An administrative proceeding involving your medical license can be a complicated legal matter. At first glance, it may not appear to bear the same weight as a criminal or civil case, and as a result, many health care professionals make the mistake of trying to handle the process on their own without the assistance of an attorney. As a result, they are left to face the consequences of disciplinary action, which can be devastating to doctors and other professionals who need a license to practice in order to make a living and continue to advance in their careers.
With this in mind, the services of an experienced attorney are crucial to ensure that you handle the process to the best of your ability and that you have the best chance of protecting your license. At The Justice Foundry, we help medical professionals defend their licenses. We will guide and represent you throughout the investigation and any related proceedings.
WHAT CONSEQUENCES CAN I FACE IF I AM UNDER INVESTIGATION?
Investigations of a doctor’s misconduct can come from many different directions. Any medical professional can become the subject of an investigation by their state licensing board for a suspected violation. Doctors who prescribe controlled substances may also be investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and those who receive federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services can be investigated by the Office of Inspector General. Doctors may even be subject to criminal investigations related to allegations of fraud, patient abuse, and illegal distribution of controlled substances, among other offenses.
Often, what at first appears to be a relatively limited, small-scale investigation spirals into a situation that can have much more severe consequences. You could find yourself under multiple investigations at the same time, and as a result, lose your license to practice, your Medicare and Medicaid provider status, your DEA registration, and your board certification. This could bring your career to an abrupt halt and cause serious financial hardship, especially if you are also facing fines and other penalties from a criminal conviction.
HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP WITH THE DISCIPLINARY PROCESS?
The repercussions of an administrative investigation can be financially and professionally ruinous, but an attorney may be able to help you avoid the full extent of their impact. The services of an attorney can be beneficial long before your case advances to the point of a formal hearing. In fact, it is often best to hire an attorney as soon as you know that you are under investigation. Your lawyer can provide valuable counsel and representation throughout each stage of the process, including:
- Investigation – Acquiring legal representation during an investigation means that you have the right to consult with your attorney before speaking with investigators, and to have your attorney present for any questioning.
- Conferences and Hearings – Informal conferences and formal hearings alike can have a detrimental impact on the outcome of your case if they are mishandled. Your attorney can represent you at a conference to present evidence in your favor and attempt to resolve your case through a fair settlement. If your case proceeds to the point of a formal hearing, it is especially important that you are represented by an attorney who can help you protect your rights and present the strongest possible case to help you avoid disciplinary action.
- Appeal – When a formal hearing results in disciplinary action, your attorney can advise you on the possibility of an appeal based on improper or unfair handling of your investigation or hearing, and work with you to initiate the process and present your argument.
- Reinstatement – If your license is suspended or revoked, your attorney can help you explore your options for having it restored or reinstated in the future, possibly allowing you to return to your practice.
DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH A DALLAS, TX MEDICAL LICENSE DEFENSE LAWYER
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals who are under investigation can learn more about defending their licenses by contacting us today for a free consultation. We represent licensed professionals in Dallas, Plano, Rockwall, Park Cities, Highland Park, North Dallas, and all of the DFW Metroplex.
