Joseph Lento Can Defend You Against Threats to Your Medical License
Attorney Joseph D. Lento is an experienced medical license lawyer who helps physicians whose licenses are in jeopardy. If you're licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York, contact the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 today to discuss your case and your options.
It can be a frightening experience when you're accused of misconduct as a doctor. After all the time and money spent on your education and the years you've spent building your practice, one complaint to the medical board can mean your career and livelihood are on the line. And if you're not prepared, the consequences can be disastrous. That's why it's important to have a skilled medical license defense attorney on your side.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento is an experienced medical license lawyer who understands how the licensing boards work and how to defend against allegations of wrongdoing. He can work with the board to improve your chances of a favorable outcome that can hopefully save your practice and your career.
What allegations could endanger your license to practice medicine?
There are many different allegations that could place your medical license at risk, but most have to do with violating the board's standards of professionalism and ethics, violating the law, or otherwise violating the public trust. Some of the most common allegations include:
- Fraudulent practices (e.g., upcoding, billing insurance companies for services not rendered, accepting kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies, falsifying medical records, etc.)
- Engaging in sexual misconduct with patients or staff (e.g., sexual harassment, sexual assault, inappropriate romantic relationships with patients)
- Mishandling medications (e.g., prescribing drugs without a legitimate medical reason, pilfering drug inventories for your own use)
- Gross negligence/incompetence (e.g., violating patient confidentiality, ordering unnecessary tests or procedures, committing life-endangering medical errors)
- Substance abuse
- Criminal convictions
What happens when a complaint is filed against you?
If a complaint is filed against you with the medical board (for example, by a patient, colleague, or coworker), an investigation will be opened. The board will typically invite you to submit a written response to the complaint along with any supporting evidence. If the allegations are particularly serious, the board may issue an emergency temporary suspension of your license until the disciplinary process is complete,
The board will review the allegations and decide whether there is enough evidence to take disciplinary action. If they decide to move forward, you will be given a chance to defend yourself at a hearing, after which they will determine whether to take action against your license. Disciplinary sanctions may range from minor actions like formal reprimands and fines to full revocation of your license.
Bear in mind that even if the board does not revoke your medical license, any disciplinary action against your license could become a matter of public record and do damage to your professional reputation. Having an experienced medical board defense lawyer like Joseph Lento can greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome throughout the disciplinary process.
Why do you need the help of a medical license lawyer?
When you're a doctor accused of wrongdoing, it's important to understand that, unlike criminal trials, the licensing board does not consider you "innocent until proven guilty." As soon as a complaint is filed, the board begins looking for evidence to support that complaint. The reason is that the main job of the medical board is to protect the public, not you. This means you are potentially at a disadvantage from the beginning of the process.
An experienced medical license defense attorney will know how to navigate the often-complex disciplinary process. They will also be familiar with the specific allegations you're facing and the laws that govern how the board can respond to them. This knowledge is critical in mounting a successful defense.
As an experienced medical license lawyer, Joseph Lento can level the playing field by protecting your rights and interests throughout the process. He is familiar with the board's procedures and knows how to negotiate in your best interests. This can make a big difference in whether you are able to keep your medical license or not.
Once you hire the Lento Law Firm to help you navigate the complaint against your license, Mr. Lento and his team can do the following to protect your interests:
- Review the facts surrounding the complaint to understand what's at stake
- Draft a compelling written response to the complaint (which is often enough on its own to have the complaint dropped)
- Strategize with you to help you develop a convincing defense
- Gather evidence and witnesses in your favor
- Act as your official legal representative in all interactions with the board
- Negotiate with the medical licensing board at multiple points for dismissal of the complaint or lesser penalties
- Defend you aggressively at a formal hearing
How soon should you contact a physician license defense attorney after receiving word of a complaint?
The sooner you contact a medical license defense lawyer, the better. If you wait to hire a lawyer until after an investigation has begun, or once you've been summoned to a hearing, it may be more difficult to get a favorable outcome. Having legal representation early in the process can make it more likely that the complaint will be resolved before it goes to a hearing.
Don't take chances with your future. If you're facing medical licensing board proceedings against your physician's license, contact an experienced medical license defense attorney today. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 today to discuss your case and your options.
