If you're a licensed physician in Tennessee with complaints or professional misconduct alleged against you, the state's medical licensing board will move forward with the investigative and hearing stages, which may end with disciplinary action. You're likely concerned with the implications that sanctions have not only on your reputation but what it may do to the status of your physician's license. It took years and tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to get, and you thought you were conducting yourself with care and professionalism. It's probably a surprise that a complaint was filed against you or that the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners seeks to conduct an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing.
Subsequently, you may not know how to defend yourself or get the help you need. Professional license disciplinary proceedings threaten any licensed professional in the state. This includes the following:
- Acupuncturists
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Massage therapists
- Nursing home administrators
- Optometrists
- Physician assistants
- Respiratory care specialists
Yet, physicians may face considerable challenges considering their responsibility to patients and public well-being, not to mention the time and money it takes to obtain a medical examiner's license in Tennessee to practice medicine. There are few other occupations that require such dedication, and you need to apply the same perseverance toward keeping your license.
Don't remain unprepared and lose everything you've worked so hard to get, and seek an experienced professional license defense attorney-advisor to assist you through the process. With what's at stake—your license, career, and livelihood—you shouldn't settle for an unqualified legal representative. You require proven advocacy with extensive experience defending licensed professionals against Tennessee license disciplinary proceedings.
The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team is the best protection against disciplinary actions and the harm they do to Tennessee physicians. The team can evaluate your situation and the complaints or allegations involved, recommend options and support the most favorable outcome possible. We represent all types of physicians in large metropolitan areas like Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis and others in smaller markets such as Franklin, Hendersonville, and Johnson City. Call 888-535-3686 or go online now for the best Professional License Defense Team in Tennessee to improve your chances of retaining your license and maintaining your reputation.
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners License Proceedings
Within the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners has the authority to issue, suspend, and terminate your physician's license. The 13-member Board's mission is to protect the public through enforcement of their standards for medical licensure, pursuant to the law put in place by the state legislature. Particular penalties depend on the nature and seriousness of the alleged violation of rules and regulations, including a license probationary period or revocation. Any disciplinary action, including minor sanctions, will become part of the physician's record. The Board and state health agency maintain an online licensure and disciplinary action report search platform that houses the status of certain licensed physicians throughout Tennessee. Patients, interested individuals, and the general public can search the database to check on a physician's license status and determine if the individual has any disciplinary actions or settlements against them.
The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners won't be reluctant to hand down sanctions if it finds physicians responsible for misconduct, and many have suffered substantial difficulties following disciplinary action. If you are a licensed physician practicing in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or anywhere in the Volunteer State and face disciplinary action from the Board, retain the Lento Law Firm's paramount Professional License Defense Team to help you devise an effective, planned defense.
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Rules and Standards
Tennessee's Board of Medical Examiners licenses personnel in dozens of healthcare occupations in the state, from radiologists and nursing assistants to acupuncturists and genetic counselors, but also physicians. The Board governs the healthcare process, including the adjudicatory and sanctioning process for all complaints against physicians and any alleged wrongdoing. Therefore, you must understand all you can about Tennessee's physician rules and standards since they outline why the Board offers various punitive measures.
To fully recognize your rights under the Board's rules and regulations and to have the most effective strategy against any charges, you should retain the Lento Law Firm's team. We are highly qualified attorney advisors with considerable knowledge and experience with Tennessee's physician licensure policies and practices. Regardless of any situation's complexities, an experienced license defense attorney-advisor from the Lento Law Firm offers you the best chance of defending your license and reputation.
Confidence in Your Defense of Tennessee Physician Charges
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 work for you.
The Lento Law Firm's principal Professional License Defense Team can respond quickly and informatively to any questions or concerns you have, guide you through your rights and options, and help you strategize for defense against Board disciplinary charges. It's important that you respond to allegations promptly and contact The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team immediately.
