Last Updated on: 13th October 2023, 02:14 am

If you are a licensed professional in New York facing disciplinary charges from the Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), you need an experienced OPD defense lawyer on your side. OPD investigations are serious business and can jeopardize your career and reputation if not handled properly. This article provides an overview of the OPD, common professions under their jurisdiction, how investigations work, potential penalties, and tips on finding the right lawyer to defend your professional license.

What is the New York OPD?

The Office of Professional Discipline is part of the New York State Education Department. Their mission is to investigate and prosecute allegations of misconduct against licensed professionals in the state, with a few exceptions like lawyers and physicians who are overseen by other agencies. The OPD helps protect the public by ensuring professionals adhere to expected standards of practice and ethics.There are over 50 professions that require state licensure and fall under the OPD’s jurisdiction. This includes healthcare workers like nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, mental health counselors, and more. They also oversee other fields like accounting, architecture, and education.The OPD has regional offices across New York State and several in the New York City metropolitan area. Each office handles cases for professionals registered in that region.

Professions Commonly Investigated by the OPD

While the OPD oversees dozens of professions, some tend to face misconduct charges more often. Common OPD cases involve:

• Nurses: Registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners
• Healthcare workers: Physical therapists, pharmacists, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists
• Mental health professionals: Psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors
• Educators: Teachers, school administrators, college professors
• Accountants: CPAs

There are also profession-specific charges. For example, nurses can face allegations of practice violations, substance abuse, or patient neglect.

How Do OPD Investigations Start?

There are a few ways an OPD investigation can begin:

• A complaint filed by a patient, client, colleague, employer, or other individual
• Referrals from agencies like the NY Attorney General’s office for criminal convictions
• Self-reports by licensees about disciplinary actions in other states

The OPD is legally required to look into every misconduct complaint submitted. Just one complaint is enough to trigger an investigation.About 10,000 complaints are filed against New York licensees each year. Some are dismissed due to lack of evidence, while others proceed to further action.

The OPD Investigation Process

If you are the subject of an OPD investigation, you will be notified by letter or phone call. You are obligated to cooperate with the inquiry. Here are key steps in the process:

• Interviews: You may be asked to provide documents or sit for an interview with the OPD investigator. Exercise caution in interviews and consult a lawyer first.
• Investigative report: The investigator submits their report to a committee to decide if formal charges will be filed.
• Consent order: At this stage you can negotiate a settlement similar to a plea bargain in a criminal case.
• Disciplinary hearing: If no settlement is reached, your case will go to a hearing before a panel.

Potential Penalties Imposed by the OPD

If found guilty of professional misconduct, penalties may include:

• License suspension or revocation
• Fines
• Probation
• Practice restrictions
• Reprimands
• Continuing education

Outcomes are published on the OPD website and reported to national databases. This can seriously impact your professional reputation.

Tips for Finding the Right OPD Defense Lawyer

If facing OPD charges, your best bet is to retain a lawyer experienced in OPD defense cases. Here’s how to choose the right one:

• Find an OPD specialty firm versus a general practice lawyer
• Look for significant experience representing clients before the OPD
• Understand the regional office handling your case
• Ask about their track record of favorable outcomes
• Inquire about malpractice insurance coverage for legal fees
• Meet with the lawyer to evaluate their responsiveness and your rapport
• Discuss their strategies for building the strongest defense

Work With a New York OPD Defense Lawyer You Can Trust

Facing the OPD can be daunting, but an experienced lawyer levels the playing field. They guide you through the process, protect your rights, and build a vigorous defense to preserve your professional reputation and career. Don’t leave your livelihood to chance – consult a trusted OPD defense attorney right away.