2020 ANNUAL REPORT
ABOUT THE BOARD
The 21st General Assembly created the State Board of Medical Examiners in 1886 to license physicians and regulate the practice of medicine. Initially, the Board issued licenses to several classes of physicians, including medical (M.D.), homeopaths, and eclectics.
The Board did not issue licenses for osteopathic physicians until 1902. In 1921, the Legislature created a separate Board to license and regulate osteopaths. In 1963, the Legislature abolished the Osteopathic Board and redefined the State Board of Medical Examiners, making it a composite Board to license allopathic physicians (M.D.s) and osteopathic physicians (D.O.s). In 2007, the Board was renamed the Board of Medicine.
Non-physician “public” members have been on the 10-member Board since 1975.
Since 1994, the Board has regulated acupuncturists, first registering them, then licensing them. Over the past 130 years, the Board has directly or indirectly been responsible for licensure or regulation of other health care providers, including nurses, advanced emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and physician assistants. All of these professions are now licensed and regulated by their own Boards.
In 1996, the Legislature authorized the Board to establish the Iowa Physician Health Committee to administer a program to advocate for and monitor the recovery and rehabilitation of impaired physicians.
In 2015, the Legislature authorized the Board to join the Interstate Medical
In 2019, legislation was approved to license and regulate genetic counselors under the Board beginning in 2020.
IOWA BOARD OF MEDICINE
400 SW Eighth Street, Suite C Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4686
HOURS: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
PHONE: (515) 281-5171
FAX: (515) 242-5908
EMAIL: ibm@iowa.gov
WEB: https://medicalBoard.iowa.gov/
Licensure Compact, which establishes an expedited process for medical licensure in participating states.
The Board regulates the practice of medicine and surgery, acupuncture and genetic counseling under the authority of Iowa Code chapters 17A, 147, 147B, 148, 148E, 272C and Section 653 in the Iowa Administrative Code.
The Board is charged with enforcing these laws and rules to protect the public from licensees who do not practice within prevailing and acceptable standards of care.
The Board is an Executive Branch agency within the Iowa Department of Public Health. The Board is funded entirely with licensure fees.
BOARD MEMBERS
The 10-member Board of Medicine is composed of seven physicians (five M.D.s and two D.O.s) and three non-physicians who represent the public. Members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate for a full three-year term or to complete the unexpired term of a member who resigned. Members receive a per diem and expenses, and can serve up to nine years.
The Board annually elects a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary and is organized into four standing committees, each with five members: Executive, Licensure, Monitoring, and Screening. The Board must be gender balanced and no more than five members can be from the same political party. Physician members must be actively engaged in the practice or the instruction of medicine for a period of five years just preceding the member’s appointment, the last two of which must be in Iowa. Public members have been a part of the Board’s composition since 1975.
The Board safeguards the public health, safety and welfare by:
Licensing qualified physicians, acupuncturists and genetic counselors;
Investigating complaints against physicians, acupuncturists and genetic counselors, establishing peer review committees, taking corrective action, and monitoring those under Board Order;
Operating a program for physicians, acupuncturists and genetic counselors with an impairment;
Defining the scope of medical, acupuncture and genetic counseling practices;
Working cooperatively with certain other agencies, e.g., Board of Physician Assistants, Board of Pharmacy; and
Operating within specified limitations, e.g., public meetings law, public records law, and the waiver and variance law.
2020 MEMBERS & OFFICERS
Warren Gall, M.D., Chair, Dubuque
Ronald Kolegraff, M.D., Vice Chair, Milford
Nikhil Wagle, M.D., Secretary, Bettendorf
Trudy Caviness, Public Member, Ottumwa
Diane Cortese, Public Member, Urbandale
Patricia Fasbender, D.O., West Des Moines
Mary Jo Romanco, Public Member, Pleasantville
Joyce Vista-Wayne, M.D., Clive
Physicians and non-physicians interested in serving on the Board can complete an online application at https://talentbank.iowa.gov or contact the governor’s staff member in charge of appointments at (515) 281-0215.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Iowa Board of Medicine takes seriously its fundamental responsibility to serve the citizens of Iowa by ensuring that physicians and acupuncturists are qualified to practice and that they are adhering to the laws, rules and standards that regulate their practices.
In 2020, the Board:
Administered active licenses for 14,302 physicians and 71 licensed acupuncturists and 140 genetic counselors.
Received 536 complaints and mandatory reports and completed reviews or investigations of 599 case files.
Took 46 public disciplinary actions and voted to issue 65 confidential letters of concerns about licensees’ conduct or practice.
Filed charges against 15 physicians and issued four public consent agreements as a condition for medical licensure.
