⚠ OFFICE RELOCATION NOTICE

MSBML will be relocating. Until further notice, continue sending all mail and deliveries to: 1867 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite 200-B, Jackson, MS 39216. Check this website for updates.

Home Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure For Every Patient. For Every Provider. For Every Mississippian.
Toggle Navigation Icon

Complaint Procedure

MSBML handles complaints against licensed medical doctors (M.D.), osteopathic doctors (D.O.), podiatrists (D.P.M.), physician assistants (P.A.), and radiology assistants (R.A.). If you have a concern about a provider, this page explains what to expect and how to get started.

If your concern involves a different type of provider or a healthcare facility, contact the correct licensing agency. A full directory of Mississippi state agencies is available at the link below.

Find Other Mississippi State Agencies

Important Note: MSBML does not license Nurse Practitioners. To file a complaint about a Nurse Practitioner, contact the Mississippi Board of Nursing.

Visit Mississippi Board of Nursing

How the Complaint Process Works

Before filing a complaint, check the database to confirm the licensee is active and their name is spelled correctly. All complaints and investigations are confidential by law (Miss. Code Ann. §§45-29-1, 45-29-3).

Phase 1 — Initial Review

Complaint received.

Committee reviews complaint.

➠ If no possible violation of the Mississippi Medical Practice Act is found, the complaint is dismissed.

If a possible violation is found: The type of violation, as defined by the Mississippi Medical Practice Act and Administrative Code, determines if the process moves to Phase 2 or Phase 3.

Phase 2 — Licensee Response (if applicable based on violation type)

Response requested from licensee.

Licensee submits response.

Response reviewed.

➠ If no possible violation of the Mississippi Medical Practice Act is found, the complaint is dismissed.

Phase 3 — Investigation

Investigation initiated.

Investigation conducted.

Investigation completed and submitted for review.

Possible outcomes:

The case is resolved by a public consent agreement or other settlement.
The case is closed with no formal or public action. Non-disciplinary actions may be taken.
A Summons and Affidavit may be issued for the licensee to appear before the Board for an evidentiary hearing.
Discipline may be imposed by the Board (i.e., reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, or other public action).

Frequently Asked Questions

Select a question to expand the answer.

No. Complaint files and investigations are confidential by law (Miss. Code Ann. §§45-29-1, 45-29-3).
MSBML regulates Medical Doctors (M.D.), Osteopathic Doctors (D.O.), Podiatrists (D.P.M.), Physician Assistants (P.A.), and Radiology Assistants (R.A.). If your complaint involves other providers or facilities, contact the correct agency. 
MSBML investigates unprofessional conduct that may endanger the public, such as: practicing without a license, false or exaggerated claims, patient abandonment, refusal to provide medical records, improper prescribing or drug diversion, practicing while impaired, and financial conflicts of interest.
Medical records belong to your physician. However, Mississippi law (§11-1-52) gives you the right to obtain a copy with a signed release and payment of fees for copying and mailing. If your physician refuses, you may file a written complaint with MSBML.
Yes. Physicians may charge set fees under state law and MSBML regulations.
Yes. Physicians can terminate care, but they must give reasonable notice (commonly 30 days) so you have time to find another provider.
There is no law requiring a physician to be kind. If you are unhappy with their behavior, you may choose another provider.
Not necessarily. A public record may reflect past conditions that have been met or administrative actions. It does not always mean current discipline. Copies of public records may be requested in writing with a $10 fee: MSBML, Public Record Request, 1867 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite 200-B, Jackson, MS 39216.
No. MSBML does not regulate billing or insurance disputes.
Under MS Code §73-43-11, MSBML: sets medical policies and standards, reviews license applications and collaborative agreements, investigates violations of the Medical Practice Act, conducts hearings and considers petitions, and publishes rules and regulations. See the rules, laws, and policies.
No. MSBML cannot provide legal opinions or intervene in lawsuits.
No. MSBML does not provide referrals. Contact your hospital or insurance provider for assistance.
Both Doctors of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.) are fully licensed physicians in Mississippi. M.D.s and D.O.s hold the same type of medical license. D.O.s emphasize a holistic approach to treatment.

Ready to file a complaint?

Use the button below to access the online complaint system.

File a Complaint