When physical and mental health is on the line, it's generally better to be safe than sorry. Medical professionals must jump through extensive and stringent hoops to be granted the ability to practice medicine, and the same is true for treatments and therapies themselves. In both cases, the end goal is the same: gather enough evidence to minimize risk and maximize effectiveness. For providers, this means schooling, testing, and residency. For medical treatment, the approval process involves scientific consensus and a proven track record of success. 

While it may seem obvious for doctors and therapists to only administer board-approved therapies, the reality is more nuanced. Illnesses are complex, and two human beings can react completely differently to the same treatment regimen. When something isn't working, medical providers wishing to help their patients may feel the urge to “think outside the box” for treatment options. This impulse is almost always based on good intentions; however, performing and advocating for these non-board-approved therapies can have dire consequences for the provider's medical license. 

If you are facing questions from the board about your chosen treatment, you need a lawyer. Contact the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team by filling out our online form or calling 888-535-3686. 

Potential for Serious Repercussions  

As with other license violations, prescribing alternative treatments can instigate an investigation by the state medical licensing board. Typically, the board will find out via a complaint filed by a patient or related parties. In a worst-case scenario, they may be informed as a result of the death of the patient receiving the unapproved treatment. 

Once the board becomes aware of the alleged promotion of unapproved therapies, doctors, therapists, and other medical professionals will likely be subject to the state's disciplinary process. This is the case even if the non-approved treatment gives the patient a successful outcome. The results of the investigations can be wide-ranging. On the low end, it may be a simple warning or reprimand. On the high end, the providers may be facing license limitations, probation, and revocation. In extreme cases (such as the death of a patient), the charges can be criminal, with jail time on the line. 

Looking at it from the perspective of the licensing board, using unapproved therapies is akin to using unlicensed doctors. Even if there is no damage done, the act itself puts the patient in unnecessary danger.   

Simply put, the board's determination when their investigation concludes can derail and even ruin the offender's career. With so much on the line, it is imperative that healthcare providers seek an experienced legal team as soon as they become aware of the allegations. The sooner the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team can join a case, the better chance we have at mitigating the impact on your career. 

Reach Out to the Lento Law Firm 

We understand that it can be extremely frustrating for medical professionals to receive punishment for utilizing non-approved treatments, especially when they are only trying to explore every avenue to help their patients. Retaining our Professional License Defense Team gives you a dedicated team of attorneys with many years of experience dealing with such situations. We will work with the licensing board to make your case and ensure you receive the best outcome available. 

For a consultation with the Lento Law Firm, fill out our online form or call 888-535-3686 today.