Assessed civil penalties totaling $42,000 involving 11 physicians.
Initiated action to amend 7 administrative rules and completed a five-year review of the Board’s administrative rules.
Held seven two-day meetings, nine teleconferences and one disciplinary hearing.
Issued 336 medical licenses to physicians who were qualified to use the expedited licensure process established by the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.
Continued a robust educational outreach program to the public and licensees, health care stakeholders, and state and federal government officials.
Participated in training activities and regulatory discussions offered by the Federation of State Medical Boards and the Administrators in Medicine.
The Board places great emphasis on completing timely, fair and complete investigations that result in appropriate action. Concurrently, the Board provides assistance and guidance to licensees through the adoption of rules and regular communications on disciplinary actions and a variety of issues relating to their practices.
In addition, the Board remains a strong supporter of the Iowa Physician Health Program, which facilitates the intervention and rehabilitation of physicians who have mental, physical or chemical dependency issues that, if left untreated or not monitored, could impair their ability to practice safely.
This brief report is a statistical tabulation of the Board’s work during 2020. Behind these numbers are the hard work of a devoted and professional staff and the exceptional public service of dedicated Board members.
The Board has a long history of transparency regarding its licensure, disciplinary and regulatory work, making public documents easily available on the Board’s website. In addition, the agency has provided annual reports such as this one for several decades. Do you want to know more about the Board? Please visit us online at www.medicalboard.iowa.gov or contact me.
KENT NEBEL, J.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IOWA BOARD OF MEDICINE
KENT.NEBEL@IOWA.GOV | PHONE: (515) 281-7088
FY2021 EXPENSE BUDGET
BOARD OF MEDICINE’S EXPENSE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 (JULY 1, 2020,
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021): $5,190, 452. The FY2021 expense budget includes roll-over funds for operations and to cover ongoing expenses for programming the Board’s database and to fund technology upgrades. The Board’s anticipated revenue from licensure fees in FY2021 is $3,543,565. The Board is funded entirely with licensure fees, which have not been increased since FY2007. In FY2014, the Board reduced fees.
2020 MEETINGS
BOARD MEETINGS
February 6-7
March 26-27
May 21-22
July 9-10
August 27-28
October 22-23
December 10-11
TELECONFERENCES
January 10
May 29
July 18
August 29
October 24
December 12
THE BOARD’S WEBSITE: www.medicalboard.iowa.gov
To receive press releases, agendas and other Board news, sign up at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/new?preferences=true
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
The Board of Medicine’s administrative rules, which have the weight of law, are found in Section 653 of the Iowa Administrative Code. Before the Board can adopt a new rule or amend an existing rule, the intended action item must be published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin and reviewed at a public hearing. The proposed change can also be subject to review by the Governor’s Office and by the Administrative Rules Review Committee. In addition, the public can petition the Board to adopt, amend or repeal an administrative rule.
RULEMAKING IN 2020
Subject of Rule Making (For full description, click on ARC number.)
Notice of
Intended Action (NOIA)
Adopted Rule Making
Effective Date
of Adopted Rule Making
Iowa physician health committee and program, amendments to ch 14
ARC 5132C, IAB 08/12/2020
Adopted and Filed ARC 5251C,
IAB 11/04/2020
12/09/2020
Physician supervision of physician assistants, 21.1, 21.4
ARC 5133C, IAB 08/12/2020
Adopted and Filed ARC 5252C,
IAB 11/04/2020
12/09/2020
Standards of practice—medical cannabidiol, 13.15(1)
ARC 5001C, IAB 03/25/2020
Appointment of executive director, 1.3
ARC 4968C, IAB 03/11/2020
Prohibition of licensing sanctions for student loan debt default or delinquency, amend chs 2, 20, 23;
rescind ch 16
ARC 4806C, IAB 12/18/2019
Adopted and Filed ARC 4979C,
IAB 03/11/2020
04/15/2020
Mandatory training for identifying and reporting abuse, 11.4
ARC 4820C, IAB 12/18/2019
Adopted and Filed ARC 4978C,
IAB 03/11/2020
04/15/2020
Expedited licensure for spouses of active duty military service members, amendments to ch 18
ARC 4805C, IAB 12/18/2019
Adopted and Filed ARC 4980C,
IAB 03/11/2020
04/15/2020
IOWA PHYSICIAN HEALTH PROGRAM
The Iowa Physician Health Program (IPHP) is a confidential monitoring program created by the Iowa Board of Medicine in 1996. The IPHP was designed
to protect the public by supporting and monitoring services for physicians whose health conditions may impact their ability to practice medicine safely. The IPHP promotes early intervention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring for physicians with potential impairments caused by a mental health condition, substance use disorder or physical condition. Participants in the
program receive confidential help without board involvement as long as they comply with program expectations. The IPHP monitors treatment progress and work quality. Specific requirements are based on the individual’s illness and risk to patient safety. The program is administered by the Iowa Physician Health Committee, which is appointed by the Board of Medicine. The committee and program are defined in Iowa Administrative Code 653 Chapter 14. Committee members receive a per diem and expenses.
