I regularly advise and represent all types of licensed healthcare providers being investigated by their respective licensing boards.
The Virginia Department of Health Professions’ mission includes ensuring safe and competent patient care by licensing health professionals and enforcing standards of practice. Through its Boards, including the Boards of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Psychology, the DHP investigates each complaint filed.
Anyone can file a complaint, including a disgruntled employee, competitor, former patient, colleague, or government agency.
Common allegations include substandard care, improper prescribing, impairment, inappropriate behavior, poor record keeping and practicing beyond the scope of licensure.
The D.C. Board of Medicine, a division of the D.C. Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, has a responsibility and mission to protect and enhance the health, safety, and well-being of residents by promoting evidence-based best practices in health regulation, high standards of quality care and implementing policies that prevent adverse events. The Board oversees the licensure and disciplinary processes.
The filing of a complaint against you does not mean the allegations are valid, but they will be thoroughly investigated. I can help you deal with this unpleasant and risky situation, and can guide you through the process. Availing yourself of legal advice does not mean you are guilty. But it can ensure that your perspective is presented and your interests are protected.
These Boards are increasingly active and some healthcare providers fail to appreciate the potential implications of an investigation including possible disciplinary action. Many providers initially believe they can explain or justify their actions and persuade the Board to drop the complaint. But many learn later that the Board uses their explanations against them in pursuit of sanctions against their license.
It is important to understand and protect your rights. In my experience, early legal representation can help you present your case in the most favorable light.
If the Board finds a violation, it can result in a range of sanctions including public reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation of a license. For clients who may be suffering from impairment the Board may stay of disciplinary proceedings while you obtain treatment.
Healthcare providers also face increasing collateral effects of disciplinary action including National Practitioner Databank Bank reporting, reciprocal action by disciplinary boards in other states, loss of hospital privileges, employment termination, termination of enrollment with insurance companies, and a provider’s ability to obtain insurance coverage. Disciplinary action can have a significant impact on a healthcare provider’s practice.
The Virginia Department of Health Professions includes the following 14 individual health regulatory boards:
- Board of Medicine
- Board of Dentistry
- Board of Nursing
- Board of Pharmacy
- Board of Health Professions
- Board of Psychology
- Board of Social Work
- Board of Counseling
- Board of Optometry
- Board of Physical Therapy
- Board of Long-Term Care Administrators
- Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
- Board of Veterinary Medicine
I understand the rigorous demands of your practice, the challenges you face in today’s complex and highly-regulated healthcare industry, and the risk of professional disciplinary action. I also understand the importance of maintaining your reputation and livelihood. I have represented hundreds of healthcare professionals before their regulatory Boards. I can assist and guide you through the disciplinary process whether you are responding to a complaint or facing an informal or formal hearing.
I provide experienced, dedicated, quality representation to meet your needs and would welcome the opportunity to work with you