Medical professionals are held to high standards, as they are responsible for the lives of other people. It is because of this that incidents of misconduct are taken very seriously. If a professional is accused of medical misconduct, they can face an investigation in order to determine if the complaint against them is valid. If found guilty, the individual can face certain punishment that is found suitable. Continue reading below to learn more and contact an experienced New York medical defense attorney if you were accused of misconduct.
What are Different Types of Misconduct?
When a complaint is filed against a medical professional, the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) will send them a letter to inform them of an investigation against them regarding the matter. An OPMC investigation calls a person’s entire medical career into question. This includes their career, how they practice, their interactions with patients, etc. There are many actions that are considered misconduct in the medical field, such as:
- Substance abuse
- Billing fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Sexual misconduct
- Other unlawful actions, such as issuing unnecessary opioid prescriptions
What are the Consequences of Misconduct?
The consequences that a medical professional may face when they commit misconduct can vary depending on the severity of the act that was committed. If the OPMC believes the individual can redeem themselves through rehabilitation, they may face a total license suspension, partial license suspension, or a license limitation. A limitation allows them to continue practicing medicine, just in a specified area. When a professional’s license is suspended, they may be required to complete rehabilitation, training, or community service.
If the OPMC believes the individual cannot be rehabilitated, they may not trust them to practice medicine again. When this happens, their license may be revoked and they cannot continue to practice at all. However, there are cases in which a license can be restored, although it is difficult to accomplish. That is why it is crucial to have an aggressive and experienced attorney on your side during this time.Â
Contact our Firm
If you require a medical law attorney for your legal matters, call Paul E. Walker, an experienced New York City OPMC & OPD Lawyer. Please contact the Walker Medical Law firm to set up a free initial consultation.
