Orthotists and prosthetists are healthcare professionals highly trained to support patients who are suffering from mobility challenges. These specialists can design and create custom medical devices. These devices can be the difference between a patient dealing with immobility and being able to walk freely and without pain.
Since the stakes in this situation are high, every state in the nation has a set of regulations governing certifications for professional orthotists and prosthetists. If you're a practitioner in either of these fields, you will need to remain in good standing with your state's licensing board in order to continue your practice.
No matter where you live and work in the United States, the road to becoming a licensed orthotist or prosthetist is lengthy. To get where you are, you've completed years of education and training, as well as (in most states) passing certification exams set by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (or the ABC).
Here's the thing: If someone has lodged a complaint against you with either the ABC or your state's licensing board, you could lose your license. It can be enormously difficult to regain your license, which means that your investment in your professional future and reputation could be at risk.
At the Lento Law Firm, we are dedicated to making sure that healthcare professionals are able to do what they do best. If you believe that your state is opening an investigation into your actions as a professional orthotist or prosthetist, contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team immediately.
Potential Accusations to Be Aware of as an Orthotist or Prosthetist
If you're an orthotist or prosthetist, there is a surprisingly long list of potential offenses that could result in license revocation.
Some of the most common examples include:
- Gross negligence. If your state's licensing board is able to demonstrate that you've been careless about your professional duties, causing harm to your patients, or providing poorly-fitting prosthetics, that could be grounds for losing your license and your ability to work for a living.
- False advertising. Have you made any promises you can't keep to your patients, advertised your credentials incorrectly, or otherwise misrepresented the benefits you can provide? That could cause trouble for you and your license.
- Fraud. Prosthetists and orthotists can commit fraud by overcharging their patients, overbilling insurance, or billing their patients for services that did not happen.
- Substance abuse. If you're abusing alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances, especially if your actions have demonstrably affected your work performance, your licensing board could doubt your ability to do your job successfully and safely.
This is far from an exhaustive list. For example, if you've been convicted of a crime (such as a DUI/DWI or a crime of moral turpitude), that could also affect your ability to hold an orthotist or prosthetist license in your state.
Unfortunately, your state's board doesn't need to demonstrate that you are conclusively responsible for the allegations against you to recommend sanctions or inflict damage on your career.
The Steps in Your State's Disciplinary Process
What happens after your state receives an allegation against you?
First things first: If you become aware that your state is considering revoking your license or launching an investigation into your professional actions, you need to retain the services of the experienced Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team immediately. Doing so will increase your chances of experiencing a successful outcome. It's important to work fast when the stakes are so high — so don't delay; reach out to the Lento Law Firm as soon as possible.
Here are the general steps to keep an eye out for.
- Investigation. Your state's licensing board will take some time to find sufficient evidence to support the case against you. This can include interviews, subpoenaed documents, and even requests for you to respond in writing.
- Consent decree. In some cases, if there is enough evidence to support a strong case against you, your state's licensing board may offer an agreement that allows you to bypass a formal hearing and head straight to some form of disciplinary action instead. However, you will need to admit to your alleged wrongdoing. Your lawyer from the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help you determine whether this is in your best interest.
- Formal hearing. If you do not agree to a consent decree with your state, you'll need to respond to the complaints against you in a formal hearing. At the end of this hearing, your state's licensing board will decide whether your case merits some form of disciplinary action.
- Appeal. If your state's licensing board does decide to revoke your license, that's not necessarily the end of the road. You should be able to file an appeal, negotiate with your board for reduced consequences, or work to reinstate your license in a timely manner.
The experienced Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is ready to serve orthotists and prosthetists nationally. No matter which state's disciplinary board is investigating you, our services will be invaluable throughout every part of this process.
The Value of a Nationwide License Defense Advisor
If you're struggling with complaints or allegations against you as an orthotist or prosthetist, you could feel like your professional future is on the line. Your license may even be in jeopardy — and if you have a hearing with your state's licensing board on your calendar, that's especially stressful.
Fortunately, there's a relatively simple way to mitigate that stress and work towards success instead: Retaining the services of the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have the years of experience necessary to help you understand the full extent of the complaints or allegations against you, represent your interests in full, and provide support throughout high-stakes negotiations. As a result, you can feel confident that you'll be taking the most effective actions possible toward protecting your name, your reputation, and your career as an orthotist or a prosthetist.
If you're ready to take steps towards the most successful outcome possible, contact the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today at 888.535.3686. Our nationwide team of experienced license defense attorneys looks forward to helping you protect your license and your livelihood!
