Arizona Medical Board—Board issued licenses to qualified applicants and appropriately resolved complaints, but should ensure renewal applicants comply with continuing medical education requirements and continue to improve complaint resolution timeliness

The Arizona Medical Board (Board) regulates the practice of medicine in the State by licensing allopathic physicians (MDs); investigating and resolving complaints against licensees; providing information to the public, such as MDs’ license status and disciplinary history; and administering the Physician Health Program (PHP) for MDs with substance abuse, medical, and mental health issues. We found that the Board issued licenses, permits, and registrations to qualified applicants, and did so in a timely manner. However, the Board should continue its efforts to ensure that license renewal applicants comply with continuing medical education requirements. Additionally, the Board appropriately investigated and adjudicated complaints we reviewed, but some complaint resolutions experienced delays. Therefore, the Board should continue its efforts to improve complaint resolution timeliness. The Board also provided appropriate, accurate, and timely information about licensees to the public. Finally, the Board administers the PHP to help ensure that MDs are able to safely practice medicine, and is seeking additional PHP contractors.