The Arizona Medical Board has the power to investigate doctors accused of sexual misconduct. If you are unable to resolve the problem with the board through negotiations, a legal representative is required. However, if sanctions are recommended by the Medical Board, disciplinary actions taken against Arizona professionals, such as physicians, will be heard before the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings’ administrative judgeship. An Administrative Law Judge will preside over the case.
The case will have elements of both a civil bench trial and a criminal court proceeding. In other ways, though, it will be quite different. Unlike a civil trial, administrative hearings do not allow for the use of significant discovery. As a result, your legal representative will not be able to utilize interrogatories, requests for admissions, or requests for production in this situation. However, before the hearing, your Phoenix doctor license defense lawyer will be able to question witnesses and cross-examine them. The Judge will issue a suggested decision at the conclusion of the evidence, which will be reviewed by the Medical Board and ultimately decided upon by it. This last judgment may be appealed to Superior Court.
Common Reasons For A Doctor’s License To Be In Jeopardy
Losing your doctor’s license rarely entails a total revocation, and most importantly, credible allegations. Instead, the disciplinary process generally starts with something less severe than complete revocation. A routine audit, a letter asking for some basic information, a probationary period, or even suspension are all possible initial steps in the process. In fact, requests from the Arizona Medical Board may not be directly related to you. You may be a credible witness in an ongoing investigation into your colleague’s or firm’s behavior. Witnesses and parties involved with the event are frequently targeted by investigations, rather than being the subjects. You could lose your medical license as a result of:
- Alleged ethical violations
- Medical malpractice
- Alleged breaches of the standard of care
- Healthcare fraud charges or convictions
- Criminal charges
- Legal problems in other jurisdictions
- Probation violations
- Financial matters
- Previous suspension of your license
- Medical disciplinary proceedings
When it comes to defending your physician’s license in Arizona, a skilled medical license defense attorney can assist you in exploring all possibilities. The objective of Klink Law, PLLC is to aggressively defend professional licenses, end inquiries, minimize damages, and preserve your reputation and career from ruin.
Doctors Charged With DUI In Arizona
In Arizona, doctors charged with DUI will not only have to face the court but also the Arizona Medical Board. A doctor is required to notify the Board within 10 days of being charged with a DUI. Note that this notification is necessary even if you have been merely charged; it is not necessary for you to be convicted.
The Board may or may not conclude that discipline is required during its own inquiry. A letter of admonishment, a judicial decree of censure, probationary status, retraining, suspension, or even revocation are all possible disciplinary sanctions. It can only aid your case with the Board if your DUI charge is dismissed or you are found not guilty.
A DUI is also damaging to medical students who want to practice medicine. The application for licensure asks whether you have any felony convictions (which include Aggravated DUI) or any violations of state or federal drug laws (including drug-related DUI charges). It also inquires about the past five years of drug or alcohol treatment. If you’re convicted of a DUI in Arizona, you must complete alcohol or drug treatment. Obviously, any of this might jeopardize your ability to work. If you are granted a license, it may be limited in some manner that prevents you from practicing.
Losing Your Arizona Physician’s License
When Arizona doctors, nurses, pharmacists, chiropractors, and other medical personnel receive their license to practice medicine in the state, they make an oath to follow the laws and standards set by the state of Arizona. These regulations benefit patients from unethical medical professionals who are trusted to keep them safe.
When a healthcare provider is the victim of criminal charges or serious allegations from patients, coworkers, or employers, they risk having their medical license revoked by the Board. If charges are filed with the Board, it will evaluate the case and decide if your medical license should be suspended, revoked, or subjected to conditions and limitations.
Contact Our Phoenix Physician License Defense Attorney Today
Physicians, like other professionals who require a Phoenix physician license defense attorney, frequently wait to engage counsel. This delay is often the result of being daunted by the prospect of facing a disciplinary hearing. However, contacting an attorney as soon as possible not only allows counsel to begin working on your case sooner but also informs the Board you have done so as well. When you have a doctor’s license defense attorney in Phoenix on your side, they can explain the court process in more detail and, most importantly, guide you through it. Do not allow yourself to be fooled by waiting to obtain legal counsel. Contact Klink Law, PLLC today if you are ready to get legal representation for your case, then now is the time to schedule a consultation. During your $350 initial meeting, Mr. Klink can review the facts of your case and begin taking the necessary actions to help you achieve your desired outcome.