The Complaint Process
To file a complaint against a Maryland licensed acupuncturist, please mail a completed
The Maryland Board of Acupuncture
4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Who Can/Should File a Complaint?
The Board will entertain all written complaints filed against both licensed acupuncturists and someone that may not be properly licensed to practice acupuncture in Maryland. While anonymous complaints will be reviewed, they may be effectively resolved as the Board may not have the appropriate information to investigate the allegations.
How Do I File a Complaint?
All complaints MUST be in writing or on a consumer complaint form.Please include your name, address and telephone number as well as those of the licensee. A detailed description of the violation should be provided including the nature and facts of your complaint.
How Are Complaints Processed?
The Board receives complaints concerning a wide variety of issues and situations. Complaints are reviewed immediately upon receipt. A letter is sent to the complainant alerting them that the complaint has been received by the Board and is being reviewed. If it is determined that there is not a sufficient basis to proceed with formal disciplinary action, the licensee and patient will receive a letter indicating that complaint has been closed.
If it has been determined that a violation of the Acupuncture Practice Act may have occurred, the complaint may be formally investigated. The complainant may be interviewed by the Board’s investigator. During the interview the complainant might be asked to provide the details of the complaint, answer the investigator's questions, and ask any questions regarding the overall process. The investigator may also interview the licensee who at that time will be advised of the nature of the complaint.
Once the investigation is completed and the allegations are confirmed, the case may be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for further review and possible prosecution. It is important to emphasize that the fact that the Board brings formal charges against a practitioner reflects only its belief that there is probable cause that the individual has committed a violation under the Act
The Board may hold a case resolution conference to give the licensee an opportunity to resolve the case outside of a hearing. A proposed resolution in the form of a consent order may include admission to one or more of the alleged violations and a proposal for appropriate discipline. If a consent order is not agreed upon, the licensee may request a hearing to contest the charges.
When a case does go to hearing, the hearing is usually presided over by a quorum of the Board. After the hearing, the Board usually issues its own Final Order. A Licensee is usually given an opportunity to file exceptions and the Board holds an exceptions hearing. A final decision is then rendered by the Board. A Licensee may appeal the Board’s Order to Circuit Court. A Licensee or State may appeal Order of Circuit Court to Court of Special Appeals
What information is public about a disciplinary action?
If the Board decides that no violation has occurred or that the violation is minor and warrants a letter of education or another means of informal action, the complaint will not be made public. However, if the Board decides the violation is serious and takes formal action, then the matter is considered public record and is available upon written request.
