Medical boards take alcohol and substance abuse seriously. Many states even offer treatment or recovery programs for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals. However, an accusation of alcohol abuse or addiction can lead to the suspension or even loss of a medical license.
If you are brought up on disciplinary charges with your state board concerning alcohol use, you should seek legal advice before deciding to enroll in your state's treatment program. At the Lento Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team assists physicians who have been accused of wrongdoing by their boards. We can help you defend your license. Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information so we can schedule a consultation.
Kentucky Oncologist Has License Suspended Over Alcohol Abuse Allegations
A radiation oncologist in Kentucky, Dr. Peter B. Hardin, had his license suspended by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure in an emergency order. This type of order takes effect immediately and is used when the board feels that allegations against a licensee are a serious threat to public health and safety. The board received certain complaints about Hardin receiving DUIs, exhibiting impaired behavior at work, and evidence of alcohol consumption at work. There is also alleged evidence of Hardin's history of alcohol abuse.
Once the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure receives a complaint about a licensed physician, it conducts an investigation to see if the complaint has merit. The board doesn't have to disclose details of the investigation to the public, but it does have to inform the subject of the complaint—in this case, Dr. Hardin—and ask for a response to the allegations.
Physicians Accused of Alcohol Abuse or Addiction
The Kentucky Medical Practice Act requires licensed physicians to behave according to certain standards of behavior. There's an ethical code they must follow. Like most professions, they are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol while on the job. Unlike other jobs, however, physicians can also be brought up on disciplinary charges for problematic behavior in their personal lives. If you are a licensed doctor who never uses alcohol or other mind-altering substances at work but do so in your free time, and it potentially has an impact on your work performance, it could still be grounds for license suspension or worse.
What to Do If You're Accused of Alcohol Abuse by Your Medical Board
As soon as you learn about an investigation into your actions concerning alcohol abuse or addiction, you should call our Professional License Defense Team. While enrolling in a treatment program might be an option, it's not always the best choice. We can offer you guidance tailored to your situation and identify the best possible outcome for you. We can also help you craft a response to your board's investigation of you, attend any hearings or meetings with you, and even liaise with the board on your behalf.
Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our contact form with your information, and a member of our team will get back to you.
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