Last Updated on: 15th October 2023, 01:43 pm

NY Medical License Defense Lawyers: Protecting Doctors’ Careers and Reputations

In New York, physicians who face investigations or charges of professional misconduct need experienced legal help to defend their medical license. Your career, reputation, and livelihood are on the line if your license is threatened by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC).

Common Reasons Doctors Get Investigated in NY

According to NY medical license defense lawyers, some frequent allegations that trigger OPMC investigations include:

• Negligence, incompetence, or substandard care
• Improper prescribing or mishandling medications
• Healthcare fraud like upcoding procedures or billing issues
• Sexual misconduct with patients or staff
• Substance abuse problems
• DUI or other criminal charges

Any complaint filed will be thoroughly investigated by the OPMC. Failing to cooperate makes matters worse.

The Physician Discipline Process in New York

If an investigation finds evidence of misconduct, here is the typical process:

1. A complaint gets filed with the OPMC
2. OPMC investigates the complaint
3. Settlement agreements can resolve some cases
4. No settlement leads to a formal hearing
5. The Board decides guilt and penalties
6. Doctors can appeal decisions

Why Hire a Medical License Defense Lawyer?

Defense lawyers are critical for doctors facing OPMC charges because:

• The OPMC has broad authority and a low burden of proof
• Anything you say without a lawyer can hurt your case
• A lawyer understands the system and prevents mistakes
• They can negotiate settlements to avoid hearings
• They gather evidence and witnesses to support your defense
• They aggressively appeal unfavorable rulings

How Lawyers Defend NY Doctors

Experienced NY medical license defense attorneys will:

• Represent you to the OPMC and Board
• Work to get complaints dismissed
• Look for investigation errors
• Negotiate consent orders when needed
• Vigorously defend you at hearings
• Appeal guilty findings
• Argue to preserve your license
• Help comply with probation terms
• Guide proper reporting of discipline

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case

Look for a NY lawyer with extensive OPMC experience. Ask:

• How many OPMC cases have you handled? Look for 10+ cases.
• Do you have OPMC prosecutor experience? This is invaluable.
• Will you personally handle my case? Get this commitment.
• What were your case outcomes? Seek a high success rate.
• What are your legal fees? Get clear estimates upfront.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Doctors should avoid:

• Ignoring complaints – this guarantees a guilty finding
• Talking to investigators without your lawyer
• Withholding requested records
• Negotiating without counsel
• Going to a hearing unprepared
• Appealing without an attorney

Options If Your License is Revoked

If your license is revoked, options may include:

• Seeking license reinstatement after 1-3 years
• Getting licensed in another state
• Non-clinical roles like consulting or teaching
• Healthcare jobs not requiring a license
• Early retirement if close to qualifying

Conclusion

Losing your medical license can destroy your career and reputation. But experienced NY medical license defense lawyers can help protect you. Get legal help immediately, cooperate fully, and let your lawyer handle interactions with the OPMC. With the right legal strategy, you can resolve your case while preserving your license.