There are thousands of physicians in Oregon that have obtained professional licenses to practice their craft. One of the most important things for them to understand is not how they put in the effort through the application and vetting process but what it takes to maintain their license and remain in good standing with the Oregon Medical Board. The biggest threat to any physician license in Oregon and elsewhere is when complaints or allegations of misconduct arise.
When the state's licensing board has knowledge of a complaint filed against you, it isn't something as easy or as untailored as an email to inform you that you may have violated the rules. It's essential to understand that the Board will proceed with a path toward potential disciplinary action against you. The implications of such sanctions are problematic for your professional reputation and the status of your hard-earned physician license. Obtaining this license required years of dedication—sometimes more than a decade—and significant financial investment. You've worked hard to conduct yourself with the best care, compassion, and professionalism. Therefore, it can be unexpected when you learn that a complaint has been filed against you or that the Oregon Medical Board is conducting an investigation into alleged wrongdoing. After all, if you have a blemish on your physician license record, it could impede the following:
- Future promotions
- Obtaining research grants
- Eligibility for leadership positions
- Seeking other professional licenses
- Practicing medicine in another state or jurisdiction
Facing disciplinary proceedings can be a daunting task for any licensed professional in Oregon. Considering the added responsibility of physicians in patient care and public well-being, the stress they face becomes even more substantial. Moreover, obtaining a physician license in Oregon demands an extensive commitment, underscoring the need to approach safeguarding one's license with unwavering determination.
In this critical situation, being unprepared is not an option, as it risks jeopardizing everything that has been diligently achieved. Seeking assistance from an experienced professional license defense attorney-advisor becomes paramount. Given the high stakes involved—your license, career, and livelihood—you cannot settle for an unqualified legal representative. Instead, you require proven advocacy from professionals with extensive experience in defending licensed professionals against Oregon Medical Board disciplinary proceedings.
The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team offers the best protection against disciplinary actions and the potential harm they may cause to individuals holding physician licenses in Oregon. Our Team will thoroughly evaluate your situation, assess the complaints or allegations involved, and provide expert recommendations to support the most favorable outcome possible. We represent physicians in various areas, including large metropolitan regions like Portland, Salem, and Eugene, as well as smaller markets such as Bend, Beaverton, and Springfield.
To improve your chances of retaining your license and preserving your reputation, don't hesitate to call 888-535-3686 or visit us online now to consult the best Professional License Defense Team in Oregon.
Oregon Medical Board License Proceedings
The Oregon Medical Board protects the public through the enforcement of their standards for medical licensure, following state and federal law. The Board also reviews all applications for potential physician licenses, granting or denying them.
For the purposes of processing licenses, the Board evaluates any derogatory information in a license application or renewal. Such information may include criminal arrests or convictions, civil judgments, discipline or investigation by other licensing boards, past or current malpractice claims or settlements, individual mental or physical health concerns, and others. Under an administrative review, the Board's Executive Director, Medical Director, Licensing Manager, and senior licensing staff members review the applicant's credentials. This group determines whether the applicant meets licensing standards or whether the applicant needs further review by the Administrative Affairs Committee and the full Board, or if the Investigative Committee (Committee) must undertake a further examination to determine the applicant's ability to safely practice in Oregon. If needed, the Committee makes a recommendation to the Board on licensure.
But once physicians in Oregon gain their license, don't think it's a free-for-all. The Oregon Medical Board won't hesitate to initiate investigations that may lead to sanctions if it finds physicians responsible for misconduct. Unfortunately, many practicing licensed professionals have suffered difficulties following disciplinary action. For instance, gaining employment elsewhere in the state will be challenging and may derail medical leadership plans down the road.
Potential penalties involving a physician license depend on the nature and seriousness of the alleged violation of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, any disciplinary action, including formal hearings conducted, will become part of the physician's record. The Board maintains an online licensure and disciplinary action report search platform that lists the standing and status of licensed physicians throughout Oregon. Any member of the public can search the database to determine if an individual has any sanctions or settlements levied against them.
If you are a licensed physician practicing in Portland, Salem, Eugene, or anywhere in the Beaver State and face disciplinary action from the Board, retain the Lento Law Firm's paramount Professional License Defense Team to help you devise a successful defense.
Oregon Medical Board Rules and Standards
The Oregon Medical Board licenses personnel in dozens of healthcare occupations in the state, from x-ray technicians and nursing assistants to counselors and radiologists. Nevertheless, each discipline, including physicians, has its own official guidance through specific rules and regulations. Therefore, you must understand all you can since they outline why the Board pursues various punitive measures.
You have acted as a confident medical professional performing your jobs and duties as a physician and a respected member of the healthcare community. Yet, rising allegations may have affected that confidence, so you begin to doubt your abilities. Uphold the same assurance you have as a physician in defending yourself against any alleged rule violations by having a skilled defense team effort for you.