The committee held six meetings in 2020 and met with 17 program participants. Staff members conducted field visits via Zoom, with 8 participants. The program’s budget of
$222,692 in FY2020 is funded entirely with licensure fees. Licensees do not pay additionally to participate in the program, but they are responsible for all costs associated with drug screening, therapy, treatment and so forth.
Staff members of the Board manage the program. The committee’s co-chairs and legal counsel provide guidance on case issues. Members of the committee in 2020:
Eric Boyum, M.D., West Burlington, co-chair
Kim Brangoccio, LMFT, CEAP, IAADC, Des Moines
Martin Carpenter, M.D., Davenport
Jeanine Freeman, J.D., Des Moines
Jeanie Kerber, LISW, MPA, Ph.D., Ankeny
Jeffrey Means, M.Div., Ph.D., Des Moines
Timothy Schurman, M.D., West Des Moines, co-chair
Alfred Fleming, M.D. - Sioux City
Don Woodhouse, M.D. - Medical Director, Board of Medicine
Kent Nebel, J.D. - Executive Director, Board of Medicine
Amy Van Maanen, LBSW, is the program’s coordinator and Emily Zalasky, LBSW, is the program’s case manager. Kristi Traynor, Emily Willits, Jordan Esbrook, all from the Iowa Attorney General’s office, provided legal counsel for the program and the committee in 2020.
(TOTALS ON DECEMBER 31)
2019
2020
(PARTICIPANTS' DIAGNOSES)
2019
2020
Active Participants
40
35
Substance use
11
8
In review for eligibility
6
8
Mental health
5
5
Physicians
43
43
Physical condition
0
0
Resident physicians
3
0
Multiple diagnoses
24
22
Discharged
35
23
Noticed for violations
5
5
LICENSURE
JANUARY 1-DECEMBER 31
2018
2019
2020
Active M.D. licenses
10,651
10,651
11,910
Active D.O. licenses
2,096
2,096
2,366
TOTAL
12,747
13,118
14,276
Active M.D.s with Iowa work address
5,281
5,281
5246
Active D.O.s with Iowa work address
1,397
1,397
1454
TOTAL
6,678
6,678
6700
PERMANENT PHYSICIAN LICENSE
Issued by endorsement
674
714
836
Issued by expedited endorsement
23
0
0
Issued by examination
290
236
241
Licensed through Interstate Compact
219
272
336
TOTAL
1,206
1,222
1,413
Application denied
0
0
0
Confidential letter about application
51
7
65
Relinquished
605
765
Renewed
5,825
5,882
5956
Went inactive
874
906
268
Reinstated
96
80
59
ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICINE LICENSE
Issued
6
5
10
Renewed
7
3
13
ACTIVE
16
17
26
RESIDENT PHYSICIAN LICENSE
Issued
322
316
300
Renewed
28
0
0
ACTIVE
827
841
996
SPECIAL PHYSICIAN LICENSE
Issued
3
10
4
Renewed
28
29
32
Went inactive
1
2
0
ACTIVE
31
37
36
TEMPORARY PHYSICIAN LICENSE
Issued
3
1
3
Renewed
0
0
1
Went inactive
5
2
0
ACTIVE
1
1
4
ACUPUNCTURIST LICENSE
Issued
2
4
0
Renewed
62
0
4
Went inactive
0
5
0
ACTIVE
67
71
71
GENETIC COUNSELOR LICENSE
Issued
N/A
61
141
PHYSICIAN LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Waivers granted
7
1
0
Waivers denied
1
0
0
IOWA MEDICAL LICENSES
PERMANENT – A license to practice in any setting in Iowa. It’s a two-year license that can be renewed.
RESIDENT – A license to practice in a Board- approved resident training program in Iowa. The license is issued for the duration of the training program.
SPECIAL – A license to practice by a highly specialized physician who is a medical college faculty member at the University of Iowa or Des Moines University who does not meet qualifications for permanent licensure.
TEMPORARY – A license authorizing a physician to practice in a short-term Board-approved practice setting such as medical director of a camp.
ADMINISTRATIVE – A
license for a non-clinical, administrative position in medicine not involving patient care.
INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT
Source: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission)
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact creates a new pathway to expedite the licensing of physicians seeking to practice medicine in multiple states. States participating in the Compact agree to work together in new ways to significantly streamline the licensing process and to strengthen public protection by sharing investigative and disciplinary information. Thousands of physicians have used the expedited licensure process since it began in April 2017.
The Compact currently includes 30 states, the District of Columbia and the Territory of Guam. In these jurisdictions, physicians are licensed by 43 different medical and osteopathic boards. Other states are currently in the process of introducing legislation to adopt the Compact. The IMLCC has prepared a short video that discusses the IMLCC and provides additional information. Overview of the IMLCC.
To be eligible for expedited licensure, physicians must possess a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a Compact state; possess specialty certification or be in possession of a time unlimited specialty certificate; have no discipline on any state medical license; have no discipline related to controlled substances; not be under investigation by any licensing or law enforcement agency; have passed each component/step of the USMLE or COMLEX (or equivalent) within three attempts; and have successfully completed a graduate medical education program. Approximately 80 percent of physicians licensed in the U.S. meet the criteria for licensure through the Compact.
A commission oversees the administration of the Compact. Iowa’s commissioners are Mary Jo Romanco, a public member of the Board, and Warren Gall, a physician member of the Board. More information about the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact is available at www.imlcc.org
ENFORCEMENT
JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31
2017
2018
2019
2020
COMPLAINTS, MANDATORY REPORTS
Complaints
443
516
540
416
Reports
218
133
120
120
TOTAL
661
649
660
536
Complaint files closed
441
421
478
465
Report files closed
222
157
136
134
TOTAL
663
578
614
599
Complaint investigations open on 12/31
344
391
455
179
Report investigations open on 12/31
88
59
65
43
TOTAL
432
450
520
222
PUBLIC CHARGES & CONSENT AGREEMENTS
24
22
19
19
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
License revocation/surrender
7
5
1
6
License suspension
4
1
0
1
License probation
4
9
5
3
Civil penalty
11
12
11
11
Public citation and warning
17
21
14
19
Practice restriction
4
10
5
6
TOTAL FORMAL (PUBLIC) ACTIONS
47
58
36
46
Confidential letter about practice or conduct
76
111
91
65
Licensees monitored by the Board on 12/31
61
60
59
50
PUBLIC LETTER TO CEASE AND DESIST
0
0
0
0
OVERVIEW OF COMPETENCY COMPLAINT PROCESS
PEER REVIEW OF CASE
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADJUDICATION
CASE SET FOR HEARING
BOARD DETERMINES ACTION
LICENSEE AND COMPLAINANT NOTIFIED
CASE OPENED, INVESTIGATION BEGUN
COMPLAINT ASSESSED
COMPLIANCE SUMMARY - 2020 CHARGES, AGREEMENTS:
OUTCOMES:
Complaints are most often handled in one of three ways
1. NO ACTION. This is the result when no violation of laws, rules or medical care standards has occurred. The licensee and complainant are notified and the information is kept on file.
2. INFORMAL ACTION. There may be no violation of laws, rules or medical care standards that warrants public action, but the Board is nonetheless concerned about some aspect of the licensee's conduct or performance. The Board will issue a confidential letter of education or warning cautioning the licensee against repeating similar conduct or practice. Complainant is notified that no formal disciplinary action has been taken.
3. PUBLIC CHARGES FILED. The Board determines there is a violation of laws, rules or medical care standards and files public charges and a disciplinary hearing is scheduled.
In 2020, the Board of Medicine filed Charges against 19 physicians involving issues related to their practices in Iowa or related to adverse actions taken against them by another state’s medical licensing Board. Total charges listed below exceed 18 because some physicians were charges with more than one count. The total charges include three Consent Agreements as a condition for granting an Iowa medical license, publicly recognizing adverse action taken against applicants by another
state’s licensing Board.
