Arizona

Each state has its own set of statutes and regulations on licensing doctors, accommodating patients who wish to file complaints, and releasing information about physicians who have been subject to discipline and legal action. On this page, we’re sharing the key findings regarding Arizona, which we will continue to update as the series progresses.

Key fact: Physicians whose licenses are revoked by any other jurisdiction may not be licensed in Arizona.

Researching a doctor

  • Accurate records of sexual abuse accusations against doctors are not always easily accessible. In Arizona, the Arizona Medical Board and the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery regulate medical professionals. Though each board issues its own decisions and has its own website, all actions are kept in one searchable database. Please note that license search results typically include all public disciplinary actions, not just those involving sexual misconduct, and can sometimes include vague language. Also, some states deal with some disciplinary issues privately; private board orders are not included.

Where to file a complaint

Quoted

“[He] felt his wife imposed undue financial expectations upon him, and that his efforts to meet those expectations in the form of working harder and harder were never properly acknowledged.”

— Board summary of a doctor’s explanation for why he had had two patients perform oral sex on him.

Highlighted case

Dr. Richard Lewis

In 2009, Lewis was indicted on 61 sex-related offenses involving 19 patients. He agreed to voluntarily suspend his practice.

He struck a plea deal in 2012 admitting guilt to 18 counts of aggravated assault, but these were not sex-related charges, so he did not have to register as a sex offender. For each count he got supervised probation, though he had to serve a year in jail.

The only board action shown on the Arizona Medical Board’s website was the 2012 revocation of his license. Efforts to reach Lewis for comment have been unsuccessful.

             
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