How to File a Complaint Against a Doctor in Illinois

If your doctor has displayed inappropriate behavior, you are entitled to issue a formal complaint. 

However, here’s the surprising truth: Making a formal complaint with a medical board probably won’t result in any disciplinary action against the doctor. 

In most states, a physician’s license isn’t in jeopardy because you make a formal complaint. They will continue practicing, likely without any discipline at all. 

If this is surprising to you, you’re not alone. That’s why your best course of action is seeking the assistance of an expert attorney to determine if you have a medical malpractice case. 

Medical malpractice can take many forms. While not every type of inappropriate behavior is categorized as malpractice, an attorney can help you determine your legal standing. 

But should you want to continue with filing a complaint against a doctor in the State of Illinois, here’s how.  

>>> Related resource: How Private Equity-Owned Medical Practices Can Enable Sexual Abuse and Malpractice

How to Report Medical Malpractice to the Medical Center, Doctor’s Office or Hospital 

If you are a victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, you can start by notifying the facility of the wrongdoings. Know that you are not alone—investigative reporting shows thousands of doctors have faced public accusations of misconduct in the last two decades. While each hospital has its own set of steps to follow, all processes should ultimately ensure that:

• The poor behavior ends immediately.
• The accused doctor is not given a chance to potentially harm future victims.
• The patient is safe and has the proper resources needed to deal with any trauma.

>>> Related read: When and How You Should File a Complaint Against Your Doctor

Medical Malpractice in the State of Illinois

A doctor in the State of Illinois who causes harm or injury, delays treatments, or otherwise provides substandard care could be evaluated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). A complaint may be filed against a licensed doctor for a variety of reasons—scenarios worthy of a formal complaint are available here. 

To find out if a doctor has been disciplined in the past, visit this site to view a monthly behavior report. The online license lookup tool is available to the public and allows patients to confirm their doctor is licensed and in good standing. 

In addition to a formal complaint with the State of Illinois, victims may also be entitled to file a lawsuit, called medical malpractice, against the doctor. Again, although you may make a formal complaint with the state of Illinois, the best way to ensure your situation is rectified is by speaking with an attorney about pursuing a lawsuit. 

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

The State of Illinois’ medical disciplinary board is a branch of the IDFPR and is composed of eleven members appointed by the Governor. Seven of these members are physicians and four are members of the public. The members as of March 2022 are:

• Karen O’Mara D.O. | Chicago
• Peter Max Charles Hofmann M.D. | Springfield
• Umang S. Patel M.D. | Woodridge
• Aja Carr-Favors | Evergreen Park
• Caroline Moellering | Chicago
• Darren D. Hancock D.C. | Chicago
• Sreenivas G. Reddy M.D. | Burr Ridge

The purpose of the Medical Disciplinary Board is to consider allegations of misconduct or malfeasance by members of the medical profession. In addition to reviewing allegations, the board is also tasked with recommending appropriate disciplinary actions. 

You can view the Board’s most recent meeting agendas and minutes online to learn more about case developments. The 12 most recent meeting agendas are displayed to the public at all times. 

How to File a Complaint Against a Doctor in Illinois

To file a complaint with the IDFPR, you must follow the protocols by the Complaint Intake Unit. A complaint may be filed via online form or by printing, completing and mailing the form to the IDFPR. 

Under Illinois law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-117):

All information collected by the Department during an examination or investigation of a licensee, registrant, or applicant is confidential and cannot be publicly disclosed. This includes complaints and any information collected during an investigation. Exceptions to this law exist only for law enforcement, other regulatory agencies with appropriate regulatory interest, or a party presenting a lawful subpoena.

To file a complaint online, select the online complaint form. You will be asked to submit the following information:

• First and last name
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Phone number
• The professional’s first and last name 
• The profession of the person you are filing a complaint against
• The professional’s street address (this can be a business address)
• The date the event occurred
• A summary of the event (limited to 3,000 characters)

Note: “The professional” is defined as the person whom you are filing a complaint against.

Once the form is complete, you will receive an email with a confirmation of your submission. Upon receipt of your complaint, the board will begin their investigation and contact you accordingly. For most patients, this process is ultimately fruitless, leading to no disciplinary action and a dead end. 

A Better Way to Handle Medical Malpractice in Illinois

If you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, begin by contacting an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice. An attorney will take immediate action and help you determine if you have a lawsuit against the doctor and/or the health care organization. Hurley McKenna & Mertz represents victims of medical malpractice in Illinois with results favoring the victims. 

For assistance with submitting a complaint or to learn more about filing a lawsuit against a medical provider, contact the experienced attorneys at Hurley McKenna & Mertz.

And if you were a victim of Dr. Vernon Cannon, contact us here so we can help you seek justice.