CHARGES:
Discipline by Another Licensing Authority* – 1 Felony Criminal Conviction – 3
Health Condition – 1
Improper Pain Management – 1 Improper Prescribing – 3 Professional Incompetency – 1 Sexual Misconduct – 1
Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct – 2 Unprofessional Conduct - 2
Violation of the Standards of Practice for Telemedicine - 1
CONSENT AGREEMENT FOR LICENSURE:
(Agreement puts public on notice of action against applicant by Iowa’s or another state’s medical licensing Board)
Discipline by Another Licensing Authority* – 2 Employment Termination – 1
Restriction of Privileges – 1
(*Actions were taken against these three physicians in other states for these issues: Discipline by Another Licensing Authority – 1; Failure to Conform to the Standards of Acceptable and Prevailing Medical Practice and the Ethics of the Medical Profession – 1; Failure to Comply with an Order Issued by the Disciplining Authority or a Stipulation for Informal Disposition Entered into with the Disciplining Authority – 1; Felony Criminal Conviction – 1; Incompetence, Negligence, or Malpractice which Results in Injury to a Patient or Which Creates an Unreasonable Risk That a Patient May Be Harmed
– 1; Unprofessional Conduct – 2)
IOWA BOARD OF MEDICINE | PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF IOWANS
COMPLIANCE SUMMARY - 2020 INFORMAL ACTIONS
When the Board of Medicine determines that probable cause does not exist to take formal public disciplinary action the Board may send a confidential non-disciplinary letter to a licensee expressing concerns and requesting that a licensee take corrective action. In 2020, the Board voted to issue 65 confidential letters addressing the following concerns:
FEBRUARY 6-7 MEETING – 10 LETTERS
Concerns about a physician’s placement of a patient’s gastric tube.
Concerns about a physician’s failure to address a patient’s abnormal CT scan of the chest resulting in the delayed diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Concerns about a physician’s failure to personally assess a psychiatric patient in the emergency department.
Concerns about a physician’s failure to document the need for an early induction of delivery and a patient’s C-section.
Concerns that a physician mistakenly switched the pathology reports for two patients resulting in an unnecessary surgical procedure for one patient and the delayed diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer for the other patient.
Concerns that a physician failed to provide complete, accurate and truthful information on their license renewal application.
Concerns that a physician failed to provide necessary information on an application for an Iowa medical license and failed to update their address and telephone number with the Board.
Concerns that a physician was disciplined by another state licensing Board for alcohol abuse.
Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct
Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct
MARCH 26-27 MEETING – 16 LETTERS
Injured a patient’s left eye while performing an incision and drainage of a chalazion of the left upper eyelid.
Performing excessive liver biopsies.
Not recording accurate blood pressures for patients.
Failed to timely perform a lumbar puncture and failed to timely diagnose bacterial meningitis.
Failed to timely perform a lumbar puncture and failed to timely diagnose bacterial meningitis.
Did not examine a patient who was subsequently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
Did not examine a patient who was subsequently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and that the physician provided false testimony in a civil lawsuit.
Failed to timely complete their Interstate Medical Licensure Compact renewal application.
Read the wrong cardiac strip for a patient.
Failed to address an abnormal mri result.
Failed to call another physician with the results of an abnormal mri.
Prescribed combinations of opioids, benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants to patients without appropriate monitoring.
Made an unprofessional comment to a child patient.
Took pain medication intended for spouse.
Failed to timely diagnose and/or inform a female patient about an ovarian cyst.
Disciplined in another state for improper prescribing.
April 23 teleconference – 2 letters
Failed to establish a written supervisory agreement with a physician assistant.
Failure to provide truthful, accurate or complete information on license application.
May 14-15 meeting – 6 letters
Failed to diagnose a patient who was suffering from a heart attack.
Failed to timely respond to an audit of the continuing medical education credits required for renewal of his Iowa medical license.
Prescribed combinations of opioids, benzodiazepines and sedatives to patients without appropriate monitoring.
Prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines to a female co-worker without performing or documenting appropriate examinations and monitoring and without maintaining appropriate medical records.
Disciplined in another state for violating the laws and rules governing the practice of telemedicine.
Failure to provide truthful, accurate or complete information on license application.
July 9-10 meeting – 6 letters
Charged with domestic violence.
Performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a patient that resulted serious complications.
Failed to perform a biopsy on a patient who was suffering from bladder cancer.
Failed to perform appropriate examinations and failed to provide appropriate medical care to multiple patients.
Disciplined in another state for engaging in substance abuse.
Failed to provide appropriate supervision to a physician assistant who prescribed excessive amounts of opioids to patients without appropriate evaluation and monitoring.
Engaged in a minor violation of professional boundaries.
Engaged in disruptive behavior.
Concerns about opioid prescribing.
Concerns about prescribing practices.
Misread an mri.
Failed to diagnose an infection in a timely manner.
Failed to take an adequate patient history.
Disciplined in another state for violating the laws and rules governing the practice of telemedicine.
Failure to provide truthful, accurate or complete information on license application.
Failure to provide truthful, accurate or complete information on license application.
Failure to provide truthful, accurate or complete information on license application.
Concerns about telemedicine services provided to patients in Iowa.
Concerns about post-operative care to a patient.
Concerns about wound care to a patient.
Concerns about medication error to a patient.
Failed to perform an appropriate mental health assessment of a patient.
