Medical Board Investigator

at State of Vermont in Waterbury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Conducts confidential investigations of allegations of unprofessional conduct on the part of health care professionals licensed by the Board of Medical Practice (Physicians, Podiatrists, Physician Assistants, and residents who hold limited training licenses) or certified by the Board (Anesthesiologist Assistants and Radiologist Assistants). Allegations in complaints may include patient abuse, unlicensed medical practice, improper or inadequate medical record keeping, substance abuse or drug diversion, unsafe or inadequate care, and many other forms of unprofessional conduct.

Investigators must interview witnesses, examine records and documents, collect evidence, participate in analysis of evidence with Board members and other staff, and testify in depositions and contested case hearings. In cases that lead to criminal charges, investigators will be required to collaborate with criminal law authorities, assist prosecuting attorneys in trial preparation and strategy, conduct warranted searches, draft affidavits, and testify in court. Other examples of work include supporting the licensing process by gathering information and performing perform background investigations on prospective licensees and conducting outreach activities to the licensed community by participating in training events/panels for licensees. Perform related duties as required.

Work is performed remotely, in the field, or in a standard office setting. Incumbent must be able to work irregular hours in the field as needed. Some evening and weekend work and out-of-state travel may be required. Incumbent may be required to conduct interviews under difficult circumstances. They may interview hospital and office staff, who may be reluctant to offer information that could be damaging to the medical professionals who supervise and/or employ them, and may interview witnesses who are emotional or reluctant to share information about private, medical matters. Strong adversarial opinions and stress may be encountered during investigations. Incumbent may be required to do field work in locations that can present personal security threats. Examples of risks encountered in the past include approaching the home of a licensee known to possess weapons and suspected of mental instability; looking for homeless witnesses on the streets in areas frequented by drug abusers.