Getting a DORA complaint feels like a punch to the gut. Your mind immediately starts racing with questions, and the biggest one usually is “Will I lose my license?”
I wish I could give you a simple answer, but every case is different. Your colleague might tell you it took three months to hear from the DORA Board after they filed their response while someone else warns you about waiting over a year. The reality is that most DORA boards take about 6 months to inform you of their decision about your complaint.
Why the Timeline Varies So Much
The length of how long it takes for the Board to review your response to a complaint depends on several factors. One important factor is that many of the DORA boards receive 500-600 complaints each year. The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations aims to have Board responses sent to you within 180 days.
Simple complaints about billing or communication issues move faster than complex patient safety cases. If your situation involves multiple patients, complicated procedures, or questions about your scope of practice, expect it to take longer.
Cases also slow down when investigators need expert opinions on healthcare issues, when multiple people have filed complaints about you, or when DORA gets backed up with other cases. Sometimes investigators will dig deeper if your initial response raises more questions than it answers.
What to Expect During Your Investigation
The First 30 Days are Critical
You’ll have 10-30 days to respond to DORA’s complaint letter. This response period is crucial because it is your chance to get the case dismissed or plead for a lesser sanction. A thorough, well-organized response can actually speed up the process by giving the Board what they need to thoroughly review your response.
Don’t waste time in finding an attorney. An experienced attorney is likely to have several cases and can’t help you if you wait too long. As quickly as possible, start gathering all relevant documents so a response can be written clearly and address every allegation in the complaint. A poorly drafted response could lead to a more involved investigation.
The Long Quiet Period
After you submit your response, you’ll enter what feels like a black hole. You might not hear anything for months, and that silence can be maddening. During this time, investigators may be working through their caseload, reviewing your records, interviewing witnesses, and possibly consulting with expert witnesses. Or, Board complaints are backed up and there hasn’t been time to get to yours yet. Just know that the lack of communication doesn’t necessarily mean anything bad is happening.
The Decision Phase
Once on the Board agenda, your board will review the case including your response. This is when the Board decides whether to take disciplinary action on your case, or not. Complex cases or situations where discipline is likely may go to an investigator who will try to find more information.
What Slows Things Down
Some investigations stretch well beyond the 6-8 month mark. This usually happens when new complaints come in while yours is being investigated, when they discover other issues during their review.
Watch for warning signs like requests for additional documents months after your initial response, questions about issues not mentioned in the original complaint, or requests to interview more people from your practice. These often signal that your case is getting more complicated.
How You Can Influence the Timeline
While you can’t control everything, you can influence how smoothly your case moves through the system. Respond completely and promptly to every request. Stay professional in all your communications.
Getting legal help early can make a real difference. An attorney who handles DORA cases knows what information a board considers and can help you by presenting nformation in the best possible light. An experienced attorney can also spot potential issues and address them right away so that your case doesn’t become more complex.
Legal representation is essential whether your case seems simple or complex. The right attorney can protect your license while helping navigate the process more efficiently.
The Bottom Line
The key to getting the best outcome of a DORA complaint is to be honest, respond thoroughly, fully cooperate, and getting proper legal guidance. Good preparation and the right help can make the difference between a smooth resolution and a drawn-out ordeal.
Facing a DORA investigation right now? You don’t have to handle this alone. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation where we can talk about your specific situation and develop a strategy to protect your license while moving through this process as efficiently as possible.
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