When to File a Complaint Against a Doctor If you have experienced unprofessional conduct or inadequate care at the hands of a doctor, it is important that you file a complaint with the state medical board in your state. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) provides contact information for every state medical board in the U.S. and its territories. It is important to note that state medical boards do not assist in the preparation of medical malpractice lawsuits. Many patients do not know where to turn when they have concerns about the competency or conduct of a doctor. State medical boards are government agencies empowered to investigate complaints about doctors and, when warranted, take action against them