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Questions Often Asked by Licensees

Q.  I am interested in the Health Professionals' Services Program (HPSP) for impaired providers.  How can I find out more information?  How can I make a self-referral?
A.  Reliant Behavioral Health (RBH) is the vendor administering HPSP.  For more information on the program, please call their toll free number:  888-802-2843.  Your call can remain confidential, and RBH can provide a list of Board-approved independent third-party evaluators.  You may also call RBH to make a self-referral to the program without notifying the Board.
 
Q. I am about to retire - what do I do with my patient records? What kind of notice must I give my patients? What kind of notice do I give the Board? May I keep an active license?
A. It is suggested that Board licensees who are retiring from the active practice take the following actions:
  • Notify patients by letter of the effective date of your retirement from active practice.
  • Notify patients who do not require the immediate services of a health care provider where their records will be stored and who should be contacted in the event the records are needed. This information should also be reported to the Oregon Medical Board.
  • Advise patients that they may either seek the services of another health care provider or that you will assist them in locating another health care provider through referrals from your office.
  • Advise patients that their records will be forwarded to another provider of their choice upon receipt of a properly signed release form.
  • Advise patients that their office will remain open for a reasonable length of time to facilitate the transfer of records and for the collection of outstanding accounts.
  • Inform the Oregon Medical Board of the correct mailing address after retirement.
Whether or not a Board license can choose to maintain an active license depends on several factors. There are several options available. For questions about license status, call the Board's Registration section and your options will be explained thoroughly.
 
Q. How long must I keep my patient records?
A. In accordance with Oregon's statute of limitations, the Oregon Medical Association recommends that physicians keep patient records, including those of deceased patients (adults and minors) for a minimum of ten years after the patient's last contact with the physician. If space permits, it is preferable to retain records of all living patients indefinitely. This recommendation applies to other licensees of the Board as well.
 
Q. As a physician do I need a special state license or certification, in addition to my DEA registration, to dispense or prescribe controlled substances in Oregon?
A. Your DEA registration is sufficient to prescribe controlled substances however any actively licensed Oregon physician who dispenses drugs must register with the Board as a "dispensing physician." Dispensing samples without charge is not considered dispensing.
  
Q. Can a Board licensee practice in Oregon using a license from another state?
A. No, except under the unique circumstances where a doctor who is licensed and in good standing in another state is employed by a federal installation, such as a veterans' hospital or an Indian reservation. Such a doctor may not practice elsewhere in the state.
 
Q. Does Oregon law require physician professional corporations to register with the Oregon Medical Board?
A. The Oregon Medical Board does not require physician corporations to register with the agency. However, professional corporations must file with the Office of Secretary of State per Oregon Revised Statue, Chapter 58. The administrative rule (OAR 847-40-005) that used to require this was repealed in 1989. All inquiries should be referred to the Office of Secretary of State at (503)986-2200.