the

licensee is in compliance with his or her HPSP monitoring agreement. The program maintains communication with the appropriate regulatory board regarding compliance of participants who are known to the board. Self-referrals must not be under investigation by their licensing board.

HPSP provides information and education to employers, licensee associations, support networks, treatment programs, and other stakeholders.

HPSP services include agreement monitors, care coordination, fitness for practice evaluations, group consultations, independent third-party evaluations, interactive voice response (IVR), daily testing requirements, licensee enrollment, medical review, officer oversight, online wellness resources, recovery monitoring consultations, safe practice evaluations, toxicology testing, and weekly reporting by licensees.

HPSP Statistics 2017 2018 2019Number of Board Licensees Enrolled in HPSP

Self-Referred Licensees Entering HPSP

Self-Referred Licensees Successfully Completed HPSP

Board-Referred Licensees Successfully Completed HPSP

Board-Referred Licensees Entering HPSP

89

4

22

4

11

97

7

19

3

10

97

7

18

4

15

Professional OutreachThe OMB’s commitment to public education extends beyond informational materials, physician profiles, and providing public records. The Board offers in-person presentations to groups around the state, which allows direct and open communication in an intimate setting about specific topics.

In 2019, the Executive Director, Medical Director, and OMB staff completed 16 presentations with statewide and national outreach efforts. The Board provides a number of presentations covering a variety of topics, as shown below.

Duty to Report Licensure Process

First-Year Medical Students and the OMB Physician Assistants

Prescribing OpioidsHealth Professionals’ Service Program (HPSP)

Investigative Process and Compaints Re-Entry to Practice

Legislative Updates


2019 Administrative Rules Adopted by the BoardOAR 847-005-0005, 847-005-0008, 847-005-0010: Fees

The rule amendments increase readability by separating licensing and public record charges into different rules. For public record charges, the changes align the Board’s public record request charges with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services’ (DAS) statewide fees and charges policy, 107-001-030. The change also repeals an outdated rule related to copying charges.

OAR 847-008-0070: Continuing Medical Competency (Education)

The rule amendment clarifies the current practice to allow ongoing participation in a program of recertification or maintenance of certification, including life-long learning programs, by a specialty board, to satisfy continuing medical competency requirements for maintenance of licensure.

OAR 847-070-0019; 847-070-0045: Interview and Examination; Inactive Registration and Re-Entry to Practice

The amendment updates acupuncture rules for mentorships when required for initial licensure or re-entry to practice. The rule requires board approval of the mentorship and clarifies that the length of the mentorship will be tailored to the time the acupuncturist was out of practice.

Key Performance Measures (KPMs)All OMB administrative services are coordinated through Carol Brandt, Business Manager. She has served the OMB since 1998 and has been the Board’s Business Manager since 2007. As the Business Manager, Carol serves as the principal consultant/advisor to the Executive Director on office management and budget matters and supervises/oversees the efficient functioning of the Administrative Services section. The Administrative Services section of the agency provides the technical and support services that enable Board employees to best serve the public.

The OMB uses performance measures to ensure the agency is fulfilling its mission to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of the public.

The key performance measures cover licensing, investigations, and administrative functions. The measures are representative of overall agency functioning and performance.

Measure 2017 2018 2019License Appropriately

Discipline Appropriately

Monitor Licensees who are Disciplined

License Efficiently

Renew Licenses Efficiently

Customer Satisfaction

Board Best Practices


Statements of Philosophy

Mission & Values

Statements of Philosophy are adopted by the Board to express its philosophy and intentions regarding the practice of medicine in the state of Oregon. Currently, the Board has adopted 22 Statements of Philosophy:

The mission of the Oregon Medical Board is to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of Oregon citizens by regulating the practice of medicine in a manner that promotes access to quality care.