Failure to provide truthful, accurate or complete information on license application.
December 10-11 meeting – 8 letters
Concerns about spinal surgery for a patient.
Concerns about supervision of staff at a medical spa.
Concerns about the workup of a patient in the emergency room.
Disciplined in another state for violating the laws and rules governing the practice of telemedicine.
Concerns about the termination of a patient.
Concerns about the workup of a patient.
Concerns about the postoperative care to a patient.
Knowingly submitted false information on license application.
CIVIL PENALTIES
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
TOTAL LICENSEES
17
17
11
12
11
11
DOLLAR AMOUNT
1,000
2
1
0
0
0
3
1,500
0
0
0
0
0
1
2,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
2,500
1
3
4
1
5
2
3,000
1
0
0
0
1
0
5,000
7
12
5
11
5
3
7,500
2
0
0
0
0
1
10,000
4
1
2
0
0
1
TOTAL PENALTIES
$97,500
$78,500
$55,000
$57,500
$40,500
$ 42,000
The Board may issue an order to discipline a licensee, including imposing a civil penalty (fine) not to exceed $10,000. Penalties are deposited in the general fund of the State of Iowa. The Board does not benefit from the fines it imposes. The Board is funded with licensure fees.
Archer, David R.
Jovanovich, Alexandar
Peterson, Paul D.
Brownell, Travis R.B.
Kuiper, Nicholas J.
Picardi, Edward J.
Chau, Patrick Kin-Yee
Latella, Joseph X.
Ray, Subir
Chmielewski, Albert T.
LeClair, Erica N.
Rosman, Mary P.
De Young, Barry R.
Leeds, Timothy G.
Schope, Ronald W.
Doorenbos, Roy A.
Lewis, Danny, Jr.
Shah, Nickesh P.
Dowell, Richard L.
Lu, Kang
Sharma, Ramesh C.
Ellingson, Derek J.
Nau, Scott K.
Smith, Denice N.
England, Russell D.
Nayima, Vuong A.
Steinmann, Edward A., Jr.
Friemel, Susannah P.
Onuigbo, Anthony A.
Stubbs, Christopher F.
George, Ted P.
Parvin, Dara
Zoelle, Jeffrey T.
David R. Archer, M.D. License No.: MD-25222 Date of Order: 07/09/2020
Action: Terms of June 3, 2016, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of June 3, 2016, Order.
Travis R.B. Brownell, M.D. License No.: MD-36259 Date of Order: 03/13/2020
Action: Terms of August 8, 2014, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of August 8, 2014, Order.
Patrick Kin-Yee Chau, M.D. License No.: MD-47041 Date of Order: 02/13/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning. Basis: Action taken by the Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission and the Medical Board of California.
Albert T. Chmielewski, M.D. License No.: MD-42839 Date of Order: 03/26/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; voluntary surrender of Iowa medical license. Basis: Felony Criminal Conviction.
Barry R. De Young, M.D. License No.: MD-33708 Date of Order: 03/26/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; Ordered to provide written notice at least 30 days prior to applying for reactivation of Iowa medical license. Basis: Action taken by the North Carolina Medical Board.
Roy A. Doorenbos, M.D. License No.: MD-25226 Date of Order: 02/06/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; voluntary surrender of Iowa medical license. Basis: Sexual Misconduct.
Richard, L. Dowell, D.O. License No.: DO-03428 Date of Order: 10/23/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; ordered to complete Board- approved medical record keeping course; and ordered to write personal statement to the Board. Basis: Failure to Respond to or Comply with a Board Investigation.
Derek J. Ellingson, D.O. License No.: DO-05620 Date of Order: 06/30/2020
Action: Granted permanent Iowa medical license; issued Citation and Warning; ordered to establish a monitoring program for a period of no less than one (1) year. Basis: Employment Termination.
Russell D. England, M.D. License No.: MD-23126 Date of Order: 07/09/2020
Action: Terms of June 8, 2018, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated.
Basis: Successfully completed terms of June 8, 2018, Order.
Susannah P. Friemel, M.D. License No.: MD-37387 Date of Order: 08/28/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; professional ethics program. Basis: Improper Prescribing.
Ted P. George, D.O. License No.: DO-01875 Date of Order: 05/15/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; ordered to pay a $2,500 civil penalty; ordered to complete Board-approved record keeping course; prohibited from prescribing, administering or dispensing controlled substances for the treatment of chronic pain; and ordered to participate in Board audits of controlled substance prescribing for a period of two years. Basis: Improper Pain Management.
Alexandar Jovanovich, M.D. License No.: MD-44840 Date of Order: 08/28/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; corrective action. Basis: Violation of the Standards of Practice for Telemedicine.
