How Physician Assistant Licensing Board Complaints Work in Maryland (and How to Defend Your License)
A clear, supportive guide to understanding the complaint process with the Maryland Board of Physicians and protecting your professional license
What do you need help with?
Choose the situation that best matches what you're experiencing.
Select your situation, profession, and state to continue.
You can face a Maryland board matter without holding a traditional Maryland license
Interstate compacts, military-license recognition, Foreign Service portability, and profession-specific exceptions increasingly allow professionals to practice in Maryland without following the traditional full-license pathway. Those practice rights can still come with Maryland professional obligations.
If a Maryland regulator contacts you about conduct occurring while you practiced in the state, first identify the authority under which you were practicing and which jurisdiction or credential is involved.
Maryland license recognition for military families
Qualifying active-duty servicemembers and spouses who hold an occupational or professional license in good standing in another jurisdiction may be able to practice in Maryland through license recognition while stationed in the state, subject to applicable requirements (Maryland Department of Labor). Requirements and procedures vary by board, so confirm them with the board that regulates your profession.
Recognition of an out-of-state credential does not remove Maryland's authority to enforce its professional standards. If a complaint or investigation arises while practicing in Maryland under license recognition, the professional may still face a Maryland regulatory process.
Foreign Service members and spouses
Maryland also expanded professional-license portability for qualifying Foreign Service members and spouses beginning October 1, 2026 (HB 1120). Eligible professionals may be able to practice under an out-of-state license during a Maryland assignment, subject to the statutory requirements.
Practicing through license recognition does not necessarily eliminate Maryland regulatory jurisdiction if a complaint or professional-conduct issue arises.
If you've received notice of a complaint filed with the Maryland Board of Physicians, you're likely feeling anxious, confused, or even scared. That's completely understandable. A licensing board complaint can feel like a threat to everything you've worked for.
Here's what's important to know: receiving a complaint doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Many complaints are administrative in nature, stem from misunderstandings, or are resolved without any disciplinary action.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, help you understand the process, and give you the clarity you need to respond thoughtfully. It also explains early, practical steps professionals use to begin defending themselves and protecting their license. You're not alone in this.
If you received a written notice from a board investigator, you may also want to review our guide on responding to licensing board investigation letters. Understanding how the investigation process works can also help you prepare.
What Triggers Complaints Against Physician Assistants in Maryland
Administrative Issues
These are often paperwork or compliance matters that can typically be resolved without formal discipline.
- License renewal delays
- CME compliance deficiencies
- Delegation agreement issues
- Prescriptive authority documentation gaps
- NCCPA certification lapses
Conduct-Related Concerns
These involve clinical practice or professional behavior and require careful, thoughtful responses.
- Scope of practice violations
- Prescribing concerns including controlled substances
- Patient care complaints
- Documentation deficiencies
- Delegation agreement violations
- Impairment or substance use disorders
What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed with the Maryland Board of Physicians
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for each step.
Complaint Receipt
The Maryland Board of Physicians receives complaints from patients, employers, pharmacies, or other sources.
Initial Screening
Board staff reviews the complaint for jurisdiction and determines whether investigation is warranted.
Investigation
An investigator gathers evidence including patient records, delegation agreement documentation, Maryland PDMP data, and witness statements.
Response Opportunity
The PA is notified and given the opportunity to submit a written response to the allegations.
Board Review
The Board reviews the investigative file and PA response to determine appropriate action.
Resolution
Cases may resolve through dismissal, non-disciplinary guidance, consent agreement, or formal hearing.
Note: This process overview is based on typical procedures under Health Occupations Article, Title 15, Annotated Code of Maryland. Your specific case may vary.
Begin protecting your license and organizing your response.
Responding to the Maryland Board of Physicians
Response Deadline
The Maryland Board of Physicians often specifies a response deadline (commonly around 30 days), but the exact timeframe varies by case. Check your specific notice for the deadline.
Possible Outcomes
Outcomes vary significantly based on the nature of the complaint, the evidence, and how you respond. Here are typical possibilities:
Dismissal
No violation found; case closed.
Advisory/Warning Letter
Non-disciplinary guidance noting areas of concern.
Consent Agreement
Negotiated resolution with terms such as CME, supervision, or practice restrictions.
Probation
License continues subject to conditions and monitoring.
Fine
Monetary penalty based on violation severity.
Suspension
Temporary loss of PA license with conditions for reinstatement.
Revocation
Permanent loss of PA license.
Every case is unique. These outcomes are general possibilities, not predictions about your specific situation.
What the Maryland Data Shows
Published reporting can add helpful context about how Maryland Board of Physicians handled matters involving physician assistants and other licensees during the period shown.
