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 North Carolina, which we will continue to update as the series progresses.
Key fact: The AJC found that the North Carolina Medical Board issues private letters of concern to some doctors accused of sexual misconduct with patients.
“Because of the control exercised by the Medical Society, the Medical Board has repeatedly failed to fulfill its duty to identify, investigate and prosecute physicians who endanger North Carolina patients.”
— Allegation in a 2007 lawsuit brought by a physician and three patients claiming that the North Carolina Medical Society wielded too much influence in the selection of physicians to the state board. They dropped the suit after a new state law was enacted to change the selection process.
Dr. Epifanio Rivera-Ortiz
After a patient went to police alleging the doctor had touched her in an inappropriate manner during a 2009 exam, Rivera-Ortiz pleaded guilty and surrendered his license.
Another patient had made a similar complaint seven years earlier, saying Rivera-Ortiz had digitally penetrated her and exposed himself during an appointment. But police didn’t pursue that case, and the board only “encouraged” him to use a chaperone.
That patient sued the doctor, who admitted in a deposition that his genitals were exposed during the patient’s exam; he claimed the patient initiated sexual contact.
The civil jury believed the victim’s account and found the doctor negligent in that case.
Rivera-Ortiz has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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