Professionals in Indiana spend countless hours and dollars in pursuit of certification. While the license itself may only cost a few hundred dollars, the time and effort put into achieving professional licensure is priceless. Whether you're a teacher, doctor, electrician, nurse, dentist, or other licensed professional, there are serious consequences for losing your professional license. When allegations threaten the validity of your license, it's important to take swift action. Protect your reputation and future career by working with Joseph D. Lento and his knowledgeable Professional License Defense Team. They can help you navigate any challenge and keep your license active in spite of scrutiny.
The Lento Law Firm: Professional License Defense in Indiana
There are a number of violations that may threaten your professional license. Violating patient/client confidentiality, the mishandling of medications, drug abuse, and sexual misconduct may warrant investigation. Your status may even be jeopardized if you're convicted of a crime with no direct connection to your work. For instance, those convicted of driving while intoxicated may find themselves at the center of a professional crisis even if their arrest happened off the clock. As soon as you discover allegations of professional misconduct have been levied against you, it's vital to contact a skilled Professional License Defense Attorney.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Professional License Defense Team know how to respond to allegations of professional misconduct and across the United States. They've helped licensed professionals in Indiana defend their right to practice. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 to discuss your case.
Disciplinary Proceedings for Licensed Professionals in Indiana
The board that issued your professional license oversees the disciplinary proceedings following accusations of misconduct or wrongdoing. While guidelines and procedures vary by industry and organization, most boards typically follow the process outlined below.
Complaint
Disciplinary proceedings against a licensed professional in Indiana start when a complaint is filed with the appropriate state agency. Complaints against physicians are filed with the Indiana Medical Licensing Board. There are other state boards for healthcare professions like dentistry, counseling, and nursing. Examples of other agencies for licensed professionals in Indiana include the Indiana Board of Education, the Indiana Building Department, and the Department of Insurance.
Any person may file a complaint that can threaten your professional license; most complaints fall into one of the following categories:
- colleagues
- patients or clients
- other practitioners
- insurers (typically in cases of suspected fraud)
- court clerks (i.e., reporting a recent criminal conviction to your employer)
Investigation
When your licensing agency receives a complaint about you, it kickstarts an investigation. You should receive written notice that an investigation has begun. This may include an opportunity for you to respond to the allegations. The investigative team may get in touch to schedule an interview. They may also show up unannounced at your job if, for instance, the complaint involves allegations of alcohol or drug impairment. Following the initial investigation, the team files a report, and the agency decides upon the next steps. This may include closing out the complaint or moving forward and interviewing the complainant, or issuing a subpoena for relevant records. With your professional license on the line, it's important to contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Professional License Defense Team as soon as you learn of the investigation.
Consent Agreement
Should the investigation result in support of disciplinary action, the licensing board may attempt to negotiate a legally binding consent agreement. This agreement would require you to admit guilt or liability but allow you to keep your professional license. The consent agreement may include penalties, like attending mandatory training classes or substance abuse treatment. Joseph D. Lento and his Professional License Defense Team can guide you on the best way to negotiate a consent agreement with the licensing board.
Hearing
A consent agreement can't always be reached. In such cases, an administrative hearing will occur. Attendance is mandatory. The licensing board will present its case, and you'll have the chance to respond to the allegations and argue why your license should not be revoked or suspended. The licensing board will then make a decision of your guilt or innocence and determine which disciplinary actions should be taken against you.
Protect Your Professional License With the Help of the Lento Law Firm
With most legal issues, a person bringing a complaint needs to hire representation and invest serious money into their pursuit of legal consequences. That's not true of professional license complaints. In some professions, there is no statute of limitations for filing a complaint, either. All the risk lies with the subject of the complaint.
If you're up against professional misconduct allegations, don't increase the risk by representing yourself. Instead, retain the Lento Law Firm at the first sign of an investigation. This will improve the odds of a positive outcome. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Professional License Defense Team can help you in many ways, including with the following:
- Assess the complaint against you and decide on the best strategy for a solid defense, starting with the collection of evidence, witness interviews, and more.
- Work as your official representative in all communications with the licensing board reviewing the complaint made against you.
- Craft a persuasive written response to the allegations to up the odds of having the complaint dismissed.
- Bargain with the board to have the complaint dismissed or to agree to more lenient consequences.
- Negotiate the most favorable consent agreement possible.
- Defend you in a hearing before the licensing board.
Areas the Lento Law Firm Serves in Indiana
Joseph D. Lento and his Professional License Defense Team offer professional license defense services to physicians, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, as well as to other licensed workers across Indiana. Most clients live in the more densely populated regions and healthcare systems across the Hoosier State.
The Lento Law Firm Team can provide professional license defense services to doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, as well as to other licensed workers in every community in Ohio. Most of our clients live in the more densely populated areas and healthcare hubs across the Buckeye State; our availability is particularly focused on providing representation in the following areas.
