The Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants is under scrutiny for its prolonged complaint resolution process, according to a recent audit. The Arizona Auditor General’s report highlights significant delays in handling complaints, raising concerns about the efficiency of the board’s operations.
Audit Findings on Complaint Resolution
In the latest report, auditors revealed that during the fiscal year 2024, the board took approximately six months to resolve 94% of the complaints. The report emphasized the absence of a predefined timeframe for addressing these grievances, which could contribute to the lengthy resolution period.
One notable case cited by the auditors involved a complaint that remained unresolved for over two years. This particular case involved an allegation against a licensee accused of prescribing medication without a proper understanding of its use, highlighting the potential risks of such delays.
Response from the Board
Raquel Rivera, the executive director of the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants, acknowledged the audit’s findings. She stated that the board is actively working on implementing the recommended changes to improve the complaint resolution process. Rivera emphasized the board’s commitment to addressing the issues identified in the audit.
—
Read More Arizona News