A Guide to the Disciplinary Process of the PA State Board of Medicine
Doctors and other licensed medical professionals dedicate their entire lives to saving other people. And that’s one of the main reasons why their profession garners so much respect from society.
However, even the most subtle errors from a doctor’s end can disrupt their reputation and put their career on the line. Not just that, but if the charges include ethical violations or any criminal accusation, the PA State Board of Medicine might issue a complaint, which might trigger an investigation.
So, if you’re a medical professional facing an investigation, make sure to seek help from a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, who can fight to protect your rights and prevent your career from being jeopardized.
What’s the Procedure?
Supposedly, a complaint has been filed against you with the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. What happens next?
Well, the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI) assigns an investigator to attend to your case. This person will be requesting to interview you or ask for your records, as they are liable to collect information about the allegations.
If the BEI feels that the charges against you have solid grounds, they will refer the case to the State Board of Medicine.
Now, remember that although there are allegations against you, you have the right to remain silent and have a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side during the interview. Never think of facing the investigation alone, as there are high chances that you might incriminate yourself!
The main procedure starts from the moment you receive an Order to Show Cause. This document will contain the charges made against you.
But what if you committed the mistakes while staying out of state? In such cases, the State Board of Medicine possesses the authority to take disciplinary actions that are committed out of state! In fact, if penalties were sanctioned by some other state board, the PA State Board could very well impose additional penalties for the same incident! And that’s exactly why having a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer becomes mandatory in such situations.
What’s the Point of Seeking Legal Aid During a Board Hearing?
Indeed, disciplinary hearings are not exactly like criminal trials. However, the stakes are quite high, and you can lose your career, along with your license! So, your future literally depends on how your case is handled.
Therefore, having an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is not just preferable, but a mandatory requirement. They can help you in the following ways-
- They can help craft a detailed and thorough response to your Order to Show Cause.
- They can help prepare you for the hearings.
- They can craft a robust defense claim.
- They can help negotiate settlements and protect your future.
Wrapping Up
Receiving a complaint letter from the State Board is indeed bad news. But you also need to remember that a complaint doesn’t necessarily put your entire career and future in jeopardy.
That being said, how you respond to the complaint matters a lot. So, if you’re facing such a situation, it’s better to seek help from an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from our Logue Law Group as soon as you can. We can craft a solid defense strategy and effectively help you to protect your license. Call us at 412-387-6901 to schedule an appointment today!