Trusted Torrance Medical License Defense Attorney
A Torrance medical license defense lawyer can help doctors and other medical professionals who are facing medical board complaints, investigations, or disciplinary proceedings that threaten their ability to practice medicine. A thorough understanding of how medical license defense cases unfold and the applicable laws for California’s healthcare providers is crucial.
A Torrance professional license defense lawyer can provide valuable assistance to healthcare workers who need guidance regarding licensing issues.
About Century Law Group, LLP
Century Law Group, LLP, is a boutique law firm that prides itself on customizing legal medical license defense strategies for our clients, based on their individual needs and goals. Each client receives attention from experienced counsel, who can develop a tailored plan for their unique situation.
Edward Lear, founding partner of Century Law Group, LLP, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates®. The ABA is an invitation-only organization that admits attorneys who meet their highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and skill as trial attorneys. Even though membership in this organization does not guarantee specific results, it shows our firm’s dedication to our clients in past cases.
Medical License Defense
Earning a medical license is a major professional accomplishment. Unfortunately, a complaint to your licensing agency has the potential to disrupt your career and livelihood. California physicians are licensed by and answerable to the Medical Board of California.
This organization has the authority to investigate complaints against physicians and enforce discipline, when warranted. Anyone can file a complaint against a medical doctor, including:
- Patients
- Co-workers
- Hospitals or clinics
- Insurance companies
- Employers
- Government agencies
When a medical licensing board receives a complaint, it may investigate the alleged misconduct. The licensing board evaluates the complaint and any evidence against the doctor to determine if the physician violated any laws.
Medical License Defense Laws
Several laws apply to medical professionals. The California Business and Professions Code contains laws that establish licensing requirements for physicians. It also defines professional misconduct and provides the Medical Board with the ability to discipline doctors and physicians.
The California Administrative Procedure Act and regulations adopted under the law provide guidelines on how administrative hearings are conducted. State agencies and licensing boards must follow these regulations when holding administrative hearings. Rules governing medical license defense hearings can be found in Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.
Common Medical License Complaints
In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the Medical Board of California received 9,707 complaints. Most of these were for gross negligence or incompetence, totaling 4,588. There were 2,650 for unprofessional conduct. Additional reasons for complaints include acts such as:
- Fraud
- Providing inadequate treatment
- Excessive prescribing
- Sexual misconduct
- Refusing to release medical records
- Abuse of drugs
- Conviction for a crime
Medical board investigations are typically triggered by receiving a complaint. Doctors can be investigated for virtually any reason. Most medical board complaints involve serious misconduct.
Potential Penalties for Complaints
The potential consequences of a medical board investigation can range from nothing happening to losing your medical license. Each medical board case is unique and dependent on the specific facts. California medical licensing boards have broad discretion to discipline physicians for violating professional standards. The following are potential penalties that may be imposed by a licensing board:
- Public reprimand
- Citation
- Fine
- Additional continuing education requirements
- Monitoring
- Probation
- Limitations on the practice of medicine
- Suspension
- License revocation
Not every medical board investigation results in discipline. Physicians may also face non-disciplinary consequences if they are named in a medical board complaint. These include:
- Harm to the physician’s reputation
- Difficulty with hospital credentialing and privileges
- Employment issues
Hire a Medical License Defense Lawyer
Medical professionals face issues as soon as they receive a complaint against them. This is why it’s important to hire a medical license defense lawyer right away. Medical license issues can be very document-intensive. They also typically require professional witnesses and involve complex administrative requirements. Whether you are in the middle of an investigation or facing a disciplinary hearing, protecting your procedural rights is essential, and a Torrance medical license defense attorney at Century Law Group, LLP, can help.
Medical Licensing issues in Torrance, CA, may involve the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Ave., Torrance, CA 90503. Although most medical license proceedings are administrative rather than judicial, your case may involve issues that appear in court.
FAQs
Can a Medical License Investigation Affect Hospital Privileges?
Yes. Many hospitals and health systems perform their own credentialing and peer review processes. If you are the subject of a licensing investigation, the facility may review whether any action should be taken against your privileges. It depends on the circumstances, allegations, hospital policy, and regulations. Sometimes, disclosure of ongoing investigations must be provided to credentialing committees.
Do Physicians Have to Report Certain Events to the Medical Board?
Reporting obligations may apply to California physicians in certain situations. Some criminal convictions, malpractice awards and settlements, and discipline by hospitals may need to be reported to the state medical board. Not making required reports can present additional troubles later. Always consider potential reporting obligations when a significant event occurs.
Can Social Media Activity Lead to a Medical Board Complaint?
Yes. Posts, comments, photos, and other Internet activity may cause concern if they suggest that patient privacy was compromised, appear unethical, or violate standards of conduct.
Social media posts have been used as evidence in licensing cases when their content indicates that the licensee is involved in alleged activities being investigated by the board. Remember that, when you are online, anything you post in public can be seen by patients, employers, regulators, and peers.
Can a Physician Continue Practicing While an Investigation Is Pending?
Physicians typically practice while their licensing board’s investigation is pending. Merely opening an investigation does not necessarily lead to a restriction or suspension of a physician’s license. Matters that require immediate patient protection or emergency action by the agency are likely to be treated differently. It is possible for the physician to have limitations placed on their practice. It depends on the allegations and the action being brought by the licensing agency.
Contact Century Law Group, LLP
If you have a complaint against you and your medical license is in jeopardy, Century Law Group, LLP, can mount your defense. Contact us today for more information.
