Philadelphia Medical License Defense Lawyers

Pennsylvania law requires all doctors adhere to a standard of care above and beyond the law. Medical professionals are expected to conduct themselves in a professional matter at all times, never wavering from the legalities associated with medicine, and never misappropriating their license for personal gain. It takes many years and a lot of money to become a doctor, and it’s not something most doctors are willing to throw away once they achieve their goals and become a licensed Pennsylvania medical professional.

When a patient, a coworker, an employee, or anyone else who has contact with a Philadelphia doctor files a formal complaint against the doctor with the state medical board, it’s devastating. Everything the doctor worked for all those years is in jeopardy, and their license could end up revoked at the end of the investigation. It’s common for doctors to want to do everything they can as soon as they receive notice they’re being investigated, but it’s best to first hire an attorney specializing in medical license defense. The investigation notice asks for specific steps to be followed by the doctor, but they are also required to ask doctors to adhere to the terms and conditions of the investigation in accordance to Pennsylvania law.

A defense attorney with experience is able to help medical professionals protect their licenses and even reinstate their license if it’s suspended during the course of the investigation. Allow an attorney to handle the complaint notice when it arrives.

Common Complaints

Doctors are expected to uphold the law and work at a higher standard of practice than most anyone else in Philadelphia. Their job requires keeping people alive, caring for their lives, and keeping them safe. When someone feels a doctor is violating Pennsylvania medical code or the law put in place by the federal government, they’re going to report that doctor. The most common reasons a doctor loses their license in Pennsylvania includes:

1. Sexual Inappropriateness: If a doctor is accused of sexual assault or misconduct, it can ruin the doctor’s reputation. It can also result in revocation of the doctor’s license and if the assault is serious enough, it can be tried in a court of law. If found guilty, the doctor could face jail time, fines, and more.

2. Fraud: All medical professionals are required to do their part to keep the cost of Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid fraud down, but some don’t. Some doctors inflate the cost of services, report services they did not perform, and inflate invoices and bills sent to companies so they can pocket more money.

3. Substance Abuse Issues: If a doctor is suspected of using drugs or abusing alcohol at work or at home, they can be reported to the state board. Most doctors in this situation face probation, license suspension, fines, and mandatory treatment before they can apply to reinstate their medical license.

4. Unprofessional Conduct: This category is broad, and it can encompass any number of things. A doctor who refuses to perform a surgery on a patient because it’s against his or her own beliefs is unprofessional. A doctor who performs a procedure on a patient they were not authorized to perform is unprofessional. A doctor who discriminates against a patient for any reasons is unprofessional.

5. Improper Issuance of Prescriptions: Many prescription medications are highly addictive when used incorrectly. Doctors who issue prescriptions to their friends and family, without medical reason, or in doses that are too extreme are not using their ability correctly, and it’s against medical law.

There are many other reasons a doctor could lose his or her license in Philadelphia, but these are some of the most common. If an investigation finds a doctor has violated any of the state laws or codes, they could face suspension or revocation of their license depending on the severity of the case. If the crime is a serious one, the doctor could face a state or federal court cause that results in hefty fines, restitution, and even prison time. Philadelphia medical professionals under investigation should call an attorney right away to discuss their case, their defense, and what might happen if they’re found guilty of the complaint filed against them.

FAQ: Philadelphia Doctor License Defense (Pennsylvania Medical Board Investigations)

1) Can a doctor lose their medical license in Pennsylvania?

Yes. A doctor can lose their medical license in Pennsylvania if an investigation finds they violated Pennsylvania medical laws, medical codes, or professional standards. Depending on the severity, the doctor may face suspension or revocation.

2) What triggers a Pennsylvania medical board investigation against a doctor?

A medical board investigation can begin when someone files a formal complaint against a doctor. Complaints may come from:

• A patient

• A coworker

• An employee

• Anyone else who has contact with the doctor

3) What should a doctor do after receiving notice of an investigation?

A doctor should take immediate action, but it’s best to first hire an attorney who specializes in medical license defense. The investigation notice typically requires specific steps and compliance with the terms and conditions of the investigation under Pennsylvania law.

4) Why is hiring a medical license defense attorney important?

A defense attorney can help protect a doctor’s license during an investigation and may even assist with reinstating a license if it becomes suspended. An attorney can also handle the complaint notice and guide the doctor through the process properly.

5) What are the most common reasons doctors lose their license in Pennsylvania?

According to the content, common complaints include:

• Sexual inappropriateness

• Fraud

• Substance abuse issues

• Unprofessional conduct

• Improper issuance of prescriptions

6) How serious are sexual misconduct allegations for doctors?

Sexual misconduct allegations can severely damage a doctor’s reputation and may result in license revocation. If the allegation is serious enough, it may also be tried in court, potentially leading to jail time, fines, and other penalties.

7) What types of fraud can lead to medical license discipline?

Fraud may involve inflating the cost of services, reporting services that were not performed, or inflating invoices and bills to pocket extra money. These actions can trigger board discipline and potentially criminal consequences.

8) Can substance abuse cause a doctor to lose their license?

Yes. If a doctor is suspected of drug use or alcohol abuse, they may be reported to the board. The content notes that doctors may face probation, license suspension, fines, and mandatory treatment before applying for reinstatement.

9) What is considered unprofessional conduct for a doctor?

Unprofessional conduct is broad and may include:

• Refusing treatment or surgery based on personal beliefs

• Performing procedures without authorization

• Discriminating against a patient for any reason

10) What is improper issuance of prescriptions?

Improper prescription practices may include prescribing addictive medications to friends or family without medical need, prescribing without a valid reason, or prescribing doses that are too extreme. This may violate medical law and lead to discipline.

11) Can a doctor face criminal penalties in addition to license discipline?

Yes. If the violation is serious, a doctor may face state or federal court consequences, including hefty fines, restitution, and even prison time.

12) When should a doctor contact a Philadelphia medical license defense attorney?

A doctor should contact an attorney immediately after learning they are under investigation. Early legal guidance can help protect their license and build a defense strategy.