Valuing Your Tennessee Physician's License
Protecting yourself from disciplinary actions by the Board requires recognizing the true significance of your license in both your personal and professional life. Your license holds immense value, not only for yourself but also for your family, employer, and patients. Without acknowledging this importance, you may not be motivated to dedicate the necessary time, effort, and resources to build a strong defense.
Obtaining your education, passing exams like the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), and acquiring your license demanded significant investments of time, effort, and money. Your decision to practice medicine was driven by a desire to help others and make a positive impact. You have diligently worked to establish a successful career and a sterling reputation. Appreciating everything your physician license offers and recognizing the need for the best possible defense is crucial.
Ensure the protection of your valuable investment and the continuation of your passion and livelihood by enlisting the help of the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today. They will safeguard your license and enable you to continue pursuing your calling with the dedication and commitment it deserves.
What Tennessee Physician License Disciplinary Charges Mean
When facing disciplinary charges against your Tennessee physician license, it's essential to grasp that these charges don't automatically imply wrongdoing or that you'll lose your license. Just like criminal or civil charges, disciplinary charges are merely allegations of misconduct. As a result, administrative officials will inform you of the charges, allowing you to present evidence, witness testimony, and other pertinent information to clear your name or reduce any potential consequences.
Getting assistance from a license defense attorney-advisor from the Lento Law Firm is beneficial. They can help you compile and present the necessary evidence to completely exonerate you or minimize any adverse effects on your career and future prospects. Remember that disciplinary charges and allegations are not definitive judgments, and a strong defense can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Telling Your Side of the Story to Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Officials
While the Board treats allegations of wrongdoing against physicians with the utmost seriousness, they also acknowledge that doctors can sometimes face unjust accusations or unfair induction into disciplinary proceedings. In Tennessee, the majority of physicians are highly capable and compassionate professionals who diligently carry out their duties with excellence. But that may not always be the case.
Administrative hearings aren't a court of law, so don't always think you'll be granted due process to the fullest extent. But always know you have the right to present your side of the story, and you can trust the Lento Law Firm's premier Professional License Defense Team to support you in attaining the most favorable outcome possible.
The Nature of Tennessee Board of Medical Examiner's Allegations
You might be familiar with criminal or civil court proceedings, but administrative proceedings conducted by licensing boards might be new to you. Although there are some similarities between these types of proceedings, they also have significant differences. One notable distinction is that disciplinary charges brought by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners rarely lead to the courthouse. Instead, licensing board proceedings are handled in an administrative fashion, following their unique set of rules and procedures, which are commonly informal.
Furthermore, the outcomes of disciplinary proceedings differ from those of criminal or civil court cases. In administrative proceedings, the 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. Nonetheless, administrative proceedings still grant defendants the right to due process, demanding that accused physicians approach the matter seriously and seek representation from an experienced defense counsel.
What Allegations Put a Tennessee Physician License at Risk?
Any licensed professional in Tennessee—plumbers, builders, pilots, teachers—can face serious license disciplinary issues. Still, physicians face their own challenges specific to their area of expertise in the healthcare sector. For instance, while Tennessee state law permits individuals over the age of 21 to consume alcohol, doing so in certain situations can mean a physician's license will be called into question. Therefore, the Board may adjudicate more personal matters than would law enforcement. But there is a myriad of allegations that can merit misconduct or unprofessionalism charges that include but are not limited to:
- Inaccurate reporting of medical data
- Overcharging or soliciting promotional referrals for medical services
- Gross misconduct
- Mental incompetency
- Abuse or neglect of patients
- Failure to secure controlled substances
- Substance abuse, including alcohol consumption
- Frequent tardiness
- Failure to obtain informed consent
The Board has the authority to call into question something as little as a missed signature on a patient's sign-out sheet and any individual complaint. The risk to your license is as great as public responsibility is to your profession.
What Is the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners' Disciplinary Process?
Although you may approach the disciplinary process with concern, you must remember that the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires that Tennessee—including the state's Board of Medical Examiners—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.
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Complaints
A complaint will trigger the grievance process for registered Tennessee physicians. Complaints may be filed by patients, family members, peers, facility personnel, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers, but also any individual requesting to remain anonymous. Nevertheless, if a complaint leads to formal discipline by the Board, then the accuser's identity will no longer be confidential.
