Rhode Island Department of Health: Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline and Board of Licensure for Physician Assistants

How the official source says to file

• Start at Licensee Complaints and follow the linked intake. The first screen searches for the practitioner or business by name; confirm the result is the right person before selecting File a complaint.
• Prepare treatment dates, the patient and clinician identities, a factual account, and relevant records. Downstream signature and authorization requirements were not established by this check; read the live form carefully.
• For a physician-records delay, state when you signed the authorization to release records. The complaint guidance says physicians have 30 days to transfer records. Contact the Complaint Unit if the intake cannot locate the professional.

Supporting guidance: RIDOH: licensee complaints ↗RIDOH: complaint name search ↗

What this route may not provide

The Department investigates failure to meet professional standards. It does not investigate fee or billing disputes, personality conflicts, or poor customer service. A disciplinary complaint should identify conduct affecting care or compliance, rather than request a particular customer-service outcome.

Supporting guidance: RIDOH: licensee complaints ↗

Do not guess about confidentiality

The Department says the licensee receives your complaint unless you ask to remain anonymous. Investigations are confidential. This is not a guarantee that clinical details cannot reveal who complained. Ask the Complaint Unit how an anonymity request affects a patient-specific investigation.

Supporting guidance: RIDOH: licensee complaints ↗

Investigations may take several months

The Department cautions that investigations may take several months, particularly when records require subpoenas. A filing deadline was not established by this check; ask promptly. The physician’s response period and records-transfer period are not deadlines for filing your complaint.

Supporting guidance: RIDOH: licensee complaints ↗RIDOH: physician complaint process ↗

What may happen after filing

The licensee is asked to respond and you may need to testify. For physicians, an Investigative Committee reviews the complaint, response and records, then recommends a disposition for full-board review. The general route describes closure, a concern letter, or discipline, potentially followed by a contested hearing.

Supporting guidance: RIDOH: licensee complaints ↗RIDOH: physician complaint process ↗

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.