Honest Riverside Medical License Defense Attorney
Your medical license is your livelihood. It allows you to practice medicine, help patients, and earn a living. If you lose your license or have restrictions placed on your license, you could lose your ability to work. Whether you received a complaint or you are being investigated, an experienced Riverside medical license defense lawyer can help you understand medical license defense laws and work to defend your license.
A Riverside professional license defense lawyer can help you navigate the administrative proceedings process and provide a strong defense against allegations of misconduct related to patient care and medical professionalism.
About Century Law Group, LLP
Century Law Group, LLP, represents medical professionals across California in complex legal cases and professional license defense matters. Our boutique firm only works with a small number of clients each year, so we take the time to learn about your specific goals and interests. We also understand the intricate legal process involved when it comes to medical licenses, so we can develop a strategy based on the facts and priorities of your medical license defense case.
Medical License Investigations and Disciplinary Process
Doctors and surgeons in California are licensed by the Medical Board of California. A medical license issue can start with a complaint from a patient or another medical professional. It can also start as a result of a criminal accusation or proceeding.
In fiscal year 2024–2025, the Medical Board of California received 9,707 complaints. Of those, 193 were referred for a citation and fine, while 1,012 were submitted for additional investigation.
Not every complaint results in disciplinary actions. However, if the California Medical Board believes an issue should be reviewed further, an investigation may proceed. This can result in extensive analysis and investigations, including:
- Calling professional witnesses
- Reviewing medical records
- Conducting interviews with those involved or other witnesses
Based on the outcome of the investigation, the matter may either be dismissed or disciplinary action may be initiated. California Business and Professions Code § 2234 defines dishonesty, fraud, misconduct, negligence, incompetence, and addiction as unprofessional behaviors that could lead to discipline.
If discipline is necessary, the California Medical Board has the ability to publicly reprimand the doctor, place the doctor on probation with terms, suspend the doctor’s license, or revoke their license completely. California Business and Professions Code § 2228 also allows the Board to place the physician on probation with terms and conditions.
Common Reasons Why Doctors Lose Medical Licenses
Medical license issues can arise from medical mistakes as well as actions outside of the clinical setting. Situations that the California Medical Board reviews include:
- Negligence
- Improper prescribing
- Violating professional boundaries
- Fraud
- Practicing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Being arrested or convicted of a crime
- Discipline by another board
- Dishonesty
A DUI arrest can put a professional license at risk even when it happens far from the workplace. The details of your situation matter greatly. Just because a patient suffered a bad outcome does not mean the physician was guilty of misconduct. A thorough analysis of the facts is important in these cases.
What Happens When the Medical Board Files an Accusation?
If the California Medical Board decides to file for formal discipline, the accused doctor may be sent an Accusation. The Accusation lays out the alleged grounds for discipline. When an Accusation is filed, the medical license issue moves from an investigation to a formal administrative process.
Medical licenses are typically handled through California’s administrative system and not like typical claims in civil court. Physicians do have the right to contest the accusation in an administrative hearing. At a hearing, both parties can share evidence and testimony in front of an administrative judge.
While you do have options to contest the allegations against you, it is vital to meet deadlines and procedural requirements. Once certain deadlines have passed, it may become more difficult to defend against the allegations. Speak with your attorney about all requests from the California Medical Board.
Hire a Medical License Defense Lawyer
When you hire a medical license defense lawyer, they can help guide you through the complex legal process. Your Riverside medical license defense attorney can review the evidence and work in your defense to combat the claims against you.
Medical Board hearings are administrative proceedings, which means that you do not have your hearing at a Riverside courthouse. If you end up with related criminal charges or other court cases, however, you may have to visit the local courthouse. The Riverside Hall of Justice is located at 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501, near Downtown Riverside and the Riverside Historic Courthouse.
FAQs
Can a State Medical Board Permanently Revoke a Physician’s License?
Yes, in California, the state medical board has the authority to permanently revoke a physician’s license if disciplinary proceedings determine there are grounds for revocation under California law. A revoked license generally prohibits the physician from practicing medicine lawfully in California. California law allows some disciplined physicians to petition for reinstatement.
Is it Illegal to Practice Medicine Without a License in California?
Yes, in California it is generally illegal to practice medicine without a valid license or other authorization under the law. Violations of these laws can lead to criminal charges. Physicians should also confirm that their licenses are valid and that they comply with any restrictions on practice because unlawful practice while a license is suspended or invalid can result in additional consequences.
Can a Doctor Practice While a Medical Board Investigation Is Pending?
Yes, a doctor often can still practice while a medical board investigation is pending. However, if the Medical Board or another body with authority over a physician imposes restrictions or obtains an order specifically prohibiting practice, the physician must comply with those directives.
Simply receiving a notice of investigation does not typically mean the physician has committed a wrongful act. A physician may continue practicing medicine while there is a pending investigation unless and until the Board disallows it.
Are Medical Board Actions Public Record?
Medical Board disciplinary actions against California doctors are often public record, along with associated documents. The Medical Board makes some license information available to the public, including medical board documents and other records. What information is publicly available depends on the nature of the action and where it is in the investigation process.
Contact Century Law Group, LLP
If you are facing an investigation regarding your medical license that may put your career in jeopardy, Century Law Group, LLP, is prepared to advocate on your behalf. Contact us today for more information and to schedule your free consultation.
