What kind of complaint does this Board review?
The HCSB investigates complaints against health care practitioners, i.e. physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc. who provide services to injured workers under MGL c. 152.
Am I required to hire an attorney to file a complaint?
No, you do not need to hire an attorney to file the complaint.
How do I file a complaint?
What happens after I file the complaint?
- Complaints are referred to the Chair of the HCSB Complaint Subcommittee
- The Chair assigns the complaint to be reviewed and investigated by 2 members of the HCSB
- Following the reviewers' recommendation, the complaint will be scheduled for the next HCSB meeting and brought before the full Board for its vote
- The complainant and the provider named in the complaint will be notified and invited to attend this meeting
- Only the parties involved in the complaint can decide whether or not they should attend
What the HCSB can do about complaints?
The HCSB is not a State Licensing Board, therefore it does not have the authority to deny or revoke a provider's license to practice. However, members of the Board are qualified professionals who can determine whether treatment (medical or otherwise) is appropriate.
If the HCSB determines that there is a "pattern of abuse", the HCSB findings can be forwarded to State Licensing Boards, who do have the power to conduct investigations, and deny or revoke a provider's license to practice if it's determined appropriate to do so. In an extreme case, the Board may refer its investigation to the proper law enforcement agencies.