For a comprehensive understanding of your rights according to the Board's guidelines and to devise the most effective strategy against any charges, enlisting the assistance of the Lento Law Firm's Team is essential. Our Team possesses extensive qualifications and expertise in dealing with Oregon's physician licensure policies and procedures. No matter how intricate your situation may be, having an experienced license defense attorney-advisor from the Lento Law Firm by your side provides you with the highest probability of successfully defending your license and safeguarding your professional reputation.
What Oregon Physician License Disciplinary Charges Mean
When you face disciplinary charges concerning your Oregon physician license, it's crucial to understand that these charges do not automatically imply misconduct or jeopardize your license. Just like criminal or civil charges, disciplinary charges are merely allegations of misconduct. As a result, administrative officials will notify you of the charges, giving you the opportunity to present evidence, witness testimony, and relevant information to clear your name or minimize any potential consequences.
Seeking assistance from a license defense attorney-advisor from the Lento Law Firm can prove highly beneficial. They can help you gather and present the necessary evidence to completely exonerate you or mitigate any adverse effects on your career and future prospects. It's essential to remember that disciplinary charges and allegations are not definitive judgments, and a strong defense can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
While the Board treats allegations of wrongdoing against physicians with utmost seriousness, they also acknowledge that doctors may sometimes face unjust accusations or unfair induction into disciplinary proceedings. In Oregon, the majority of physicians are competent and compassionate professionals who diligently fulfill their duties with excellence. However, that may not always be assumed, and it's essential to be prepared.
The Nature of Allegations from the Oregon Medical Board
It's understandable that you might be familiar with criminal or civil court proceedings, but administrative proceedings conducted by licensing boards could be new to you. While some similarities exist between these types of proceedings, there are significant differences. Notably, disciplinary charges brought by the Oregon Medical Board typically do not lead to court appearances. Instead, licensing board proceedings are handled administratively, following a unique set of rules and procedures, often in a less formal manner.
Furthermore, the outcomes of disciplinary proceedings differ from those of criminal or civil court cases. In administrative proceedings, the primary focus is on your physician license, and the potential risk is limited to its status, unlike criminal cases that may jeopardize your freedom or civil cases that may impact your finances.
What Allegations Put an Oregon Physician License at Risk?
Any licensed professional in Oregon—building contractors, electricians, teachers, and others—can face serious license disciplinary issues. But physicians face their own challenges specific to their area of expertise in the public healthcare sector. For instance, although Oregon state law permits individuals over the age of 21 to consume and possess alcohol or other substances, such action could be a reason why a physician's license will be called into question through various ethical standards. Therefore, the Board may adjudicate more personal matters than a court of law may, and the list of potential allegations that can merit misconduct or unprofessionalism charges is long, which includes but is not limited to:
- False reporting of physician or patient data
- Soliciting referrals for payment
- Overcharging for medical services
- Mental incompetency
- Abuse or neglect of patients, including sexual misconduct
- Failure to secure controlled substances
- Substance abuse, including alcohol consumption
- Unethical personal conduct outside of employment
- Frequent tardiness
- Failure to obtain informed consent
The Board has the authority to call into question something as minor as an unlocked medicine cabinet or the absence of a physician's signature on a patient's sign-out sheet, not to mention any individual complaint. The risk to your license is as significant as public responsibility is to your profession.
What Is the Oregon Medical Board's Disciplinary Process?
Although you may approach the disciplinary process with troubling distress, you must remember that the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires that Oregon —including the state's Board—give you due process. This means they must provide you with notice of the charges and offer you a fair opportunity for a hearing to defend yourself. But there could be instances of bias in any proceeding. And if you don't have the proper representation, you may become a victim of an institution protecting its reputation.
When you retain The Lento Law Firm's highly-qualified Professional License Defense Team, the disciplinary process is no longer a threat; it becomes your ally. Your Lento Law Firm license defense attorney-advisor will invoke the right you have to a fair and impartial investigatory and adjudicatory process and help you present the best defense. They will also ensure Board members follow the process outlined in their rules and regulations.
Oregon Medical Board Complaints, Investigations
The Oregon Medical Board processes an estimated 750-850 complaints on an annual basis, and between 400-500 leads to a full investigation. Grievances arise from a variety of sources, including fellow healthcare practitioners, hospitals, patients, and their relatives, among others. Every complaint is rigorously examined, and some are resolved swiftly as the preliminary investigation determines that the licensed professional didn't infringe upon any state law or regulation. All complaints are evaluated by the Committee to ascertain potential breaches of its rules and regulations, state statutes, or the Medical Practice Act.
During its investigation, the Committee will gather all relevant data related to the matter. This may include the following:
- Reviewing medical records of patients and the physician
- Interviewing the complainant, respondent, and witnesses
- Conducting a physical or mental examination of the licensee
- Consulting with medical experts
Once the investigation is complete, the Committee will present the case to the full Board. The presentation will include all evidence gathered, sometimes with the help of a professional medical consultant. The Committee will also recommend disciplinary measures if the findings warrant them.
Potential disciplinary action from the Board may include the following:
- Interim stipulation agreements limiting areas of practice
- Chance to voluntary withdrawal from an area of practice
- Order of evaluation to determine mental or physical competency
- Emergency suspension of all duties and license
- Consent or compliance orders
- Corrective action agreements (additional education requirements, civil penalties, etc.)
