How to File a Board Complaint Against a Doctor in Georgia (and What It Means for a Malpractice Case)

Filing a Board complaint against a doctor in Georgia is a serious step, but it can be an important way to address professional misconduct and protect future patients. If you believe a physician acted unethically or provided substandard care, you have two main options: report the doctor to the Georgia Composite Medical Board and/or pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. These paths serve different purposes – a Board complaint focuses on the doctor’s license and public safety, while a lawsuit seeks compensation for the patient’s injuries. In this article, we explain how to file a complaint against a doctor in Georgia, what the Medical Board can (and can’t) do, and how this process intersects with potential malpractice claims. Our goal is to guide you through the steps with clear, empathetic information so you can make the best choice for your situation.

What Is the Georgia Composite Medical Board?

The Georgia Composite Medical Board is the state agency that licenses and regulates physicians and certain other health professionals in Georgia. Its mission is to protect the public by enforcing standards of practice. The Board investigates administrative complaints against medical providers – including Medical Doctors (M.D.’s), Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.’s), physician assistants, and several other licensees – when someone reports allegations of misconduct. Complaints can be filed by anyone: patients, family members, other medical professionals, or organizations. If you believe a provider has violated the Georgia Medical Practice Act, acted in an “unprofessional” manner, or provided care below the minimum standard, then you have grounds to file a complaint with the Board.

What types of misconduct does the Board investigate? Generally, the Board handles cases involving quality of care problems, unethical or unprofessional behavior, and practitioner impairment or incompetence. For example, it will review complaints about a doctor’s substandard medical treatment, negligent prescribing of medications, sexual misconduct or boundary violations, substance abuse by a provider, breach of patient confidentiality, misrepresentation of credentials, or practicing without a valid license. In short, any conduct that falls below the accepted standards of medical practice or violates state law could prompt a Board inquiry. Unprofessional conduct is broadly defined to include things like physically abusing a patient, keeping inadequate medical records, over-prescribing drugs without justification, or performing procedures beyond the scope of one’s training.

Are there complaints the Board will not handle? Yes. The Medical Board’s jurisdiction is limited to professional misconduct and standard-of-care violations by licensed physicians or certain related professionals. The Board cannot resolve personal gripes or general customer-service issues. For instance, they won’t discipline a doctor just for having a rude bedside manner, personality conflicts, or office staff problems. They also do not deal with billing disputes, insurance problems, or disability rating disagreements. Importantly, the Board has no authority over providers who are not under its license – so it won’t handle complaints against nurses, dentists, chiropractors, or hospitals or clinics themselves. (Other agencies oversee those; for example, hospital care issues may fall under the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Healthcare Facility Regulation division.) In summary, the Board focuses on serious breaches of medical ethics or competence – not routine business complaints or cases outside its scope.

Steps to File a Complaint Against a Doctor in Georgia

Filing a complaint with the Georgia Composite Medical Board is a formal process, but it is free and open to any member of the public. You do not need a lawyer to submit a Board complaint. Here is how to proceed step by step:

