Authority and scope
Check the professional and concern
The Hawaii Medical Board lists physicians (MD), osteopathic physicians (DO), and physician assistants among its license types. Consumer complaints about these practitioners go through RICO, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ licensing-enforcement office. Verify the individual’s credential before choosing a complaint category.
Supporting guidance: Hawaii Medical Board: license types ↗RICO: agency overview ↗
How the official source says to file
- Choose Formal Complaint from RICO’s official filing page for a licensed practitioner; it separately links an unlicensed-activity tip route.
- Gather copies of relevant records, communications, invoices, and a clear chronology. The FAQ requires a dated signature and a signed authorization to release health records for healthcare complaints.
- There is no filing charge and no requirement to hire an attorney. For help obtaining or completing the appropriate materials, contact RICO at 1-844-808-3222.
Supporting guidance: RICO: File a Tip or Complaint ↗RICO: Frequently Asked Questions ↗RICO: agency overview ↗
What this route may not provide
RICO pursues licensing-law enforcement for the State, rather than representing the patient. Its FAQ excludes ordinary contractual or billing disputes and personality conflicts; enforcement is not guaranteed. A complaint does not itself recover damages or replace other available remedies.
Supporting guidance: RICO: Frequently Asked Questions ↗RICO: agency overview ↗
Do not guess about confidentiality
RICO recognizes anonymous reporting witnesses, who do not receive updates. For an identified complaint, the respondent receives the complainant’s identity and allegations. Supporting records generally are not public unless disclosure is required by law or aids enforcement. Ask RICO how anonymity affects a health-record investigation.
Supporting guidance: RICO: Frequently Asked Questions ↗
Processing may take months to a year or longer
RICO provides no average completion time: complexity, investigation, settlement, and contested proceedings affect duration. A filing deadline was not established by this check; ask promptly. Processing estimates are not limits for bringing a separate court claim.
Supporting guidance: RICO: Frequently Asked Questions ↗
What may happen after filing
The Consumer Resource Center screens jurisdiction and suitability. Field investigators gather evidence and may refer the matter for legal review. RICO’s lawyers may seek licensing sanctions or pursue unlicensed activity; many matters end informally or without enforcement.
Supporting guidance: RICO: agency overview ↗RICO: Frequently Asked Questions ↗
Prepare a reviewable submission
State the concern you want reviewed, then add a short chronology, best supporting records, factual consequences, and a specific request for review.
Read the linked authority and process information ↗
Sources and scope
Hawaii Medical Board: license types ↗
MD, DO, and PA licensing scope.
Source checked: September 19, 2026
RICO: File a Tip or Complaint ↗
Official formal-complaint and unlicensed-activity destinations.
Source checked: September 19, 2026
RICO: Frequently Asked Questions ↗
Preparation, signature, health-record authorization, identity, limits, and timing.
Source checked: September 19, 2026
RICO: agency overview ↗
Screening, investigation, enforcement, alternatives, and contact information.
Source checked: September 19, 2026
Source check: September 19, 2026. This records a review of the linked material, not a decision about your case. No clinical or legal reviewer is identified for this guide. Confirm current instructions with the receiving authority.