When you receive a notice that you are required to attend a disciplinary proceeding in the presence of your employer, may experience a wide breadth of emotions. Firstly, you may be concerned as to what this means for the fate of your medical license. Secondly, you may be confused as to why you are being summoned in the first place. Read on to discover why you may be facing disciplinary proceedings at your place of work and how one of the seasoned New York health care professional defense lawyers at Walker Medical Law can step in.
Why am I facing medical disciplinary proceedings at my place of employment?
Essentially, your employer may call you to defend yourself in a disciplinary proceeding if they receive a complaint regarding your medical misconduct. Examples are as follows:
- A patient or colleague may have filed a complaint that accuses you of alcohol or substance abuse while working.
- A patient or colleague may have filed a complaint that accuses you of sexually harassing or abusing patients.
- A patient or colleague may have filed a complaint that accuses you of improperly prescribing drugs or billing for services.
- A patient or colleague may have filed a complaint that accuses you of neglecting to meet up-to-date medical education requirements.
- A patient or colleague may have filed a complaint that accuses you of operating below the established standard of care.
Can I gain representation in these proceedings?
You must not respond to your employer’s notice or otherwise attend medical disciplinary proceedings without seeking legal representation from a proficient New York healthcare professional defense lawyer. This is especially critical if you believe that you are not guilty of the medical misconduct you are being accused of. So, you do not want to wrongfully or accidentally incriminate yourself and face harsh penalties for doing so, such as losing your employment or having other conditions imposed on you. Rest assured, a lawyer will know exactly what you should do and say.
In addition to your disciplinary proceedings with your employer, you may have to defend yourself in the presence of the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC). You may have your medical license permanently revoked as a result of this hearing, as a worst-case scenario. This may be in addition to being hit with fines and other criminal charges. With that being said, it may be in your best interest to gain legal representation for your OPMC hearings, as well.
You must not hesitate and reach out to one of the competent New York healthcare professional defense lawyers as soon as you possibly can. Our team at Walker Medical Law will be awaiting your phone call.
