Filing a Complaint

Anyone may file a complaint against a physician, physician assistant, genetic counselor, or naturopathic doctor if they believe the practitioner violated the licensee's applicable practice act:  

• Grounds for discipline against a physician: N.D.C.C. § 43-17-31.
• Grounds for discipline against a physician assistant: N.D.C.C. § 50-03-01-11.
• Grounds for discipline against a genetic counselor: N.D.C.C. § 43-60-07.
• Grounds for discipline against a naturopathic doctor: N.D.C.C. § 43-58.

File the Complaint by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.  The complaint form asks for a specific statement of the actions giving rise to discipline.  Please identify the specific action and the date that the action occurred.  It is also helpful if the complainant can reference the specific grounds the individual believes the practitioner violated set forth in the above.  Complaints may be filed against more than one practitioner.

The law provides that any person filing a complaint in good faith will not be subject to any legal liability for filing the complaint, even if it is later dismissed or found not to be subject to discipline.

The law also provides that the complaint and the Board's investigation are confidential, even after completing the investigation.  Any formal action taken as a result of a complaint is a matter of public record.

The Board's Jurisdiction

In response to a complaint and investigation, the Board may: dismiss the complaint, dismiss with a confidential letter of concern, seek additional information, or pursue formal disciplinary action which can include: revocation or suspension of the license, restricting or limiting the licensee's scope of practice, or requiring retraining, treatment, or other appropriate remedies to ensure a practitioner practices safely and competently.

The Board only has jurisdiction over the licensees it regulates which include physicians (both MD/DOs), resident physicians, physician assistants, genetic counselors, and as of August 1, 2023, naturopathic doctors. 

The Board does not have jurisdiction over individuals licensed with other North Dakota Boards.  For example, the Board does not have jurisdiction over nurses, which instead are regulated and disciplined by the Board of Nursing.  Please visit the website of the applicable licensing authority for further information and to pursue disciplinary action against such individuals.  The Governor's Office keeps a list of Boards with relevant information for ease of reference. 

The Board also does not have jurisdiction over health care facilities.  Instead, please direct inquiries and complaints to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. 

Finally, for reports or complaints of Medicaid Fraud or Abuse, please contact the North Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).

The Board does not have the authority to:

• provide legal or practice advice (individuals must instead obtain private legal counsel);
• award money damages;
• intervene in insurance claims, billing disputes, or mandate reimbursement;
• intervene in employment and contract disputes;
• represent you in malpractice or other civil actions against a licensee;
• force a licensee to provide different or further treatment; or
• provide advice on business matters including formation, or incorporation, management structure, or facility requirements.

The Investigative Process