1. Gather Information and Records: Start by compiling all relevant details about the incident. This includes the doctor’s full name and workplace, dates of treatment, and a factual account of what happened. Obtain copies of your medical records, test results, or bills that help illustrate the problem. Having documentation and a clear timeline will strengthen your complaint and assist the Board’s investigators.
2. Go to the Medical Board Complaint Portal or Form: The Medical Board allows complaints to be submitted either online or by mail. The quickest method is to use the online complaint form on the official GCMB website. (You may visit the Georgia Composite Medical Board’s “File a Complaint” page and click the link to the online submission portal.) If you prefer mail, you can download the Board’s complaint form, fill it out, and send it to the Board’s address. In either case, provide all requested information about the doctor and incident. The Board prefers you use their form, as it ensures you include everything needed for review.
3. Write a Clear, Detailed Narrative: In the complaint, you will need to describe what the doctor did wrong. It’s best to keep your narrative factual, specific, and in chronological order. Explain the sequence of events and what outcome occurred. Be as objective as possible – stick to describing the doctor’s actions or omissions and why you believe those violated professional standards. For example, you might write: “On May 5, 2025, Dr. X performed [procedure]. Afterwards, I developed [complication]. I later learned this may have been caused by [what went wrong]. Dr. X did not address it despite my calls.” Provide names and contact information of any other witnesses or healthcare providers involved, if applicable. You can attach additional pages or records as needed to tell the full story. This written statement is very important – it will be the basis for the Board’s initial evaluation, so take your time to make it clear and complete.
4. Include Required Authorizations and Contact Information: When submitting your complaint, you will be asked to sign and date it. The Board typically requires your signature to authorize the release of your name and relevant medical information to people necessary for the investigation. This means you give the Board permission to obtain your medical records or discuss your case with other providers. Be sure to provide your daytime phone number and/or email so Board staff can reach you for any follow-up questions. Note: The Board generally does not accept anonymous complaints. In fact, Georgia’s Medical Board prefers complaints that are signed by the patient or person with first-hand knowledge. Anonymous complaints are only considered in very extreme circumstances (for instance, if a physician poses an immediate danger to the public or in a case involving a patient’s death) and even then, the Board must have enough evidence without the complainant’s identity to take action. In most cases, you should be prepared to identify yourself – and understand that the doctor will eventually be informed of the complaint and allowed to respond to it during the investigation.
5. Submit the Complaint and Await Confirmation: If filing online, once you complete all the fields and narrative, submit the form through the GCMB portal. You should receive an electronic confirmation that it was received. For mailed complaints, send the form via certified mail if possible, and make a copy for yourself. The Board will send you a letter within about two weeks confirming they got your complaint. This acknowledgement letter will assign a case number or investigator. At this point, your complaint is officially in the system and under review.

What happens after you file? The Medical Board’s staff will first screen your complaint to ensure it falls within their jurisdiction and alleges a possible violation of the Medical Practice Act. If your complaint is about something the Board doesn’t oversee (for example, a billing issue or a provider not licensed by the Board), they will close the case without action or possibly refer you to the appropriate agency. Assuming it is within their authority, the Board will open an investigation. A copy of your complaint (and any supporting evidence you provided) may be sent to the doctor (the “licensee”) for a written response. The Board may also gather medical records, interview witnesses, or consult expert reviewers. This fact-finding stage can take several months – commonly six months or more. During the investigation, Board records are confidential, so the complaint and any findings are not public. You, as the complainant, will be notified once a final decision is made on your complaint, but you generally will not receive updates during the investigation unless additional information is needed.

Possible outcomes of a Board complaint: After review, the Board will decide on a resolution. In Georgia, outcomes usually fall into one of three categories:

• No action: If the Board finds insufficient evidence of a violation, they will close the complaint with no formal action. This might happen if the care was within acceptable standards or if the incident doesn’t meet the threshold for disciplinary action.
• Private action: In some cases, the Board may take informal, non-public action. This could be a confidential letter of concern or a remedial plan (for example, requiring the doctor to get additional training). Private actions are not disclosed to the public; they serve as a warning to the doctor to improve.
• Public disciplinary action: If the Board finds a serious violation of the Medical Practice Act, it can impose formal discipline on the doctor’s license. Public disciplinary actions are published by the Board as public orders. These can include measures like a formal reprimand, a fine, mandated continuing education courses, probationary status with monitoring, suspension of the medical license (temporary loss of the right to practice), or even full revocation of the license in extreme cases. Public orders will outline the Board’s findings of fact and the sanctions, and they become part of the doctor’s record (visible on license lookups).

It’s important to understand that the Medical Board’s actions are focused on the doctor’s ability to practice and on preventing future harm. The Board can discipline the provider’s license – for example, by placing the doctor on probation or revoking their license if warranted. However, the Board cannot compensate the patient for injuries or losses. In fact, Georgia law does not allow the Board to award any damages to the complainant. So regardless of the outcome of your Board complaint, you will not receive reimbursement for medical bills, pain and suffering, or other personal losses through that process. The Board can issue punishments to the doctor, but it cannot make the doctor (or their insurer) pay money to you. Compensation is pursued through a separate legal action – a malpractice lawsuit – which we discuss below.