- New Complaints Investigated 860
- Total new complaints investigated by the Maryland Board of Physicians in FY2025
- Open Complaints at Board 9.0%
- 77 complaints remaining open at the Board level — cases actively under review or awaiting resolution
- Open Complaints at OAG Prosecutor 5.7%
- 49 complaints open at the Office of the Attorney General Prosecutor — cases escalated for formal prosecution
- Open Complaints at OAG Board Counsel 0.1%
- 1 complaint open with OAG Board Counsel — legal review and advisory matters
- Total Disciplinary Actions 27.6%
- 237 total disciplinary actions — the broadest measure of adverse outcomes, though categories overlap and may include prior-year cases
- Administrative Actions 2.9%
- 25 administrative actions — non-disciplinary operational or procedural resolutions
- Loss of License 4.7%
- 40 loss-of-license outcomes — includes revocations and voluntary surrenders; permanent removal of the privilege to practice
- Non-Prejudicial Actions 12.3%
- 106 non-prejudicial actions — resolutions that do not carry a formal stain on the license record, such as practice guidance or corrective plans
- Other Prejudicial Actions 3.0%
- 26 other prejudicial actions — adverse findings short of suspension or revocation, such as formal reprimands or monitored practice conditions
- Restriction of License 4.7%
- 40 license restrictions — practice limitations such as proctoring requirements, scope limits, or facility restrictions
- Advisory Letters (Preliminary) 21.4%
- 184 advisory letters from preliminary investigations — non-public, educational correspondence issued early in the complaint lifecycle before a full investigation is opened
- Advisory Letters (Full Investigation) 9.0%
- 77 advisory letters following full investigation — non-public guidance issued after a complete review, generally the mildest formal outcome
- Standard of Care Complaints 38.3%
- 329 complaints citing failure to meet the standard of care — the single most common complaint ground, reflecting quality-of-care concerns
- Unprofessional Conduct Complaints 31.7%
- 273 complaints citing unprofessional conduct — the second most common ground, encompassing boundary violations, communication failures, and behavioral issues
- Peer Review Closure / Advisory 54.5%
- 18 of 33 peer review cases resulted in closure or advisory letter — demonstrating that even after expert review, the majority resolve without severe discipline
Source: Maryland Board of Physicians FY2025 Annual Report (860 complaints investigated; 237 disciplinary actions; 40 loss of license; 106 non-prejudicial actions; 261 advisory letters; 329 standard-of-care complaints; 33 peer review cases). These figures describe past reported activity across all licensees covered by the report. They are not a prediction about your own matter.
Your case details stay private, by design
BoardWise uses Zero Sensitive Data Retention. Your documents, answers, and drafts are processed on your device and are never stored on our servers.
BoardWise keeps your sensitive case details isolated on your device from start to finish.
Not Ready to Sign Up Yet?
Take our free calming checklist for responding to the Board; it'll help you stay grounded and organized.
The Maryland Board of Physicians Process
Maryland PAs are regulated by the Maryland Board of Physicians under Health Occupations Article, Title 15, Annotated Code of Maryland. PAs practice under a delegation agreement with a collaborating physician that defines scope of practice and prescriptive authority. PAs may prescribe controlled substances through Schedule II-V under delegation agreement. Maryland requires PAs to complete 50 hours of CME per biennial renewal and maintain current NCCPA certification.
What Makes This Process Unique
Maryland uses 'delegation agreements' rather than supervision agreements. The Board of Physicians regulates PAs alongside physicians.
PAs must maintain a delegation agreement with a collaborating physician. The delegation agreement defines scope of practice, prescriptive authority, and collaboration requirements.
Prescriptive authority includes controlled substances through Schedule II-V under delegation agreement. Maryland PDMP data is used in prescribing investigations.
Maryland requires PAs to complete 50 hours of CME per biennial renewal and maintain current NCCPA certification. Certification lapses can trigger Board action.
Maryland Physician Rehabilitation Program provides confidential monitoring for PAs with substance use or mental health concerns.
Consent agreements and disciplinary orders are public records, reported to the NPDB, and permanently searchable.
Tips for Responding
- Respond within the timeframe stated in the Board notification (commonly 30 days). Have an attorney review your response before submission. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
- Ensure your delegation agreement is current, properly executed, and accurately reflects your actual scope of practice and prescribing patterns.
- For prescribing complaints, compile your Maryland PDMP data, delegation agreement prescribing provisions, DEA registration, and relevant patient records.
- If offered a consent agreement, review terms carefully with legal counsel. Consent agreements are public, permanent, and reported to national databases. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
- If substance use or mental health concerns are a factor, contact Maryland Physician Rehabilitation Program for confidential support.
- Maintain documentation of NCCPA certification, CME completion, and delegation agreement renewals. Administrative lapses frequently compound clinical complaints.
Helpful Resources
Health Occupations Article, Title 15, Annotated Code of Maryland
Statute governing PA practice in Maryland.
COMAR 10.32.03
Board rules governing PA practice standards and prescriptive authority.
Maryland Board of Physicians
Regulatory body overseeing PA licensure and discipline.
Maryland Physician Rehabilitation Program
Confidential monitoring for health professionals with substance use or mental health concerns.
