HJAR Jan/Feb 2023

Arkansas is one of the highest licensing states, meaning it licenses more occupa- tions than most other states. Accordingly, Arkansas has numerous licensing boards, from the Arkansas State Medical Board to the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Despite their different rules and regula- tions, licensing boards often have one thing in common: they are able to receive com- plaints against their licensees. Generally, licensing boards follow a similar process regarding investigating those complaints. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of that process for licensed pro- fessionals who have received a complaint against their license. THE FILING OF A COMPLAINT First, the licensing board will receive a complaint. Generally, the complaint can be filed by anyone, even the board itself. Some boards, including the Medical Board, require the complainant to include their contact information so that they can con- tact the complainant for further informa- tion or questions. Others, such as the Nurs- ing Board, allow for the filing of anonymous complaints. Currently, and of frustration to many licensees, Arkansas administrative law does not guarantee licensees the right to knowwho his or her accuser is or to con- front him or her in the hearing. Lindsey Vechik Stuart Miller is a distinguished trial lawyer at Mitchell Williams Law Firm. He has extensive experience defending catastrophic injury suits, professional liability claims, and suits for wrongful death. With effective risk management and preemptive legal analysis to help manage their risk and outcomes, he represents businesses and industries, from Fortune 100 companies to privately owned businesses, for which he has tried numerous cases involving professional, product, transportation, and premises liability claims. Stuart Miller Peyton Hildebrand Lindsey Vechik is a trial attorney and licensed insurance adjuster at Mitchell Williams Law Firm. She combines her extensive courtroom experience and sophisticated insurance knowledge to uniquely represent insurance carriers and their policyholders in a wide range of insurance coverage litigation. She represents insurers in claims involving professional liability, medical malpractice, nursing home liability, product liability, premises liability, personal injury, and property damage claims. Peyton Hildebrand is an attorney at Mitchell Williams Law Firm. She advises licensed professionals in all phases of licensing board investigations. She represents clients in litigation matters including professional liability claims, medical malpractice actions, premises liability cases, insurance coverage disputes, and employment issues. HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JAN / FEB 2023 21