As a dedicated healthcare professional in Peoria, Arizona, you work tirelessly to improve the lives of your patients. It’s a demanding yet fulfilling career, and the thought of losing your license can be devastating. Unfortunately, even baseless allegations can bring down the most dedicated practitioners, putting years of hard work at risk. That’s why it’s essential to take any complaint seriously, no matter how minor it may seem. The Arizona healthcare license defense attorneys at Arizona Law Group are here to help you protect your career. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Why You Need Strong Legal Representation
Organizations like the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy don’t take complaints lightly. Even issues that seem trivial can lead to investigations, as these boards are obligated to ensure the highest standards of care. Minor complaints can sometimes point to patterns that raise concerns, making it essential to have an experienced defense attorney on your side to counter any allegations against you.
How Arizona Law Group Can Help
At Arizona Law Group, we understand the emotional toll of a license investigation. You might feel a range of emotions: shock, fear, anger. These feelings are natural but can cloud your judgment. During this challenging time, you need clear-headed, proactive representation. As a local Arizona firm, we are deeply familiar with the nuances of license defense, and we’ll guide you every step of the way to help you protect your livelihood.
Types of Healthcare Licenses We Defend
All healthcare workers, from nurses to physical therapists, deserve top-quality representation when their license is at risk. At Arizona Law Group, we regularly defend professionals in these fields:
- Nurses
- Physicians
- Physician Assistants
- Dentists
- Dental Hygienists
- Physical Therapists and Assistants
- Respiratory Care Practitioners
Arizona’s healthcare licensure is governed by Title 32 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which includes the following sections:
- Chapter 11: Dentistry
- Chapter 13: Medicine and Surgery
- Chapter 15: Nursing
- Chapter 18: Pharmacy
- Chapter 19: Physical Therapy
- Chapter 25: Physician Assistants
- Chapter 32: Health Professionals
- Chapter 34: Occupational Therapists
- Chapter 35: Respiratory Care
Understanding the specifics of these laws is crucial to building a strong defense for healthcare professionals across the state.
Common Allegations Against Healthcare Workers
Healthcare providers are expected to uphold strict ethical standards. However, even with the utmost care, professionals can face complaints. Whether valid or baseless, these allegations need to be addressed with a thorough defense strategy. At Arizona Law Group, we defend clients facing a variety of accusations, including:
- Criminal Convictions: Felony convictions often lead to license suspension or revocation, while misdemeanors may result in disciplinary actions based on the crime’s severity.
- Fraudulent Licensing: A license obtained under false pretenses will almost certainly be revoked.
- Problematic Prescription Practices: Allegations of over- or under-prescribing medications, especially in the context of Arizona’s opioid crisis, are serious. For instance, a recent case involved a Tucson doctor losing his license due to opioid over-prescription.
- Substance Abuse: Healthcare professionals are held to high standards regarding substance use, including alcohol. Even if used outside of work, drugs that impair judgment can jeopardize patient safety.
- Incomplete Patient Records: Accurate documentation is critical. Minor record-keeping errors can have severe consequences if they endanger patient safety.
- Quality of Care Issues: These are complex allegations, as standards for care quality can vary widely. For example, if a nurse is accused of not prioritizing urgent cases, this could be viewed as substandard care.
- Mandatory Reporting Failures: Professionals who don’t report impaired or incompetent colleagues may face disciplinary action themselves.
What to Do If You Receive a Notice of Investigation or Complaint
The moment you’re informed of an investigation, it’s vital to contact a trusted attorney. Do not speak with board representatives without legal counsel, as they can use your statements against you. Even casual remarks to colleagues or friends can resurface as damaging testimony in your case. Your lawyer will help you maintain a controlled and strategic approach throughout the process.
Before your initial consultation, write down everything you remember about the incident that led to the complaint. Include dates, locations, names of any witnesses, and other relevant details. These early memories are essential, as they help your attorney build a clear timeline and prepare your defense effectively.
