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The South Carolina Medical Board doesn’t publicly release physicians’ disciplinary actions, leaving patients in the dark about problematic doctors. There are thousands of licensed providers in South Carolina, which makes discerning who offers quality care and who doesn’t a challenge, especially when most reprimands are confidential.
One story making headlines is that of a South Carolina neurosurgeon who has a history of substance abuse. The hospital that employed this doctor denied he was under the influence when performing procedures. Nonetheless, fifteen of his patients filed medical malpractice lawsuits after receiving substandard care during operations performed throughout his addiction period.
The surgeon’s negligence was deemed to be a factor in most of the patients’ harm, which varied from a severed artery to an improper spinal procedure. No one was informed of the doctor’s relapses or addiction before opting into surgery because the physician’s history is protected under South Carolina law.
Without transparency from the South Carolina Medical Board, people cannot determine which doctors have a history of negligence or misconduct and which records are as clean as they appear. This surgeon’s license would likely have been listed as ‘in good standing’ despite several pending patient complaints and documented personal issues.
Misleading Disciplinary Rates in South Carolina
Though most doctors are ethical and trustworthy providers, a percentage of physicians can be reckless and negligent and cause more harm than healing. Reprimands by the South Carolina Medical Board are protected under the Medical Practices Act, which governs medical examiners’ licensing and discipline. The Act prohibits anyone from disclosing complaints and investigations unless the Board decides a public reprimand is warranted (this is rare). Even malpractice cases in South Carolina do not make it onto physicians’ permanent records because reporting settlements is not mandatory.
Because medical malpractice laws and physician regulations vary from state to state, it is difficult to directly compare statistics. But we don’t need to lean on data to see how the differences in reporting and transparency can affect patient care. Concealing habitual offenders, malpractice claims, and even some criminal complaints, can prevent patients from making informed healthcare decisions. Providers with a history of misconduct or negligence can continue treating people despite a questionable history.
Laws Protect Physicians, Not Patients
Doctors take an oath to protect patients from harm, and when that is violated, patients expect to know—or at least have access to—the details. But not all states err on the side of transparency, nor do all enforce misconduct or mistakes with the same rigidity. The South Carolina Medical Practice Act protects its licensed care providers and keeps many mistakes and inquiries confidential. Only certain types of physician discipline, such as suspension or revocation, must be made public in South Carolina. Federal protections also shield doctors from scrutiny when substance abuse or mental health problems arise. Revealing a doctor’s diagnosis, treatment, relapse, or other personal issues is prohibited.
Protecting Yourself From Problem Doctors
Anyone seeking healthcare in this state should research providers carefully and be prepared to protect themselves through legal means if their care falls below standard. Though the South Carolina Medical Board is tight-lipped on misconduct, there are several ways you can learn more about the doctor’s history before booking an appointment, including:
- Look up a SC care provider by name or license number to review their file for public reports.
- Conduct physician interviews to determine whether doctors fit into your ideal care team.
- Research reviews of the facility and ask other people about their experiences.
- Never assume the physician’s history is devoid of negligent mistakes or errors just because they are licensed.
How To File a Complaint Against a Doctor
It is your right as a patient to report issues with a licensed physician to the South Carolina Medical Board or pursue a malpractice lawsuit. A complaint may be filed against a doctor in South Carolina via the Labor Licensing Regulation Board of Medical Examiners online form or by calling the agency.
A lawsuit can also be investigated by filling out an online form with a malpractice law firm. For a negative outcome to be considered malpractice, it must meet several requirements, but it isn’t your job to know the ins and outs of South Carolina medical malpractice laws. An attorney can listen to your experience and help you decide whether the provider’s actions constitute a claim.
Quietly handling physician discipline helps maintain healthcare facility reputations, but it doesn’t do anything for patients. It’s up to people to advocate for better care and transparency, and when a doctor’s actions are negligent, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in South Carolina may be the only way to hold the provider accountable.