The Board can take action only if it determines that the licensee has violated the Medical Practice Act as outlined above. After investigation, the Board may take one of the following actions:

Deny the complaint by deciding not to begin immediate disciplinary action, but without resolving the merits of the complaint. A "no further action" letter is issued and the complaint is maintained in a confidential investigatory file for future use. The Board will revisit the complaint if it receives additional information about the complaint or if new complaints are filed against the physician.

Issue a no further action letter and a separate non-disciplinary "letter of concern" which is confidential and warns the physician against continuing some or all of the complained of actions.

Approve a settlement agreement with the physician (not the complainant) in which the physician agrees to a disciplinary sanction. The complainant is given the opportunity to comment on the proposed settlement agreement before it is approved by the Board.

Commence a disciplinary hearing. If the investigation reveals that the physician is not practicing in accordance with the Board's minimum standards of competence and honesty, the Board will issue a notice of hearing which will begin a public hearing on the allegations. The complainant will be given an opportunity to participate in the hearing process.