Common Causes Of Medical Board Disciplinary Actions

The Arizona Medical Board reviews certain complaints and claims against physicians and determines when to act. The Board will generally only investigate alleged behavior that is illegal under Arizona state law or medical standards. The following are some of the most frequent complaints against medical professionals that result in disciplinary action:

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice allegations in Arizona are most frequently concerned with issues of care quality and duty breach. The Board receives a large number of complaints each year regarding misdiagnosis, incompetence, and failure to adhere to standards of care. Although many of these claims turn out to be false, a medical malpractice claim is not something you should take lightly. If you’ve been the subject of a medical malpractice complaint, the best thing you can do is contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Positive Drug Test

Don’t get too worked up if you haven’t passed a drug test on time. Although this information may be submitted to the Arizona Medical Board and launch an investigation against you, you might still be able to keep your license with the appropriate defense. If you believe your drug test is likely to come back positive, contact our Phoenix medical license defense attorney immediately. The sooner we can get started on your defense, the better your chances are of keeping your license. Physicians commonly accept disciplinary action or even surrender their medical license entirely without first speaking to a lawyer. A positive drug screen will typically result in

• Your employer promptly notifying the state of the result
• Immediate suspension of your medical license in that state
• Arizona Medical Board will determine disciplinary action
• Other job-related sanctions from your employer
• Negative media publicity (in high-profile cases)

DUI Charges

Driving while intoxicated may harm your job prospects. Following a DUI, you could face a lengthy suspension or even have your license revoked entirely. If you’ve been detained for suspicion of drunk driving in Arizona, you will almost certainly be put under investigation and subjected to continuous monitoring until the Board makes a decision. It’s not uncommon for physicians’ licenses to be revoked following a DUI conviction. An off-duty mistake shouldn’t have a devastating impact on your career. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you’ll want to contact a Phoenix medical license defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can advise you on the actions you should take to protect yourself and your license.

Criminal Charges

If you have a prior criminal record or have just been arrested for a crime, you might be in danger of losing your ability to practice medicine. If physicians who are facing criminal charges and have had their licenses revoked or suspended want their licenses reinstated, they will almost certainly need to consult with an attorney. Klink Law can help and support healthcare professionals that have previously committed crimes in order to report them. Our medical license defense attorney in Phoenix has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the legal red tape and give you the best chance to retain your license.

Drug Diversion

One of the most frequent allegations against doctors is drug diversion. Typically, this refers to the unlawful or unethical use of controlled substances. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are generally the medical professionals that get involved with these complaints. If you’re charged with a drug diversion allegation, you’ll almost certainly be subject to criminal prosecution as well as board hearings with the Arizona Medical Board. In our experience, many drug diversion allegations are the consequence of little errors and should not result in a job loss or jail time. Call our Phoenix medical license defense attorney right now to start developing your case against these allegations.

Possible Penalties For Medical Board Complaints

The Arizona Medical Board takes action against doctors who have a license or accreditation in the state. If the formal penalty is required, it will be decided after an investigation has been completed. It’s the role of the Board to evaluate any complaint that alleges a violation of Arizona’s laws and regulations. As a result, at a meeting, the Board may vote to determine the conclusion of each case. The Board has the option of voting for non-disciplinary treatment or formal punishment for the doctor. Disciplinary measures include:

• Dismissal
• Advisory Letter
• Letter of Reprimand
• Stipulated Rehabilitation Agreement
• Probation
• Nondisciplinary Order for Continuing Education
• Suspension
• Revocation

Physician Health Program (PHP)

The Arizona Medical Board may authorize a health care provider who has been found guilty of drug abuse or addiction to enter into PHP agreements, which will handle the post-treatment monitoring, education, and intervention of allopathic physicians who have substance abuse or dependency problems with medical, psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral health issues that jeopardize their ability to practice safely. The following are examples of PHP Agreements:

• Stipulated Health Agreement: A medical board’s confidential, non-public monitoring agreement for psychological, psychiatric, behavioral, or physical health issues. This can last anywhere from six months to five years or more.
• Stipulated Rehabilitation Agreement:  A non-public, confidential substance abuse monitoring contract may last from 6 months to 5 years or more and is in the form of a settlement.
• Interim Consent Agreement for Practice Restriction: A formal, public, and reportable action was taken against a physician who has an addiction problem that has resulted in poor care.
• Interim Consent Agreement for Practice Limitation: A non-disciplinary, public, reportable incident that restricts a physician’s ability to practice due to health problems.
• Probation to Participate in the PHP: Requires a physician to keep up with PHP monitoring standards.

Contact An Arizona Medical License Defense Attorney Today

Physicians, like other professionals who require a lawyer for professional licensing protection, frequently make the mistake of putting off contacting legal counsel until it’s too late. This hesitation usually stems from a sense of dread at the prospect of facing a disciplinary hearing. The sooner you contact a medical license defense attorney in Phoenix, the more time your counsel will have to work on your case. This may help your legal representative be better prepared during your defense and result in a settlement that keeps your license while avoiding the disciplinary process described above. If you’re facing serious allegations against your medical license in Arizona, contact Klink Law today for a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.