At this point, a physician has the opportunity to accept the disciplinary and waive their right to a contested case hearing in front of an administrative law judge. However, formal disciplinary actions will become a part of your license record indefinitely and are publicly available. Because of this, it's critical you get assistance to proceed to a contested case hearing.
Oregon Physicians in Contested Case Hearings
If a hearing is requested, it's much like a court proceeding, with evidence presented, witnesses testifying under oath, and arguments made by both sides. An administrative law judge presides over the hearing and makes a proposed order based on the evidence presented.
Physicians only have 20 calendar days after receiving notice of a right to a contested case hearing to file. Individuals have the option to retain counsel, as well as the chance to present evidence, cross-examine, and discuss all matters under the purview of the presiding officer.
According to Oregon statutes, the record in a contested case must include the following:
- All pleadings, motions, and intermediate rulings
- Evidence received, including that which is not considered a part of the official record.
- Stipulation agreements reached between the parties
- An official statement of all matters taken into consideration
- Questions asked by either party or those conducting the hearing, including offers of proof or objections and rulings
- Disclosure of any ex parte communication made to the presiding officer
- The hearing's recommended findings and exceptions
- Any proposed intermediate or final orders prepared by the Oregon Medical Board or an administrative law judge.
Following the proposed final order from the administrative law judge, the Board can accept, reject, or modify it. Such sanctions will include the following:
- Formal reprimand
- Remedial education
- Monitoring
- Practice limitation
- Chaperone requirements
- Fines
- Completion of the Health Professionals' Services Program
- License suspension
- License revocation
You may think that once the contested case hearing is over and an administrative law judge has referred back to the Board that the fate of your license is no longer in your control. That's a common misconception. Once the Board issues a final order, licensees have a few more levels of appeal.
Oregon license professionals like physicians can appeal decisions to the Oregon Court of Appeals, the Oregon Supreme Court, a federal appeals court, or the U.S. Supreme Court. Just because the state agency has denied you the opportunity to practice medicine, that doesn't mean your career is over.
Why You Need a Physician License Defense Attorney-Advisor in Oregon
There are three compelling reasons why it's of the utmost importance to get in touch with the Lento Law Firm and its Professional License Defense Team when confronted with disciplinary charges from the Oregon Medical Board.
To start with, state organizations like the Oregon Medical Board wield considerable resources, empowering them to carry out extensive investigations and pursue alleged violations. Their disciplinary officers and investigators are proficient in managing physician discipline cases and are knowledgeable about the most potent tactics to accuse and take disciplinary action against physicians. You have focused your life and career on practicing medicine, not conducting investigations and proceedings. To strategize for that disadvantage, it's indispensable to employ a seasoned and skillful defense team capable of effectively challenging the Board's maneuvers and efficiently protecting your rights and your license.
Secondly, disciplinary procedures that follow licensure investigations don't operate on the beyond-a-reasonable doubt standard as what is seen in a typical courtroom. The Board will work on the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning the Board and the Committee simply need to prove the likelihood that you violated the rules or are responsible for alleged misconduct. Without an experienced defense team on your side, you risk being overpowered by the lower evidentiary standard, which could lead to the possible forfeiture of your license. It's much easier to procure the support of an experienced attorney-advisor to equalize the odds and ensure your defense has the best shot at success.
The third reason is quite simple. The Lento Law Firm has experience helping thousands with cases, from local matters to those in front of federal judges. But retaining its Professional License Defense Team means issues don't have to go that far. Commonly, its Team is able to broker negotiations with licensing board officials before sanctions are handed down.
You surely want to have your charges dismissed or abandoned early, and your attorney-advisor can assist with voluntary resolutions. They may also assist with appealing the Board's decision, whether the charges are informal or formal, or challenging any decisions the Board makes regarding your licensure. Regardless, you will have help every step of the way, no matter where you are.
Areas the Lento Law Firm Serves in Oregon
The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm represents clients throughout Oregon, including physicians who practice in the following areas, including but not limited to:
- Portland
- Salem
- Eugene
- Gresham
- Hillsboro
- Beaverton
- Bend
- Medford
- Springfield
- Corvallis
We represent physicians who worked at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, OHSU Hospital, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, St. Charles Medical Center, Bay Area Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Medical System, Salem Hospital, PeaceHealth Medical System, Cedar Hills Hospital, Adventist Medical Center, Wallowa Memorial Hospital, or any medical facility in Oregon.
License Defense Team for Oregon Physician Charges
No matter your area of practice, as a licensed physician in Oregon, you can face allegations of wrongdoing or formal accusations that may jeopardize your license, your livelihood, and your future. The state health agency and Oregon Medical Board will investigate complaints it receives against physicians and discipline them. So, you need an experienced attorney-advisor to help you obtain the most favorable outcome.
Like hundreds of other physicians and licensed professionals nationwide, you can trust the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team to help you get the best results possible. Call 888-535-3686 or go online now.
