For approval, look at the product
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps records of drug product approvals.
As of September 2026, a product’s entry in FDA’s drug directory still does not establish approval.
Ask for the specific product and the current approved label.
Look inside the source drawer
In FDA’s directory, a National Drug Code is the number used to find a product; the code does not show FDA approval.
For a clinician, use the state records
A clinician is the person who assesses or treats you.
New York’s licence verification and doctor conduct records are separate public tools.
The conduct record is relevant for doctors and physician assistants; the Education Department handles the other licensed professions.
Use the full name and profession when checking.
Look inside the source drawer
Finding no public penalty or official order does not tell you how well someone gives care.
A problem report is not proof of cause
An unwanted-event report cannot prove a medicine was the cause, says FDA guidance checked in September 2026.
These reports also cannot be used to calculate how often an event happens.
The number of reports alone cannot tell you whether a medicine caused the problems or how likely they are to happen to you.
Look inside the source drawer
Patients can report product problems through MedWatch, the FDA’s reporting program.
For a doctor or assistant complaint
As checked in September 2026, New York’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct receives written complaints about doctors and physician assistants.
It does not accept those complaints by email or fax.
That office cannot order a doctor to refund a patient.
Look inside the source drawer
The Department of Health’s instructions explain how to file the complaint.
For a nurse or pharmacy complaint
New York’s Office of Professional Discipline handles complaints about nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacies.
Its September 2026 guidance requires a written complaint rather than a complaint made by phone.
Look inside the source drawer
Its enforcement pages describe the written complaint process.
For billing and coverage problems
New York’s Attorney General offers a Health Care Helpline and online complaint route for provider or health-plan billing problems.
It can assign a person to help with the complaint or refer it to the relevant agency.
The office represents the public interest rather than acting as your personal lawyer.
Look inside the source drawer
The Attorney General’s pages distinguish health complaints from other consumer complaints.