Articles Tagged with Professional License Defense

As a nurse, your license is one of your most valuable assets. Yet, complaints or accusations against you could jeopardize your ability to practice. At Conaway & Strickler, P.C., we understand the gravity of these situations and are here to help. Attorney Meg Strickler is experienced license defense attorney who has handled these issues for years.  Below are some questions and answers that will help you navigate any issues you might having with the Nursing Board.

Question: What types of issues come before the State of Georgia Nursing Board?

Answer: Below are some common issues the Board handles. Many of these issues may overlap, as most of this conduct also constitutes a crime.

The Georgia Composite Medical Board is the state organization that monitors physicians and other medical professionals through its licensing and disciplinary policies. The purpose of the Board is to safeguard public health by ensuring proper licensing procedures and regulating healthcare professionals.

Who makes up the Composite Board? The Board is made up of fifteen members appointed by the Governor. Thirteen of those members are physicians, and two of those members are public representatives who have no ties to medicine. Each Board member typically serves a four-year term.

What does the Board do? The Board’s functions include screening candidates for licensure, issuing licenses to qualified professionals, developing rules and guidelines for healthcare practice, and disciplining licensees when necessary. In Georgia, the Composite Board licenses and monitors healthcare professionals including the following: Medical doctors (MDs), Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), Physician assistants (PAs), Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs), Acupuncturists, and pain management clinics. However, the Composite Board does not license or regulate podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, professional counselors, physical therapists, registered nurses, or licensed practical nurses – those professions are regulated by the Office of the Secretary of State.

In many fields, maintaining a professional license is crucial for career advancement and job security. Physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmaceutical technicians and other professionals spend years training before becoming licensed and employed. However, allegations of misconduct, incompetence, or violations of professional standards can jeopardize this license and your livelihood. Understanding how to navigate a professional license defense is essential. At Conaway & Strickler, we are experienced in professional license defense and assisting clients with protecting their careers.

If your professional license is under review, you may be facing disciplinary action, suspension, or even revocation of your license. Professionals can face license challenges due to various reasons, including allegations of unethical behavior, negligence, or non-compliance with industry standards. Common grounds for disciplinary action in this context includes the following:

  • Negligence or Malpractice:Claims that a professional has failed to meet the appropriate standard of care.

The Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB) is the licensing agency for physicians, physician assistants, respiratory care professionals, perfusionists, acupuncturists, orthotists, prosthetists, auricular (ear) detoxification specialists, residency training permits, cosmetic laser practitioners, pain management clinics and medical geneticist. The Medical Board investigates complaints and disciplines those who violate The Medical Practice Act or other laws governing the professional behavior of its licensees.  Unprofessional conduct is often cited as an issue for physicians and physician assistants.

What happens when the Medical Board investigates you?  First, a complaint is filed.  The Board will reach out to you and let the you know of the existence of the complaint and ask for a response.  This is where you immediately need to seek out legal advice. At Conaway & Strickler, PC we have attorneys very versed on the intricacies of the complaint process.   Once the Investigative Committee reviews the complaint and response, they can recommend a variety of options ranging from closing the case to disciplinary action.  It is imperative that you and your lawyer really work with the Investigative Committee to ensure they know all of the facts and circumstances to ensure the best resolution.

Cases are resolved in three main ways – closure, private action or public action.  The public action is a notation on the GCMB web site.

The DOJ just announced more successes in health care prosecutions involving approximately $2.75 billion in intended losses and $1.6 billion in actual losses.  The case descriptions are varied, but the main jist is the same: the DOJ is utilizing nationwide efforts to crack down on health care fraud.  Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that law  enforcement has been working hard across 32 federal districts, and has filed charges against 193 defendants, for their roles in health care fraud schemes.

But, also he made sure to point out that in addition to the charges and arrests being announced, that the government also seized over $230 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets in connection with these cases.

The government comes after you with search warrants, warrants to freeze and seize your assets and subpoenas for your records.  Do not attempt to deal with these things alone Contact us so we can protect your license, your livelihood and your assets.

 

 

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