Indianapolis
Located in the center of the state, Indianapolis is both the capital and largest city in the state. The healthcare industry in Indianapolis provides both jobs and quality medical care to its residents. The city is home to major healthcare systems, including Indiana University Health and Community Health Network. Indianapolis is also known for its expertise in medical technology and life sciences, with companies like Eli Lilly and Roche Diagnostics headquartered in the city. The healthcare industry in Indianapolis continues to grow and innovate, contributing to the city's reputation as a center of healthcare excellence in the Midwest.
Fort Wayne
The healthcare community is the backbone of Fort Wayne. The city is home to several hospitals and healthcare systems, including the Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network. These organizations offer a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialized treatments, and emergency care. Fort Wayne is also a hub for healthcare education and research, with institutions like the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program and the Indiana University School of Medicine Fort Wayne campus.
Evansville
Quality healthcare and stellar providers aren't hard to find in Evansville. The city is home to major medical providers, including Deaconess Health System and St. Vincent Health. These organizations offer a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, advanced medical treatments, and research opportunities. Evansville's healthcare industry also contributes to the city's reputation as a center for medical education, with institutions like the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana offering healthcare-related programs.
South Bend
South Bend is home to major healthcare systems, including Beacon Health System and Memorial Hospital. The city's healthcare industry offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialized treatments, and cutting-edge medical technology. South Bend is also home to the Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, adding to the city's reputation as a hub for medical education and research in the region.
Carmel
Indiana University Health North Hospital, St. Vincent Carmel Hospital, and Franciscan Health are just a few of the many excellent medical centers in Carmel, Indiana. These organizations offer a wide range of services and employ many expert healthcare professionals. Carmel is known for its medical innovations, too, with companies like Roche Diagnostics and GE Healthcare headquartered in the city.
Allegations or Offenses That May Endanger Your Professional License
Professional licensing boards frequently impress upon licensees the importance of upholding the public's trust. When the board receives a complaint about a licensee, an investigation is triggered. Violations of the Medical Practices Act may warrant disciplinary actions including reprimands, probation, or the limiting, suspending, or revocation of the licensee's practice permit. The following are some allegations that may lead to disciplinary action:
Fraud
In the healthcare industry, fraudulent practices may include:
- Overcharging patients or upcoding insurance providers by using a more expensive service code than the one offered
- Billing patients or insurance providers for services not provided
- Receiving kickbacks for referrals
- Fabricating patient diagnoses to obtain more reimbursement from insurance providers.
- Rendering services outside the scope of your license
Gross Negligence and Abuse
This category includes any action that may potentially endanger the safety, health, or well-being of a patient. These actions may include:
- Physical abuse, such as striking or sexually assaulting a patient
- Emotional abuse, such as intimidating or insulting a patient
- Breaching patient confidentiality
- Medical mistakes, including errors in prescription
Inappropriate Relationships and Sexual Misconduct
One of the most severe forms of healthcare misconduct is engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with patients. Other examples of sexual misconduct include making unwanted sexual advances toward patients or colleagues, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.
Improper Management of Medications
A practitioner may face severe consequences if the governing board determines that they prescribed or dispensed medications recklessly or beyond the boundaries of their license. Additional offenses include poor monitoring of medications or misappropriation of medications for personal use.
Incorrect Documentation
Precise and comprehensive record-keeping is integral to effective patient care. Your license may be in jeopardy if you are found guilty of maintaining disorganized or insufficient patient records or if the records contain fabricated information.
Substance Misuse and Dependency
Substance abuse can alter a provider's judgment and ability to safely treat patients. If you're found abusing drugs or alcohol, you may lose your license.
Criminal Convictions
Your license could be in danger if the governing board is notified of your criminal conviction for driving while intoxicated, crimes of moral turpitude, or offenses associated with your profession.
The Lento Law Firm: Professional License Defense for Licensed Professionals in Indiana
The Professional License Defense Team, led by Attorney Joseph D. Lento, has a vast amount of experience advocating for licensed professionals in Indiana and nationwide. If you are licensed to work in any of these capacities, The Lento Law Firm can assist you.
- doctor
- nurse
- physician assistant
- dentist
- pharmacist
- mental health professional
- podiatrist
- anesthesiologist
- chiropractor
- physical therapist
- audiologist
- real estate agent
- K-12 teacher
- cosmetologist
- insurance agent
- architect
- CPA
- other licensed professions
Accusations of professional wrongdoing can escalate quickly. Your professional license may be at risk. Subsequently, your means of living, professional image, and income may be on the line. That's why it's so important to find a knowledgeable, experienced attorney who can guide you in making informed decisions as you move forward.
You deserve the very best shot at clearing your name. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Professional License Defense Team can provide the representation you need. Call (888) 535-3686 or go online to schedule your case review, protect your professional license, and begin restoring your good name.
