Complaints

The SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints for its licensees and has authority to conduct investigations, enforce regulations and impose sanctions when a violation of law or regulation has occurred.

Overview of Responsibilities

The Board has no jurisdiction over actions concerning fees.

The SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners has jurisdiction over investigation of complaints placed against:

  •  doctors of medicine or osteopathy
  •  physical therapists & physical therapy assistants
  •  advanced life support personnel (EMTs)
  •  physician assistants
  •  athletic trainers
  •  occupational therapists & occupational therapy assistants
  •  respiratory therapists
  •  nutritionists & dietitians

The SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners has joint jurisdiction with the SD Board of Nursing over investigation of complaints placed against:

  • medical assistants
  • nurse practitioners
  • nurse midwives

Before filing a complaint, you can check the database to assure the person is one of the above groups and to check for correct spelling of the name. You will need to register to view the name and license expiration date.

The Board does NOT have jurisdiction over other health disciplines or facilities as listed:

  •  optometrists
  •  psychologists
  •  chiropractors
  •  podiatrists
  •  dentists
  •  registered nurses
  •  hospitals
  •  nursing homes
  •  surgical centers
  •  other health care facilities
Handling of Complaints

The SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners receives the complaint form and will determine if the complaint falls within its jurisdiction. If the complaint is within the Board’s jurisdiction, an investigation will be conducted.

The complainant is notified of the Board’s decision on each complaint. You should note, however, that the proper conduct of an investigation can be a time-consuming process, and it will be several months before the investigation is completed and a decision is reached.

If a violation of the law or of regulation has occurred, the Board may give the provider an opportunity to come into compliance with the law or regulation, or the Board may determine that other action is necessary. If there is no violation of law or of regulation, the file on the complaint is closed.

If the investigation should result in a formal hearing, the Board may subpoena persons to testify at that hearing if it is believed that their testimony is essential to the case.

Filing a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted on the Board’s complaint form.  Please click the link to open the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader, read the instructions, print the form, complete the form, and return to the Board at 125 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD  57104.

The Board will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, may contact you for additional information, and will notify you of the Board’s decision concerning the complaint