This episode of MedBoard Matters, dives into the second part of our two-part series on N.C. Gen. Stat. §90-5.4 (aka, Duty to Report); Specifically on our licensee's duty to report any fraudulent prescribing, drug diversion or theft of controlled substances by a licensee of the Board. Host, Jean Fisher Brinkley talks with the NCMB's Chief Investigative Officer, Pat Berckmiller and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Burke-Haynes about the types of cases the Board has seen around these activities and shares some guidance and CME resources designed to help our licensees with this difficult duty.
N.C. Gen. Stat. §90-5.4 requires medical professionals licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board to report:
1. Any sexual misconduct by a licensee of the Board
2. Any fraudulent prescribing, drug diversion or theft of controlled substances by a licensee of the Board.
Medical professionals need not have definitive evidence of misconduct to make a report. The law specifies that licensed medical professionals should submit a report if they “reasonably believe” that misconduct has occurred. Licensees who report suspected misconduct in good faith are granted civil immunity.
Online and in-person CS CME training opportunities
Download Transcript (170KB pdf file)
Jean Fisher Brinkley is NCMB’s Communications Director, a role that involves developing and overseeing production of communications materials and strategies needed to enhance public and professional awareness and understanding of the Board and its mission. She joined NCMB in 2008, after an 11-year career in newspaper journalism, most of it dedicated to reporting on medicine, health policy and the business aspects of health care.
Brinkley earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mills College in Oakland, CA, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Raleigh with her husband and two daughters.
You can reach Jean at podcast@ncmedboard.org
Pat Berckmiller, CMBI joined the staff of the North Carolina Medical Board as Chief Investigative Officer in October 2019. Before coming to the North Carolina Medical Board, Pat retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent after nearly 30 years of service. He has also worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield as an Investigator.
Karen Burke-Haynes, MD, is Chief Medical Officer for the North Carolina Medical Board. Dr. Haynes, a pediatrician, has more than 25 years of experience working in academic and private practice settings. Prior to joining NCMB as its Assistant Medical Director in 2014, she was owner and managing physician of Stepping Stones Pediatrics in Raleigh. Dr. Haynes earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and completed postgraduate training in pediatrics at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