Medical Board Complaint vs. Malpractice Lawsuit

Filing a complaint with the state Medical Board is not the same as filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, and it’s crucial to know the difference. These two processes have very different goals and outcomes:

• Purpose: A Board complaint is intended to protect the public by holding a doctor accountable to professional standards. It aims to investigate whether the physician’s conduct violated the Medical Practice Act and, if so, to discipline the doctor’s license. In contrast, a malpractice lawsuit is a civil legal action you file in court to recover monetary compensation for injuries caused by a doctor’s negligence. The lawsuit’s purpose is to make you “whole” financially – covering things like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering – not to punish the doctor (though indirectly it may encourage better care in the future).
• Who’s in charge: Board investigations are handled by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (a state regulatory agency). Malpractice lawsuits are handled in the court system, typically before a judge or jury, and follow Georgia legal procedures. In a lawsuit, your attorney represents you against the doctor (and their malpractice insurance company); in a Board case, there is no “plaintiff” and “defendant” in the same sense – the Board acts as the neutral investigator and decision-maker on behalf of the state.
• Outcome and penalties: As noted, the Medical Board can impose license-related penalties (like suspension, probation, or required training) if it finds wrongdoing. It cannot award you any damages. A malpractice lawsuit, on the other hand, can result in a settlement or judgment awarding you monetary compensation if you prove the doctor’s negligence caused you harm. The court could order payment for your medical costs, rehabilitation, lost income, and other losses – something the Board will not do. However, a civil lawsuit will not directly affect the doctor’s license; even if you win a malpractice case, the doctor’s license isn’t automatically revoked or suspended. (The Medical Board might review the case separately if the issue is serious, but legal liability doesn’t equal automatic disciplinary action.)
• Standards of proof: In a malpractice lawsuit, you (through your attorney) must present evidence that the doctor’s care deviated from the medical standard of care and that this caused you specific harm. This usually requires expert witness testimony and a formal legal process, often taking a long time. The Medical Board’s process is a bit different – they are looking for violations of the Medical Practice Act or unprofessional conduct. The Board has discretion to decide if the evidence indicates a breach of professional standards. The Board’s process is administrative, not governed by the strict rules of civil procedure and evidence that courts follow. You won’t need expert witnesses on your own for a Board complaint; their investigators and medical consultants will evaluate the care.
• Public disclosure: A malpractice lawsuit is a matter of public record once filed in court. By contrast, a Board complaint remains confidential during the investigation. Only if the Board issues formal charges or a public disciplinary order will the situation become a public record that others can look up. So if privacy is a concern, be aware that suing a doctor will publicly air the allegations, whereas a Board complaint stays private unless and until discipline is imposed.

In summary, a Medical Board complaint does not result in compensation to the patient, and a malpractice lawsuit does not punish the doctor’s license. These avenues address different aspects of a harmful incident. Many people understandably ask: “Should I pursue one, the other, or both?” The answer depends on your goals and the severity of the harm. If you suffered serious injury and financial losses due to a doctor’s negligence, you will likely need to file a lawsuit to recover those damages – the Board cannot help you with that. On the other hand, you might still choose to file a Board complaint to prompt an investigation and potential disciplinary action, especially if the issue is egregious or you want to help prevent the doctor from harming others. In fact, you are allowed to pursue both routes: it’s not an “either/or” choice. You can file a Medical Board complaint and a malpractice lawsuit simultaneously or sequentially – one does not usually interfere with the other. (Be aware, however, that anything you allege in one could potentially be noted in the other. For instance, if you make statements in a Board complaint, the doctor’s attorneys might see them if a lawsuit is underway. It’s another reason to stick to the facts and avoid exaggeration in any forum.)

Realistic scenarios – which path to take? Consider a few examples. If the issue is that your doctor was dismissive or rude, or you received a minor mistake in care that fortunately did not cause lasting harm, a malpractice lawsuit would not be practical (since there are no significant damages to claim). In such a case, filing a Board complaint might be the only formal recourse – it alerts the Medical Board about the doctor’s behavior, and while it won’t “solve” your personal experience, the Board could take steps if they see a pattern that endangers other patients. Conversely, if a doctor’s error has seriously injured you – for example, a surgical mistake leading to complications and expensive corrective treatment – then you absolutely should consider a malpractice suit for compensation. A Board complaint alone, even if it leads to the doctor being sanctioned, won’t pay your medical bills or help you financially recover. In many cases, both actions are appropriate: the lawsuit addresses your individual losses, and the Board complaint addresses the provider’s fitness to practice. An experienced attorney can help you strategize about doing one or both.

