Des Moines, Iowa-based Hamza Alsayouf, MD, has sued the state's Board of Medicine to gain investigative files, alleging the board violated state law by withholding information on him, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported July 8.
The complaint alleges that board staff sent him an inquiry about foreign criminal allegations on Feb. 29. Dr. Alsayouf told the board he knew nothing about the alleged criminal matters, according to the report, and asked the board to turn over its files so he can respond to the inquiry.
The lawsuit alleges the board’s executive director denied the request.
Dr. Alsayouf alleges that the board's refusal prevents him from participating in the investigation. He is asking the court to order the board to turn over the entire file and block the board from pursuing any action until the issue of access is decided.
The board argues that “releasing the investigative file prior to discipline could have a chilling effect on the process and the board’s ability to conduct meaningful investigations into complaints against licensees," according to the report.
A court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.