Review of Complaints to the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline 2018-2020

This study aimed to examine the patterns of complaints filed against physicians in Rhode Island, investigate the factors associated with complaint rates and outcomes, and assess the impact of the implementation of a new Framework for Just Culture.

Complaint data from the Rhode Island Department of Health's complaint tracker and physician licensing database were analyzed for the period of 2018 to 2020. Descriptive and statistical process control analyses were conducted to assess complaint rates, investigation rates, and adverse outcomes.

Over the three-year period, 1672 complaints were filed against Rhode Island physicians, with approximately 40% of complaints being opened for investigation. The implementation of the Framework for Just Culture coincided with a sustained decrease in the rate of complaints opened. Failure to meet the minimum standard of care was the most common allegation, and male physicians and those aged 40-50 were more likely to have complaints filed against them.

The study highlights the importance of complaint investigations in upholding standards for medical licensure and clinical competence. The Framework for Just Culture may have influenced the investigation process, resulting in fewer investigations opened without compromising the identification of cases requiring disciplinary action. These findings provide insights into physician accountability and the need for ongoing monitoring and improvement in complaint handling systems.