When (and Why) to Talk to a Malpractice Lawyer

Deciding whether to file a Board complaint, a lawsuit, or both can be complex. It’s often wise to consult with a Georgia medical malpractice attorney about your situation – especially if you suffered significant injury or believe the doctor’s actions were egregious. An attorney who specializes in medical negligence can evaluate the facts and advise you on the strength of a potential legal case. They can also guide you on timing: in some instances, your lawyer may suggest filing the lawsuit first or at least preparing the legal case before the Board complaint proceeds. This is because anything you communicate in a public complaint or to the doctor’s office could be used in a lawsuit later. Getting legal advice early helps ensure you don’t inadvertently harm your case.

Before you sign anything or settle: One key reason to involve a lawyer sooner rather than later is to avoid certain pitfalls. For example, hospitals or insurance companies might reach out to you if they suspect you’re unhappy. They could offer a refund for your treatment, free services, or even a small settlement if you agree not to pursue further action. Never sign a liability release or settlement agreement without legal counsel reviewing it. We have seen cases where patients, in an effort to resolve matters quickly, accepted a modest compensation or “apology credit” and signed away their rights to sue – only later realizing their injuries were far more costly. A malpractice lawyer will counsel you on whether any offer is fair and whether it’s in your best interest to sign. In short, don’t waive your legal rights in exchange for something like a bill refund or free corrective surgery without understanding the consequences.

Legal deadlines matter: While the Medical Board has no statute of limitations (you can file a complaint at any time, even years later), malpractice lawsuits in Georgia do have strict deadlines. Generally, you have a limited window (often two years from the date of injury, with some exceptions) to file a lawsuit, or you lose that right. The Board process does not pause or extend those legal deadlines. This is another reason to speak with a lawyer promptly if you are considering a claim. A skilled attorney will make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to seek compensation while you’re waiting on a Board investigation. They can also file the suit and handle it concurrently with the Board’s review if needed. The bottom line is: if you suspect malpractice, it’s never too early to get a free legal consultation. Most medical malpractice lawyers in Georgia (including our firm) work on a contingency fee, meaning the initial consultation is typically free and you pay no attorney fee unless they recover money for you. Speaking with a lawyer will help you understand your options without obligation.

How Board findings can support your case: If you do pursue both a Board complaint and a lawsuit, the outcomes of one can sometimes bolster the other. For instance, if the Georgia Composite Medical Board investigates and issues a public disciplinary order finding that the doctor violated the standard of care, that is powerful validation of your claims. While the Board’s decision doesn’t automatically guarantee you’ll win a lawsuit, it can be persuasive evidence. Your attorney can potentially use the fact of the Board’s discipline (and the findings in their public order) to support your case – for example, by showing a jury that the state’s medical regulators also concluded the doctor’s care was below standards. Conversely, if the Board does not find a violation, you might still have a viable civil case (because the legal standards of proof differ). But a Board decision in your favor is certainly helpful. At the very least, the doctor’s disciplinary record would be public for future patients to see. From the perspective of a lawsuit, a Board action against the doctor can put additional pressure on the doctor or their insurer to settle the case.

Finally, remember that a Board complaint and a malpractice claim are not mutually exclusive. You’re not “betraying” your doctor twice by doing both; you are simply pursuing your full rights. One route seeks to protect the community, and the other seeks to protect you and your family. When a healthcare provider gravely harms someone through negligence, it may be appropriate to hold them accountable in both ways. A compassionate malpractice attorney will understand your desire for justice and safety, and can assist you in navigating both the Board process and the legal system.

Confidentiality and Retaliation Concerns

Patients often worry: Will the doctor find out I complained? Could they retaliate against me? It’s understandable to feel anxious about filing a complaint against someone who provided your care. Here are a few points of reassurance and caution:

• Your complaint is confidential (to a point): When you file with the Medical Board, the complaint and investigation file are kept confidential by law. The Board does not publish that you filed a complaint, and it won’t show up in any public records or the doctor’s profile unless and until there’s a public disciplinary action. Even other doctors or hospitals will not know about it, with one exception: the Board will notify the doctor in question as part of its investigation, since fundamental fairness allows the physician to respond to any allegations. But that notification happens privately within the Board process. If the Board ultimately dismisses your complaint with no action, it remains confidential. If they take private action (like a confidential letter to the doctor), that also does not become public. Only if a formal public Board Order is issued would details become public – and even then, your identity may not be explicitly mentioned in the public order (though the doctor might infer it from the situation). In short, you can file a complaint without fear that you’ll be publicly named or sued for defamation; as long as you are truthful, you are protected.
• Doctors dismissing patients: Some patients worry the doctor will “fire” them as a patient if they complain. It is true that physicians in Georgia (and generally) are allowed to terminate a doctor-patient relationship, as long as they follow certain protocols (like giving notice and an opportunity to find another provider). There have been instances of doctors discharging patients who filed complaints. While this is legal if done properly, it’s relatively uncommon for a doctor to retaliate in this way unless the relationship has truly broken down. If you have ongoing medical needs, it’s wise to secure a new provider as a precaution. But do not let fear of being dismissed stop you from speaking up. Patient safety comes first. If a doctor would drop you for raising a serious concern, that in itself says something about their professionalism. Also, once you’ve been harmed, you may not want to continue treatment with that provider anyway. Still, if you are mid-treatment and rely on the doctor, you might choose to wait until you’ve transitioned care to another physician before filing the complaint. Each situation is personal – again, an attorney can advise on minimizing any impact on your health care continuity.
• No employer retaliation: If your doctor is part of a hospital or large practice and you worry about that organization retaliating (for example, by making it hard to get records or by blacklisting you), know that healthcare facilities are required to release your records to you by law. They cannot refuse just because you filed a complaint. Also, hospitals often have risk management departments; sometimes reporting your issue to the hospital (as a first step) can get a faster resolution or even an apology. Just use caution with anything they ask you to sign, as mentioned above.
• Don’t broadcast your case on social media: While not exactly “retaliation,” it’s worth noting: avoid venting about your doctor or hospital on social media or online review sites while your complaint or case is pending. Not only could it potentially alert the doctor before an investigation is underway, but anything you post publicly could be used by the doctor’s legal team to discredit you. It’s better to channel your concerns through the official channels – the Board complaint and your attorney. That ensures your words are protected and appropriately used.

Moving Forward: Your Rights and Next Steps

Dealing with a bad medical experience is stressful. You might be coping with trauma, new health complications, or worries about others getting hurt. It’s empowering to know that you have the right to report a doctor who you believe acted negligently or unprofessionally. Georgia law even spells out that patients have the right to file a grievance with the Medical Board regarding the care they received (Georgia Patients’ Rights regulations). By filing a complaint, you potentially spark an investigation that could lead to improved practices or prevent future harm. And by consulting a lawyer about a malpractice claim, you take steps to secure your own future and hold the provider financially accountable for the harm done.

Be prompt, but don’t rush uninformed: There’s no legal deadline to file a Board complaint, but delaying too long can make it harder for the Board to find evidence and witnesses. Memories fade and records can get lost over time. Likewise, for lawsuits, waiting can jeopardize your case due to the statute of limitations. That said, you don’t need to file a complaint the very next day after an incident if you’re not ready. It’s okay to take care of your health first and gather your thoughts. Just remember that sooner is generally better than later for both legal and regulatory actions. If you’re unsure about what to do, talking to a malpractice attorney can clarify your options at no cost. They can tell you if your situation sounds like malpractice (which could justify a lawsuit) and still encourage you to file a Board complaint regardless, especially if the doctor’s behavior was dangerous.

Closing thoughts: Filing a complaint against a doctor in Georgia is a way to make your voice heard in the healthcare system. It can lead to an investigation and possible disciplinary action, which may bring you a sense of validation that the issue was taken seriously. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations: the Medical Board’s role is to police licenses and protect the public, not to obtain compensation for patients. If you or a loved one suffered significant harm from substandard medical care, you should consider a malpractice claim to address your personal losses. Many people pursue both routes – one for accountability, one for compensation. Throughout this journey, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Support is available, both from the Board (which will treat your complaint with confidentiality and care) and from legal professionals who advocate for injured patients.

Have you been harmed by a doctor’s negligence? You deserve answers and guidance. Filing a Medical Board complaint can be a meaningful action, but it’s just one avenue. If you’re unsure about your next steps or want to understand your legal rights after a medical injury, our team at Davis Adams is here to help. We combine deep knowledge of Georgia medical malpractice law with genuine compassion for what you’re going through. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your situation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you chart the best course forward. You’ve been through enough – let us provide the support and legal guidance you need to seek justice and healing.