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Questions Often Asked by Licensees
I am about to retire - What do I need to do?
1. I am about to retire - what do I do with my patient records? What kind of notice must I give my patients? What kind of notice do I give the Board? May I keep an active license?

How long must I keep my patient records?
2. How long must I keep my patient records?

What do I need to dispense or prescribe controlled substances in Oregon?
3. As a physician do I need a special state license or certification, in addition to my DEA registration, to dispense or prescribe controlled substances in Oregon?

I have a license from another state; can I practice in Oregon?
4. Can a Board licensee practice in Oregon using a license from another state?

I have questions regarding registration renewal.
5. Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Registration Renewal:

Does Oregon law require physician professional corporations to register with the OMB?
6 .Does Oregon law require physician professional corporations to register with the Oregon Medical Board?

What if a complaint is filed against me?
7. Our OMB Newsletter Winter 2006 has an extensive article regarding this matter.

1. I am about to retire - what do I do with my patient records? What kind of notice must I give my patients? What kind of notice do I give the Board? May I keep an active license?
It is suggested that Board licensees who are retiring from the active practice take the following actions:
  • Notify patients by letter of the effective date of your retirement from active practice.
  • Notify patients who do not require the immediate services of a health care provider where their records will be stored and who should be contacted in the event the records are needed. This information should also be reported to the Oregon Medical Board.
  • Advise patients that they may either seek the services of another health care provider or that you will assist them in locating another health care provider through referrals from your office.
  • Advise patients that their records will be forwarded to another provider of their choice upon receipt of a properly signed release form.
  • Advise patients that their office will remain open for a reasonable length of time to facilitate the transfer of records and for the collection of outstanding accounts.
  • Inform the Oregon Medical Board of the correct mailing address after retirement.
Whether or not a Board license can choose to maintain an active license depends on several factors. There are several options available. For questions about license status, call the Board's Registration section and your options will be explained thoroughly.


2. How long must I keep my patient records?

In accordance with Oregon's statute of limitations, the Oregon Medical Association recommends that physicians keep patient records, including those of deceased patients (adults and minors) for a minimum of ten years after the patient's last contact with the physician. If space permits, it is preferable to retain records of all living patients indefinitely. This recommendation applies to other licensees of the Board as well.


3. As a physician do I need a special state license or certification, in addition to my DEA registration, to dispense or prescribe controlled substances in Oregon?

Your DEA registration is sufficient to prescribe controlled substances however any actively licensed Oregon physician who dispenses drugs must register with the Board as a "dispensing physician." Dispensing samples without charge is not considered dispensing.


4. Can a Board licensee practice in Oregon using a license from another state?

No, except under the unique circumstances where a doctor who is licensed and in good standing in another state is employed by a federal installation, such as a veterans' hospital or an Indian reservation. Such a doctor may not practice elsewhere in the state.


5. Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Registration Renewal:

There are so many questions about renewal of license registration, we thought it best to give them their own page. Please go to the new page through this link. Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Registration Renewal. If, after viewing these questions and answers you still need further help, please call our office (971-673-2700 or 877-254-6263) and ask for Registration Section.


6. Does Oregon law require physician professional corporations to register with the Oregon Medical Board?

The Oregon Medical Board does not require physician corporations to register with the agency. However, professional corporations must file with the Office of Secretary of State per Oregon Revised Statue, Chapter 58. The administrative rule (OAR 847-40-005) that used to require this was repealed in 1989. All inquiries should be referred to the Office of Secretary of State at (503)986-2200.


 
Page updated: May 13, 2008

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