Nicholas J. Kuiper, D.O. License No.: DO-03744 Date of Order: 03/12/2020
Action: Agreed to no engage in any aspect of the practice of medicine under Iowa medical license. Basis: Violated professional boundaries and pending criminal charges.
Nicholas J. Kuiper, D.O. License No.: DO-03744 Date of Order: 12/28/2020
Action: Terms of March 12, 2020, Stipulated Order – Agreement Not to Practice terminated; Agreed to only practice medicine in a Board- approved practice setting. Basis: Violated professional boundaries and pending criminal charges.
Joseph X. Latella, D.O. License No.: DO-01432 Date of Order: 10/23/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; Voluntary surrender of Iowa medical license. Basis: Felony Criminal Conviction.
Erica N. LeClair, M.D. License No.: MD-39619 Date of Order: 10/23/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; and ordered to complete the Professional/Problem Based Ethics (ProBE) program. Basis: Unprofessional Conduct.
Timothy G. Leeds, M.D. License No.: MD-27989 Date of Order: 07/09/2020
Action: Terms of July 27, 2018, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of July 27, 2018, Order.
Danny Lewis, Jr., M.D. License No.: MD-44473 Date of Order: 03/26/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; ordered to complete professional boundaries program; placed on probation for a period of three to five years. Basis: Sexual Misconduct.
Kang Lu, M.D.
License No.: MD-40062 Date of Order: 10/23/2020
Action: Voluntary surrender of Iowa medical license.
Basis: Action taken by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine; and Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct.
Scott K. Nau, M.D. License No.: MD-21668 Date of Order: 04/23/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; ordered to complete professional ethics program. Basis: Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct.
Vuong A. Nayima, D.O. License No.: DO-04341 Date of Order: 08/28/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; professional ethics program; mental health medication management course. Basis: Improper Prescribing.
Anthony A. Onuigbo, M.D. License No.: MD-34017 Date of Order: 08/28/2020
Action: Voluntary surrender of Iowa medical license. Basis: Health condition which impairs ability to practice medicine.
Dara Parvin, M.D. License No.: MD-42255
Date of Order: 11/19/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; prohibited from using social medical to contact patients outside of physician-patient relationship or to make unwanted advances toward colleagues or co-workers; placed on probation; and referred to the Iowa Physician Health Program (IPHP). Basis: Unprofessional Conduct.
Paul D. Peterson, D.O. License No.: DO-03181 Date of Order: 07/09/2020
Action: Terms of July 29, 2016, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of July 29, 2016, Order.
Edward J. Picardi, M.D. License No.: MD-47574 Date of Order: 06/30/2020
Action: Granted permanent Iowa medical license; issued Citation and Warning. Basis: Felony Conviction; Action taken by the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
Subir Ray, M.D. License No.: MD-39143
Date of Order: 05/15/2020
Action: Terms of October 25, 2013, Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of October 25, 2013, Order.
Mary P. Rosman, D.O. License No.: DO-02054 Date of Order: 03/26/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; Placed on probation for a period of five years; prohibited from prescribing administering or dispensing controlled substances for the treatment of chronic pain under Iowa medical license; Permanently prohibited from engaging in the practice of telemedicine; and Prohibited from engaging in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease or treating patients she previously treated or Lyme disease. Basis: Improper Management of Medical Records.
Ronald W. Schope, M.D. License No.: MD-18684 Date of Order: 10/23/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; and ordered to complete a Board- approved continuing medical education course on proper prescribing of controlled substances. Basis: Improper Prescribing.
Ronald W. Schope, M.D. License No.: MD-18684 Date of Order: 12/10/2020
Action: Terms of October 23, 2020, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of October 23, 2020, Order.
Nickesh P. Shah, M.D. License No.: MD-40962 Date of Order: 12/10/2020
Action: Issued Citation and Warning; assessed civil penalty; ordered to complete professional/Problem Based Ethics (ProBE) program; medical license suspended for minimum of one year. Basis: Criminal Conviction; and
Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct.
Ramesh C. Sharma, M.D. License No.: MD-41590 Date of Order: 10/23/2020
Action: Voluntary surrender of Iowa medical license. Basis: No longer practices medicine in the state of Iowa; license is inactive; and no intention of practicing in Iowa or under Iowa medical license.
Denice N. Smith, M.D. License No.: MD-36396 Date of Order: 12/10/2020
Action: Prohibition for prescribing, administering or dispensing narcotics for the treatment of chronic pain terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of July 10, 2015, Order.
