Statutes of Limitations in Professional License Disciplinary Investigations and Hearings
When you’re a licensed professional accused of misconduct, it can seem like the system is stacked against you. After all, almost anyone can accuse you of misconduct. Investigators and decision makers may not give you the benefit of the doubt. And the stakes, including your license and the ability to practice your profession, are incredibly high.
Even in such a harsh investigative and adjudicative system, many states have rules that limit when complaints against licensed professionals can be investigated or adjudicated. When applicable, statutes of limitations prescribe the time period in which a license complaint may be made, investigated, or adjudicated. At LLF National Law Firm, we can help you challenge any professional license complaint or disciplinary action. Our Professional License Defense Team can answer your questions about disciplinary investigations and procedures, including determining if a complaint is time-barred.
If you are the target of a professional license complaint or investigation, let our experienced attorneys develop a comprehensive defense strategy to protect you and your best interests. Call the LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your case.
Statutes of Limitations May Be State-, Profession-, or Violation-Specific
In the United States, there is no national statute of limitations law, regulation, or policy to prevent state licensing authorities from disciplining licenses for alleged misconduct that happened long ago. Instead, states may develop their own statutes of limitation for professional license investigations and hearings. In fact, a state’s law and regulation may create a statute of limitations for a specific violation related to a specific professional license.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) must initiate an investigation into a dentist for violating the Illinois Dental Practice Act within five years of receiving a complaint of an alleged violation. In most cases, IDFPR cannot take action against a dentist more than seven years after the date of the alleged violation. Also in Illinois, the Nurse Practice Act requires that license disciplinary proceedings against nurses cannot be commenced more than five years after the alleged violation had occurred.
Under Colorado law, a license complaint against a mental health provider related to a specific record-keeping requirement must be filed within seven years after discovering the misconduct. Importantly, the seven-year statute of limitations does not apply to disciplinary complaints based on other allegations of misconduct.
Keep in mind, these types of professional licensing statutes of limitations are incredibly nuanced and may involve detailed exceptions or circumstances in which the statute of limitations is tolled or delayed.
Additionally, some states have declined to impose any sort of statute of limitations on professional licensing investigations and hearings.
The LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team understands the law, regulations, and procedural requirements of professional license defense cases. Across the United States, we defend professionals from accusations of misconduct, and we are ready to defend you.
Let the LLF National Law Firm Help Protect Your Professional License
If you are a licensed professional, you know that a disciplinary investigation, hearing, or sanction can jeopardize your livelihood and financial security.
Don’t try to manage the risk alone.
If you are a licensed professional facing accusations of misconduct, we can help. To partner with our Professional License Defense Team, call the LLF National Law Firm offices at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online consultation form.