Albany Medical Professional License Defense Attorneys

Defending Your Medical License: Professional Misconduct Case Support

The accusation of misconduct leveled against a medical professional can have grave repercussions. It does not merely tarnish the professional's reputation; it can also lead to losing their license, potentially ending their career in the field. Misconduct can encompass a range of issues, from malpractice, inappropriate relationships with patients, and mismanagement of patient records to substance abuse. It's essential to perceive these accusations with the seriousness they warrant, acknowledging their threat to one's professional life.

At Hacker Murphy, we understand the stakes involved. Our attorneys are proficient in representing medical professionals accused of misconduct. We recognize the impact of such allegations on personal and professional levels and work relentlessly toward a fair outcome, seeking to mitigate the long-term repercussions.

Reach out to our medical professional license defense lawyers in Albany at (518) 284-3183 or contact us online. We stand ready to protect our clients’ rights and professional reputations.

Possible Consequences of Misconduct Allegations

Misconduct in the medical field is a broad term covering a range of unprofessional behaviors that could potentially harm patients or damage the reputation of the profession.

Examples of acts of misconduct include the following:

• Fraudulently practicing medicine, which involves any form of deceit, falsehood, or dishonesty. This can range from falsifying a patient's records, prescribing unnecessary medications, or lying about one's qualifications or credentials.
• Gross misconduct or gross negligence pertains to a willful disregard for proper medical procedures or a failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonable medical professional would provide. This can lead to patient harm or even death in severe cases.
• Practicing medicine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another serious offense. It impairs a medical professional's judgment and ability to perform their duties accurately, thus posing a direct risk to patient safety.
• Criminal convictions, whether related to the practice of medicine or not, can also be grounds for license suspension or revocation. They reflect poorly on the individual’s character and suitability for a trusted position in the medical field.
• Patient harassment or abuse, including any form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, is a grave violation of a patient’s rights. These actions compromise a patient's safety and trust in their healthcare provider.
• Ordering unnecessary or excessive tests is considered misconduct. This practice burdens patients with unnecessary healthcare costs. It reflects the medical professional's lack of judgment and ethical practice.

The consequences of misconduct allegations can be severe. A professional's license may be suspended or revoked, potentially ending their career. They may also face significant financial penalties. Beyond these immediate consequences, the individual's reputation can be irreversibly damaged, impacting their ability to practice in other capacities within the health field.

Understanding the Investigation and Defense Process

A misconduct case is initiated when a complaint is lodged with the appropriate professional conduct office. For complaints against physicians, physician assistants, and specialist assistants, the Office of Professional Medical Conduct is the appropriate authority, while the Office of Professional Discipline handles complaints against other licensed medical professionals. The complaint undergoes an initial investigation to assess whether sufficient evidence indicates a potential violation of professional conduct. If such evidence exists, a hearing is convened to examine the matter more closely.

The hearing committee, comprised of medical experts and lay persons, determines whether the accused is guilty or innocent. If the individual is found guilty, the committee will decide on a suitable penalty, which can range from reprimands to license revocation, depending on the severity of the violation.

The defense process is a complex, multi-step endeavor that requires careful planning and execution. It begins with an investigation to gather all relevant facts and information. This stage is crucial for building a robust defense strategy personalized to the case's specifics. 

Once the defense strategy is in place, the next step involves presenting the case at the hearing, where the legal team argues for the accused's innocence or mitigation of penalties.

Legal counsel plays a pivotal role, guiding at each stage. Experienced attorneys understand the intricacies of these processes and are well-versed in the rights of medical professionals.

Our Role in Our Clients’ Defense

At Hacker Murphy, we have a wealth of experience in medical professional license defense in Albany. Our firm has represented various medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, mental health professionals at all levels (psychiatrists, psychologists, LCSWs, MSWs, CASACs, etc.), and pharmacists.

Navigating misconduct allegations can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our seasoned Albany attorneys to discuss your case. Call (518) 284-3183 or contact us online today.