Long Island Doctor License Defense Lawyers: Protecting Medical Professionals’ Careers

Medical professionals on Long Island, like doctors, nurses, and physician assistants, have the critical job of caring for patients and saving lives. However, they also face immense pressure and heavy scrutiny in their work. Even minor mistakes or complaints from disgruntled patients can trigger investigations by oversight agencies like the New York Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC). If found guilty of misconduct, doctors and other practitioners may lose their licenses – destroying their livelihoods and reputations.

That’s why Long Island medical professionals desperately need experienced legal counsel if facing license investigations or disciplinary charges. The right lawyer can defend their interests, protect their licenses, and allow them to continue providing quality care. This article will examine key issues, potential penalties, and how an attorney can help medical professionals on Long Island when dealing with OPMC complaints or actions.

Common Triggers for OPMC Investigations on Long Island

The OPMC receives and investigates complaints against doctors and other medical personnel from various sources, including:

• Disgruntled patients or family members
• Insurance companies
• Former employees
• Competitors
• Hospitals
• State agencies

Even a single complaint – no matter how minor or unfounded – can trigger an OPMC inquiry. The agency diligently examines every allegation, even anonymous or seemingly frivolous ones.

Doctors may also end up under investigation if the OPMC learns of malpractice lawsuit settlements, criminal charges, or other issues from news reports. Basically, anything that raises a question about a practitioner’s competence or character may lead to an OPMC probe.

Consequences of Professional Misconduct Findings on Long Island

If the OPMC substantiates misconduct allegations against a Long Island doctor or medical worker, the consequences can be severe, including:

• License suspension or revocation
• Fines and penalties
• Practice restrictions
• Mandated retraining or supervision
• Public censure

A misconduct finding also brings reputational damage, hospital discipline, reporting to the National Practitioner Data Bank, and other collateral impacts that can irreparably harm a medical career.

Some common types of professional misconduct alleged on Long Island include:

• Negligence
• Inappropriate prescribing
• Substance abuse
• Insurance fraud
• Sexual misconduct
• Poor recordkeeping
• Deceptive advertising
• Patient abandonment

Defending against such allegations and avoiding license discipline is critical for local doctors and medical staff. This is where an experienced Long Island license defense lawyer can help protect both their credentials and livelihood.

Why a Long Island Doctor Needs a License Defense Lawyer

Navigating OPMC investigations and proceedings without legal counsel is extremely unwise for Long Island medical professionals. Anything they say to OPMC investigators can be used against them. Even with seemingly minor complaints, the OPMC will aggressively prosecute if it uncovers evidence of misconduct.

A Long Island doctor license defense lawyer can:

• Advise whether to respond to OPMC inquiries or exercise the right to remain silent
• Represent the doctor in interviews and testimony
• Challenge procedural errors or flaws in the investigation
• Negotiate settlements to avoid formal charges
• Provide strong defense in hearings if charges are filed
• File appeals if necessary

In short, knowledgeable legal counsel levels the playing field and ensures the doctor’s rights are protected throughout the OPMC process. This can make the difference between saving a medical license or losing it.

Long Island Attorneys Handling OPMC License Defense

When their licenses and livelihoods are on the line, Long Island doctors need more than just any lawyer. They need attorneys intimately familiar with OPMC rules and procedures, with a proven track record specifically in license defense cases.

Here are several top law firms and attorneys handling Long Island doctor license defense work:

The Law Offices of Jason Bassett

Jason Bassett is a former Special Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the NY Attorney General’s Office. He now represents doctors, physicians assistants, nurses and other medical professionals in Long Island OPMC investigations and proceedings.

Mr. Bassett is based in Holbrook and serves clients throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. He has over 20 years experience in criminal defense and professional license protection. Mr. Bassett guides clients through each step of the OPMC process to achieve the best possible outcome.

As a former prosecutor, Mr. Bassett has extensive knowledge of the types of complaints that trigger OPMC investigations. Common issues he sees from his clients include:

• Insurance and billing fraud – Such as upcoding services, billing for unnecessary procedures, or using invalid diagnosis codes.
• Substance abuse – Doctors self-prescribing opioids or other controlled substances or diverting medications.
• Sexual misconduct – Boundary violations with patients.
• Negligence – Such as a medication error that harms a patient.
• Poor recordkeeping – Incomplete or inaccurate patient charts.

Mr. Bassett leverages his background in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to aggressively defend clients against financial fraud allegations. He also handles substance abuse cases by developing effective alternatives to license suspension. This includes negotiating rehab programs and monitoring agreements.

For sexual misconduct charges, Mr. Bassett thoroughly investigates for any exaggerations or false claims. He works to get charges dismissed or penalties minimized so clients can continue practicing.

Mr. Bassett also excels at defending standard of care cases involving allegations of negligence or incompetence. He utilizes medical experts to argue a doctor’s actions were within the proper standard.

With his deep expertise in the types of OPMC complaints doctors face and proven results defending them, Mr. Bassett is a top choice for Long Island medical professionals in license investigations.