The License Investigation Process
Each healthcare profession has specific investigation protocols, but most follow a similar structure. Once a complaint is filed, the board assigns an investigator who can access documents such as medical records, police reports, and personnel files. At the same time, your attorney will conduct a parallel investigation to gather documents, interview witnesses, and present an alternative perspective on the allegations.
During this phase, the board may issue a questionnaire. These documents may include seemingly unrelated questions, but each response can significantly impact your case. Answer these questions only under your attorney’s guidance, and ensure your attorney is present during any requested interviews.
After the investigation, the board’s investigator will summarize the findings in a report that may heavily influence your case. If necessary, your attorney will present a compelling argument at a board meeting to counter the report. At this stage, the board might offer a settlement, such as voluntarily surrendering your license. Although this might seem preferable to permanent revocation, it’s often not in your best interest. Consult your attorney before making any decisions.
What Happens If You Lose a Hearing?
If you lose a disciplinary hearing, the consequences can be severe, including:
- Denial of Certification
- Probation
- License Suspension or Revocation
- Civil Penalties
- Censure
While some disciplinary actions may seem temporary, they often mark the end of a healthcare career, as most Arizona employers will avoid hiring professionals with adverse board records. Boards also post disciplinary measures online, making this information readily accessible to potential employers.
Even switching careers may not improve prospects, as other industries conduct thorough background checks. Disciplinary actions in one field can carry over, impacting hiring decisions elsewhere.
Reapplying for Your License
The length of a license suspension varies by profession and depends on the specifics of the offense. If a significant time has passed, you may have to reapply as though you were a new professional. This process often includes added steps, like completing specialized courses or working under a temporary license.
When it’s time to reapply, it’s essential to work with a qualified attorney to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays. An attorney can help you address any additional requirements and submit a strong application.
Potential Future Changes to Disciplinary Action Transparency in Arizona
Currently, Arizona law restricts healthcare boards from posting certain disciplinary actions online, particularly non-disciplinary measures. For healthcare workers who were wrongfully accused, this law offers crucial protection against unjust damage to their reputation. However, this may soon change. In 2017, an investigation led to legislative support for a bill aiming to increase transparency by reversing this protection. Although it was vetoed, it had widespread support and may be revisited. If passed, this bill would expose healthcare professionals to greater reputational risks even for non-disciplinary actions.
Protecting Your Career With Arizona Law Group
When your career and hard-earned reputation are at risk, you need the best legal support available. At Arizona Law Group, we provide personalized and comprehensive defense services to help our clients reach a favorable resolution as efficiently as possible. With a history of successful outcomes in medical license defense, we’re equipped to navigate every stage of the process, ensuring that you fully understand your rights and options.
If you’re under investigation or are worried that your license may be at risk, call us immediately at (602) 562-5000. Arizona Law Group will help you preserve your career and protect the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
The Physician’s Health Program
Healthcare professionals with substance use issues or other health challenges may be referred to Arizona’s Physician’s Health Program (PHP). PHP’s mission is to protect public health by providing educational resources, intervention, and ongoing support. If a healthcare professional’s ability to practice safely is compromised, PHP may require participation in a monitoring agreement, which could last from six months to five years. Some agreements remain confidential, while others do not. If you’re considering the PHP, consult a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your options and the impact on your license.
Contact Our Peoria Medical License Defense Attorneys Today
Being under investigation by the Medical Board is a stressful experience that threatens your career and reputation. At Arizona Law Group, we fight to resolve licensing issues promptly and favorably, minimizing disruptions to your practice. Our legal team has a strong track record in defending Arizona healthcare professionals. We’ll work with honesty and compassion to help you understand your rights, guide you through the process, and protect your interests every step of the way.
If your license is under threat or you’re facing a complaint, contact us today at (602) 562-5000. Arizona Law Group’s dedicated medical license defense attorneys in Peoria are ready to support you.
