There are numerous reasons why health care providers can lose their license. The common ones include gross misconduct, incompetence, immoral conduct, criminal convictions, and substance abuse. State laws normally administrate license issues. A physician can choose to surrender their license voluntarily, or the licensing board can revoke it. In order for a doctor to regain their license, they need to make an application for license reinstatement.
Medical license revocation verses license suspension
It is important to establish that license suspension refers to a temporary removal of your license privileges. The suspension can last from a week to about one year. When the license is suspended, the physician is asked to surrender it to the board. The board’s stipulations forbid you from practicing medicine until the license is restored. License revocation, on the other hand, is usually for an indefinite time frame. The license can be reinstated once certain requirements are met such as paying fines, completing a drug rehabilitation program, undertaking a drug screening or obtaining insurance.
Applying for a reinstatement
Once the stipulated waiting period is over, the physician is expected to contact the medical board. The board then issues the petitioner with a form to be filled. The form is referred to as a “Petition for Penalty Relief.” The form has a series of questions such as the address of record, disciplinary history, certificate number and attorney designation where applicable. The questionnaire also features information such as malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, addiction issues and criminal convictions. As evidenced, this process is complex and detailed. It is, therefore, advisable to seek the advice and guidance of a license reinstatement lawyer.
The investigation process
Once the completed questionnaire has been presented to the board, the investigations begin. The office that is nearest to the residential area of the petitioner is tasked with receiving the petition and conducting subsequent investigations. The investigating team will perform record checks, verify the information with the physicians and ask the applicant to verify their narrative statement. Once the verification process is complete, a copy of the revocation decision is attached to the petitioner’s file. The file is then handed over to the deputy attorney general during a hearing. Reinstatement hearings are mainly done in one day or half day.
Reinstatement Hearings
The petitioner should present rehabilitation evidence during the hearing process. The petitioner bears the burden of proof during reinstatement hearings. The board will take into account the reasons for the revocation and petitioner’s rehabilitative efforts. Ultimately, the board will focus more on the gravity of the offense committed. The petitioner should, therefore, do a good job at demonstrating positive rehabilitation efforts since the license was revoked. The hearing process can be rigorous and intense. In light of this, the petitioner needs to be well prepared to give sufficient evidence to warrant a reinstatement.
The best person to guide you through the process is an experience license reinstatement lawyer. These lawyers have worked with other physicians and health care providers who have been in the same predicament. Their experience and expertise can work for you.
Losing a medical license is not an easy thing, and for some people, it may feel like the beginning of the end. The revocation of a medical license can be the result of negligence, incompetence, substance abuse, or fraudulent practices among others. Reinstatement of a medical license is possible, depending on the type of case. A medical license reinstatement lawyer can provide the necessary guidance in the process. Getting your license back is possible but it is not necessarily facile. An attorney who has worked with medical practitioners in the same circumstances will prove helpful. Whether you are a doctor, therapist, nurse, pharmacist or practicing in any medical capacity, you can retain our services to aid in the reinstatement of your license.
Distinguishing Between Revocation and Suspension
There is a difference between a revoked license and one that is just suspended. A suspension means that you have lost your privileges to practice in any medical capacity temporarily. Once the relevant authorities lift the suspension, then you can get back into things. The period you have to wait until the restoration of a license depends on the terms of the suspension. Revocation, on the other hand, is for an indefinite time. Ideally, the holder must fulfill several conditions before the reinstatement of a revoked license. There is a third way that a medical practitioner can lose their license and that is by surrendering. Mostly, a surrendered license comes with some extenuating circumstances that a lawyer can help with.
How we Help
Dealing with a revoked license can be an emotional torment for most people. A medical professional who has been practicing for years will feel lost without their source of livelihood and passion. That emotional attachment may leave you vulnerable and at a loss of how to get your license back. We don’t deal with the same burden. Our objectivity is your advantage. We take apart the situation you are in to see what the proper actions would be. You must understand your position first.
Many variables will contribute to your eligibility for medical license restoration. For example, if there are drug tests, insurance, disciplinary actions, or fines, then we will advise you on how to proceed. In some instances like in substance abuse or injury, you may have to undergo a treatment plan before broaching the subject of reinstatement.
We also stay in contact with the relevant authorities. Approaching the license board can be a daunting task, which is why our lawyers will represent you. There are specific protocols to follow when seeking to have a medical license reinstated. We have the know-how to walk with you through all these procedures to make the experience painless.
If you are in need of medical license defense and restoration services, then we are the healthcare lawyers to call. We will handle the documentation required by the board, advice you on reinstatement conditions, and give the best towards your case. Reinstatement is not usually guaranteed but you can make certain to give it your best, and that is us.
The Devastating Reality of Losing a Medical License
Losing a medical license can be a shattering experience for healthcare providers, as it may feel like the end of their careers. The revocation of a medical license often results from negligence, incompetence, substance abuse, or fraudulent practices, among other reasons. However, it’s important to note that reinstatement of a medical license is possible depending on the specific case. With the guidance of a knowledgeable medical license reinstatement lawyer, regaining a license can be within reach, although the process may be challenging. These legal professionals have extensive experience in helping physicians, therapists, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical providers navigate the complex process of license reinstatement.
Understanding the Difference Between License Revocation and Suspension
Before diving into the reinstatement process, it’s crucial to distinguish between a revoked license and a suspended license. A suspended license means the medical professional temporarily loses the privileges to practice. Once the suspension is lifted, the practitioner can resume their work. On the other hand, license revocation lasts for an indefinite period, with the licensee required to fulfill several conditions before the reinstatement process begins. There’s also the option for the healthcare provider to surrender their license willingly, which usually accompanies extenuating circumstances that a lawyer can help navigate.
How a Medical License Reinstatement Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with a revoked medical license can be an emotionally exhausting ordeal for the affected individual. Without their license, they may feel lost and unsure how to regain their livelihood and pursue their passion. This emotional attachment can be a disadvantage in the reinstatement process. However, a lawyer’s objectivity offers the perfect counterbalance. Medical license reinstatement lawyers can dissect the situation and recommend proper actions based on evidence and experience. Legal experts can also assist with:
- Understanding license eligibility: Lawyers can advise on various factors that contribute to reinstatement eligibility, including drug tests, insurance, disciplinary actions, and fines. They can also provide guidance on treatment plans for cases involving substance abuse or injuries.
- Maintaining contact with relevant authorities: Approaching the licensing board can be an intimidating task, but expert lawyers can effectively represent the individual and ensure that specific protocols are followed.
- Handling documentation and advising on reinstatement conditions: Legal professionals can manage the necessary paperwork required by the board, provide expert advice on meeting reinstatement conditions and give their all to bolster the case.
Table 1: Difference between License Suspension and Revocation
License Suspension |
License Revocation |
Temporary loss of privileges |
Indefinite loss of privileges |
Practitioner can resume work after suspension period |
Licensee required to fulfill several conditions before reinstatement |
Trust in the Expertise of Medical License Restoration Lawyers
For healthcare providers in need of medical license defense and restoration services, a medical license reinstatement lawyer is an invaluable asset. Although reinstatement is never guaranteed, placing trust in these legal professionals and their expertise is the best possible strategy for success. Regaining a medical license can be a challenging journey, but the support and guidance of a seasoned reinstatement lawyer can help pave the way to a triumphant return to the medical profession, giving hope and confidence to those who have dedicated their careers to helping others.