Rhode Island § 5-29-17 - Podiatrists

§ 5-29-17. Malpractice complaints.

(a) Any person, firm, corporation, or public officer may submit a written complaint to the board charging the holder of a license to practice podiatry or a limited registrant with unprofessional conduct, specifying the grounds for the charge. The board shall review all complaints and it shall make a written finding of facts with regard to the complaint. All complaints considered by the board or an investigating committee of the board shall be reported within six (6) months of the receipt of the complaint unless the board, on a case-by-case basis, for good cause shown in writing, extends the time for consideration. Failure to report does not divest the board of its jurisdiction to pursue the rights and remedies set forth in this chapter. If the board determines that the complaint merits consideration, or if the board, on its own initiative without a formal complaint, has reason to believe that any holder of a license or limited registration to practice podiatry is guilty of unprofessional conduct, the board shall investigate.

(b) Investigations shall remain confidential and all initial hearings, investigatory hearings, and full hearings before the board shall remain confidential. All decisions of the board shall set forth conclusions of fact and conclusions of law applicable to the decision that it has rendered. The board shall make public all decisions, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, that set forth any sanction against a license holder.