August 15,
2022 320 320
Licensees should remain aware that a scam continues to target and affect Ohio prescribers. Scammers are calling, faxing and emailing medical professionals claiming to be agents of the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO), agents of the DEA or agents of the FBI. These scammers claim that the professionals’ medical and drug licenses have been compromised and are being used by other entities in a drug trafficking scheme. As a result of these allegations, the scammers direct the medical provider to wire money to foreign bank accounts. Please remember, SMBO investigators, DEA agents and FBI agents will not ask for fine payment or personal/sensitive information over the phone.
When the scammers communicate via phone call, they spoof the legitimate phone number for the SMBO (614-466-3934). Be aware that scammers have the ability to spoof phone numbers to appear as though they legitimately belong to the entity they are claiming to be. If the Medical Board is truly conducting an investigation, and that individual faces action against their license, they will receive an official notice of opportunity for a hearing either via certified mail or by personal service. Further, emails originating from actual Medical Board staff end in @med.ohio.gov.
Learn how to identify a legitimate investigation, how to verify if the caller is from the Medical Board and how to file a complaint if you are contacted by a scammer here.
Click the image to view the fraudulent SMBO letter.
If you are contacted by a scammer, please report the incident to your local law enforcement and Ohio's Attorney General by filing a complaint online at ohioprotects.org or by calling 800-282-0515.
July 15,
2022 295 295
The Medical Board will host a virtual information session at 6p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 to inform physicians interested in applying for licensure via the Compact. This session will include information about the Compact's legislation, eligibility requirements, and application instructions. The board will also provide responses to physician questions. If you have questions about the Compact you'd like the board to address during the information session, submit them here: Submit Compact Questions.
This event will be recorded and made available for viewing after its completion. Click here to register.
The board anticipates being fully operational in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact on August 2.