The moment you learn of a complaint against you, contact the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team. Working with you, your Defense Team may supply the Board with information and evidence that can clear your name before the investigative process begins.
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Investigations and Determinations
Every complaint undergoes a thorough investigation process involving two individuals: a licensed consultant in good standing with the Board of Medical Examiners and a staff attorney appointed by the Department of Health. They will assess whether the allegations indicate a potential violation of the rules. If a potential violation is discovered, the case is then handed over to a field investigator responsible for gathering witness statements and relevant documentation to either substantiate or refute the allegations.
Once the investigation is complete, the gathered evidence and witness statements undergo another review. The reviewers analyze the information to determine if any rules have indeed been violated and to what extent. Only the physician will be given information about the complaint, including its status, to maintain strict adherence to the confidentiality requirements.
Physicians will normally be asked to participate in an interview with investigators, but it is not a requirement. At that point, you will have the opportunity to explain your side of the allegation at hand. Afterward, an Allegations Report is filed with the state health agency and licensure board. A Board consultant and the assigned attorney with the Department of Health will decide whether or not the collected evidence from the investigation supports a rule violation. Physicians will be notified in writing if:
- No violation is found.
- A violation is found, including the nature, severity, and the position of the Board considering informal correction.
- A violation is found and is referred to the legal office for consideration of formal disciplinary charges.
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Sanctions
The Board can only take formal disciplinary action after notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Nevertheless, while you look to defend yourself in a hearing, you will have to grapple with the following potential sanctions:
- Compliance or consent order
- Civil penalties
- Public censure
- Probation
- Suspension
- License revocation
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 before the process begins.
Why You Need a Physician License Defense Attorney-Advisor in Tennessee
There are compelling reasons why seeking assistance from the Lento Law Firm and securing a highly qualified Professional License Defense Team is crucial when facing disciplinary charges from the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.
Firstly, state agencies like the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners possess substantial resources, enabling them to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute alleged offenses. Their disciplinary officials and investigators are well-versed in handling physician discipline cases and know the most effective strategies to implicate and take action against physicians. To counterbalance this advantage, engaging a skilled and experienced defense team that can competently challenge the Board's actions and effectively protect your rights is imperative.
Secondly, adjudicatory processes like licensure investigations and hearings operate on a preponderance of the evidence standard rather than the reasonable doubt standard found in criminal cases. This means the Board and the investigative team only need to establish the likelihood that you are responsible for the rule violation. Without a seasoned defense team by your side, you risk being overpowered by the preponderance of evidence standard, leading to the potential loss of your license. Therefore, securing the services of an attorney-advisor becomes essential to level the playing field and give your defense the best chance at success.
How a Physician License Defense Attorney-Advisor Can Help You in Tennessee
The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team offers numerous benefits in helping you respond to complaints and allegations and defend your physician license. Your defense team can work with Board officials to informally present evidence and arguments in your defense.
You surely want to have your charges dismissed or abandoned early, and your attorney-advisor can assist with voluntary resolutions. Your attorney-advisor 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.
Areas the Lento Law Firm Serves in Tennessee
The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm represents clients throughout Tennessee, including physicians who practice in the following areas, including but not limited to:
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Murfreesboro
- Franklin
- Johnson City
- Jackson
- Hendersonville
We represent physicians who worked at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Centennial Medical Center, Covenant Health, Erlanger Health System, Maury Regional Medical Center, Methodist University Hospital, Parkridge Medical Center, Saint Thomas, Tennova Healthcare, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Hospital, or any medical facility in Tennessee.
License Defense Team for Tennessee Physician Charges
No matter your area of practice, as a licensed physician in Tennessee, you can face allegations of wrongdoing or formal accusations that may jeopardize your license, your livelihood, and your future. The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners has vast resources to 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 across the U.S., you can trust the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team to help you get the most favorable results possible. Call 888-535-3686 or go online now.
