In addition, fraudulent claims concerning qualifications and licenses are not uncommon. Doctors, as individuals are no more immune from problems and difficulties then any other professional group. In addition, just because someone presents himself or herself as a doctor by no means ensures they are currently licensed, or ever have been licensed. There is no one place where a medical organization can turn to get definitive information as to a doctor's background and current status. Medical boards in each state handle discipline, and the procedures are not uniform.
Many states lack the staff or funding to seriously pursue complaints.
Investigations can drag on for years, during which time the doctor can continue to practice and the public may not know a complaint is pending. Locating malpractice actions is also limited. Although some medical providers have access to the United States Department of Health and Human Service National Practitioner Databank , even that system is not foolproof. To adequately screen for physician job candidates, a medical organization should conduct two levels of due diligence. First , there is a need to confirm medical credentials.