Duty to Report FAQs

Q: Where can I read more about where this is required for Medical Board licensees?

A: Information can be found on the Medical Board’s website and the rule 4731-10-02 (requisite hours of continuing medical education for license renewal or reinstatement) can be found here.

 

Q: What license types have to comply with the Duty to Report CME requirement?

A: Physicians (MDs, DOs and DPMs) are required to complete one hour of Continuing Medical Education (CME) on the topic of a licensee’s duty to report misconduct effective May 31, 2021, with enforcement to commence with renewal or reinstatement applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021.

 

Q: Why did the Medical Board create this Duty to Report CME requirement?

A: The Report of the Working Group on Reviewing of the Medical Board’s Handling of the Investigation Involving Richard Strauss addressed the importance of a licensee’s duty to report misconduct to the board. Starting in FY20, applications for every license type the Medical Board issues now contain a requirement to acknowledge the licensee’s personal duty to report any violations by other licensees to the State Medical Board of Ohio. This question appears on every initial, renewal, and restoration application regardless of answering it in a previous cycle or application. The board also voted during the February 2020 meeting to require one hour of continuing medical education (CME) on the duty to report misconduct. The requirement went through the rule-making process and the new rule is effective May 31, 2021, with enforcement to commence with renewal or reinstatement applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021.

 

Q: How can I comply with the Duty to Report CME requirement?

A: The board has created a one-hour video designed to educate physicians on the duty to report to the State Medical Board of Ohio. The video is divided into three distinct sections: duty to report, sexual misconduct and how to report. At the end of each section, you will have the opportunity to evaluate what you learned through a review of questions and answers. A certificate of completion will be provided, and it can either be printed or screenshot for your records. As with all CME, records of completion should be kept in accordance with rule 4731-10-08.

 

Q: When do I have to start complying with the Duty to Report CME requirement?

A: Effective May 31, 2021, physicians are required to complete one hour of Continuing Medical Education (CME) on the topic of a licensee’s duty to report misconduct, with enforcement to commence with renewal applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021.

 

Q: How often do I have to take the Duty to Report CME requirement?

A: A licensee must complete a minimum of one hour of CME on the topic of a licensee's duty to report misconduct every renewal period (two years).

 

Q: Why don’t first time applicants have to watch the video?

A: CME requirements at the Medical Board must be fulfilled after licensure therefore, upon renewal.

 

Q: Are there options besides the Medical Board video that will help me meet the Medical Board’s requirement?

A: No, currently the video produced by the Medical Board is the only way to satisfy the requirement.

 

Q: Is The Duty to Report CME certified for Category 1 credit?

A: Effective May 31, 2021, physicians in Ohio are required to complete one hour of CME on the topic of a licensee’s duty to report misconduct. Although this duty to report course has not been certified for category 1 CME credit it will count for one hour towards your requirement to complete 50 hours of CME to renew your Ohio license.

 

Q: Can my association create its own CME content to meet this Duty to Report educational requirement?

A: If an association creates its own CME content, it will have to be board-approved before it is considered meeting the CME requirements.

 

Q: Will you ask for proof that I completed Duty to Report CME requirement?

A: If a licensee is selected for an audit of completed CME’s, you will be required to show proof of completion for all courses. This includes the Duty to Report video. At the conclusion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. You may choose to print out the certificate or save the file as a PDF electronically and keep for your records.

 

Q: What happens if I do not print my certificate?

A: Immediately contact the Medical Board using the techsupport@med.ohio.gov email and ask for assistance with obtaining the certificate of completion.

 

Q: What happens if I do not comply with the Duty to Report CME requirement?

A: Physicians may be selected at random for auditing of CME hours. Upon receipt of an audit notification, the requested information must be provided within the timeframe indicated on the notice. Individuals found to be in non-compliance could be subject to discipline and monetary civil penalties.

 

Q: What if I have questions about the Medical Board’s video?

A: You may email contact@med.ohio.gov with questions about the content of the video or license@med.ohio.gov for questions regarding CMEs. 

 

Q: Who can I contact if I have technical issues while watching the video?

A: You can contact us by using the techsupport@med.ohio.gov email address. You can also find a list of technical requirements here. 

 

Q: What else is the Medical Board doing to make sure licensees understand the Duty to Report?

A: In 2019, the State Medical Board of Ohio took additional steps to ensure licensees know the seriousness of their duty to report knowledge of misconduct. The board added a new section to the application and renewal process to ensure those applying for and renewing their licenses are aware of the duty to report. With the addition of the new CME duty to report requirement the board created a webpage to help assist licensees in understanding the importance and requirements surrounding duty to report. 

 

Q: How can I make a report to the Medical Board if I believe I have a duty to report?

A: You can file a complaint directly with the Medical Board 24/7 through the confidential complaint hotline at 1-833-333-SMBO (7626) or online at med.ohio.gov. Provisions in the Ohio Revised Code make all complaints received by the board confidential.