Edward Steinmann, Jr., D.O. License No.: DO-02461 Date of Order: 08/28/2020
Action: Terms of July 29, 2016, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of July 29, 2016, Order.
Christopher F. Stubbs, M.D. License No.: MD-43351 Date of Order: 10/27/2020
Action: Terms of October 27, 2017, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement terminated. Basis: Successfully completed terms of October 27, 2017, combined Statement of Charges and Settlement Agreement.
ALTERNATE MEMBERS
Alternate members of the Board of Medicine play an important role in contested case hearings. Up to three alternates can serve on a six-member panel for a hearing when a quorum (six members) of the 10 current members of the Board is not available. Since it was authorized by law in 2008 and implemented in 2009, the Alternate pool is routinely tapped for hearings. Alternates are recommended by the Board, but must be approved by the Governor. An Alternate’s term is nine years. Alternates receive a per diem and expenses. Alternates serving in 2019 were:
ALTERNATE MEMBERS APPOINTED
Ronald Cheney, D.O., Carroll May 17, 2018
Analisa Haberman, D.O., Mason City August 21, 2012
John Marshall, M.D., Council Bluffs August 21, 2012
Janece Valentine, Fort Dodge July 8, 2012
CONTESTED CASE HEARINGS
2015
2017
2018
2019
2020
HEARING
1
1
0
2
1
HEARING USING ALTERNATES
1
0
0
1
0
SETTLED WITHOUT HEARING
25
19
23
15
22
PEER REVIEWS
In addition to three public members, the Board of Medicine includes seven physicians, representing at most seven specialties. Complaints about Iowa physicians, however, cross the spectrum of specialties, from anesthesiology to urology. Therefore, in competency issues expertise in a given case may not be available on the Board when the case is discussed. If, after a case has been investigated and discussed at the Board level, specialty expert opinion is needed to fairly determine if the standard of care has or has not been met, a formal peer review may be requested. Don Woodhouse, M.D., the Board’s medical advisor, will recruit physicians to serve on a committee to review a case file, which includes the investigative report, interviews with the complainant, witnesses and the physician involved, and pertinent medical records. The peer reviewers then discuss their findings and determinations amongst themselves and submit a formal report to the Board for consideration. Iowa physicians who are interested in serving as a peer reviewer may contact Dr. Woodhouse at (515) 242-3229. An instruction manual for peer reviewers is available at www.medicalboard.iowa.gov
PEER REVIEWS
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
ORDERED
8
17
12
5
10
COMPLETED
6
16
9
6
9
The Board of Medicine is fortunate to have dedicated, competent personnel who take their jobs, and the Board’s mission, seriously. Every day, these men and women perform licensure and regulatory enforcement duties that enable the Board to protect the health of Iowans.
IOWA BOARD OF MEDICINE
400 SW Eighth Street, Suite C Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4686
HOURS: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
PHONE: (515) 281-5171
FAX: (515) 242-5908
E-MAIL: ibm@iowa.gov
WEB: www.medicalboard.iowa.gov
ADMINISTRATION
Kent Nebel, J.D., Executive Director
Shantel Billington, Office Manager
Steve Ervin, Information Technology Specialist
Joseph Fraioli, J.D., Director of Legal Affairs
Chrissy Greco, Assistant to the Executive Director
Donald Woodhouse, M.D., Medical Advisor
LICENSURE
Annie Hoffmann, Director of Licensure
Jaime Dunbar, Licensing Specialist
Cheryl Gravett, Licensing Specialist
Judy Hojati, Renewal Coordinator
Melissa Nelsen, Licensing Specialist
ENFORCEMENT
Anne Schlepphorst, C.M.B.I., Chief Investigator
Brandi Allen, C.M.B.I.*, Investigator
Luann Brickei, Support Coordinator
Jerome Hill, C.M.B.I.*, Investigator
Jennifer Huisman, C.M.B.I.*, Investigator
Aaron Kephart, C.M.B.I.*, Investigator
David McGlaughlin, C.M.B.I.*, Investigator
Vacant, Investigator
Kari Rolls, Administrative Assistant
Andrew Rupiper, Support Coordinator
Laura Wood, C.M.B.I.*, Investigator
Emily Zalasky, L.B.S.W., Monitoring Coordinator
IOWA PHYSICIAN HEALTH PROGRAM
Amy Van Maanen, L.B.S.W., Program Coordinator
Natalie Lyons, BS IADC, Case Manager
IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE
Anaghat Dixit, J.D., Assistant Attorney General
*Certified Medical Board Investigator by Administrators in Medicine and Federation of State Medical Board
COVER ARTWORK: Shutterstock & Iowa Board of Medicine Logo