The OMB’s values further the mission and shape the culture of the agency. The Management Team determined that five core values guide the agency. These values are incorporated into the Strategic Plan:

Advertising

Ending the Patient-Physician

Relationship

Physician-Patient Relationship

Care of the Surgical Patient

Expedited Partner Therapy

for Sexually Transmitted

Disease

Professionalism

Social Media

Chelation Therapy

Licensees with Mental Illness

Re-Entry to Clinical Practice

Supporting Licensees with

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Disorders

Cultural Competency

Medical Use of Lasers

Responsibilities of Medical Directors of Medical Spas

Telemedicine

Deep Brain Stimulation

Mesotherapy and Injection Lipolysis

Scope of Practice

Use of Unlicensed Healthcare Personnel

Electronic Health Records

Pain Management

Sexual Misconduct

ACCOUNTABILITYINTEGRITY EXCELLENCE EQUITYCUSTOMERSERVICE

A commitment to acting honestly,

ethically, and fairly.

An expectation of the highest quality work

and innovation.

A willingness to accept responsibility

for actions in a transparent manner.

A dedication to provide equitable,

caring service to all Oregonians with

professionalism and respect.

Create and foster an environment where

everyone has access and opportunity to

thrive.


Oregon Medical Board Report

2019 Fundraising at the OMB

The Oregon Medical Board Report is the Board’s quarterly newsletter. The OMB Report is published to help promote medical excellence by providing current information about laws and issues affecting medical licensure and practice in Oregon.

Copies are sent to all current Board licensees and a great number of former licensees. Interested parties are able to sign up to receive the newsletter via the Board’s website.

In 2019, the OMB published four editions of the OMB Report. There were 10,939 subscribers to the paper edition and another 23,738 electronic edition subscribers in 2019.

Consumers and licensees can view current and back issues of the OMB Report on the Board’s website: oregon.gov/OMB/board/Pages/Newsletters.aspx

The website displays issues dating back five years.

Each year, employees at the Oregon Medical Board participate in three fundraising events: the Governor’s State Employees Food Drive benefitting the Oregon Food Bank Network, the State Employee Toy Drive benefitting Toys for Tots, and the Charitable Fund Drive, which allows employees to determine which organizations receive their donations.

In 2019, OMB employees were able to provide a grand total of $8,953.50 to a wide variety of important causes across Oregon.

Governor’s State EmployeeFood Drive

State EmployeeToy Drive

Charitable FundDrive

2019 Grand Total: $8,953.502018 Grand Total: $6,398.50

Total Raised 2019: $4,648 (Equivalent to 13,945 meals)

Total Raised 2018: $3,212

Total Raised 2019: $900 ($787 in cash, $113 in toys)

Total Raised 2018: $777.25

Total Raised 2019: $3,405.50 ($1,816.50 from events, $1,689 in donations)

Total Raised 2018: $2,409.25


2019 Customer Satisfaction Survey ResultsThe Oregon Medical Board prides itself on the strong customer service provided to applicants, licensees, and the public. The chart below showcases the OMB’s continued success in exceeding customer satisfaction targets.

Each customer satisfaction survey provides OMB customers with the opportunity to provide additional comments. In 2019, the Board received approximately 1,300 customer comments, 71% of which contained positive or mixed feedback.

Below are several noteworthy quotes regarding general information, investigations, and licensing.

76%

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Timeliness Accuracy Helpfulness Expertise Availability ofInformation

Overall

Customer Satisfaction Comparisons

FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 Targets

76%

80% 88

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Timeliness Accuracy Helpfulness Expertise Availability ofInformation

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Customer Satisfaction Comparisons

FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 Targets

I really like how this is set up and that there are frequent updates to the status of my application, as well as the general layout of the report. Every time I call for help, all the employees are great to work with, understanding, and professional.

The licensing group at the OMB has gone above and beyond to help me in the past. They are conscientious and truly represent the Board with knowledge, kindness and patience. I’ve lost count how many times they have come to my rescue!

The OMB employees have always provided Oregon Disability Determination Services with excellent customer service.

Every time I have called with questions or concerns, all who have spoken to me are bright, cheerful, helpful and professional.

I have carried my Oregon Medical License for over 35 years and have always had pleasant and productive interactions with the OMB. I applaud all of you for providing such good service.

What a fantastic team. Through unforeseen circumstances, I needed to expedite my licensure application, as well as my physician assistant supervisory application, and the OMB licensure team completed the task in record time.

Oregon Medical Board1500 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 620Portland, Oregon 97201(971) 673-2700www.oregon.gov/OMB

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