Failure to Report a Conviction or Plea for Doctors in Orlando

Failure to Report a Conviction or Plea for DoctorsA criminal conviction can lead to a wide range of consequences for any person. However, for doctors in Florida, a conviction can result in criminal penalties along with the suspension, restriction, or revocation of a medical license and, consequently, the ability to practice medicine. Medical physicians must abide by strict reporting obligations when charged with a crime, whether they are found guilty or enter a plea.

No matter what offense you’re charged with, it is essential to understand the implications that it may have on your license and career as a licensed physician. Florida law requires all medical and health professionals in Orlando to report their case’s ruling to the respective professional licensing board or the Florida Department of Health (DOH) within 30 days. The consequences of failing to report a conviction or plea for Florida medical doctors is detailed below.

Orlando Lawyers for Florida Doctors Charged with a Crime

Your criminal defense lawyer should ensure that you understand the collateral effects on your medical license and profession that go with a plea. When you retain a criminal defense attorney from The Umansky Law Firm, we advocate fiercely to defend your rights and freedom in cases including:

  • DUIs/DWIs
  • Misdemeanors, like perjury and domestic violence battery
  • Felonies, like drug possession and Medicaid fraud
  • Criminal traffic violations, like reckless driving

Our lawyers can also help protect your physician’s license from potential administrative sanctions. From writing your letter to providing all necessary documents to the Florida DOH, our criminal lawyers are well versed in the administrative requirements and provide invaluable legal support to put this challenging time behind you.

Requirements for Orlando Doctors after a Conviction or Plea Deal

In Florida, licensed medical physicians must notify the Florida Board of Medicine if they’ve been convicted of a crime or entered a plea of guilty or no contest within 30 days of the event. According to Florida Statute 456.072(1)(x), licensed health professionals are subject to discipline against their license for:

“Failing to report to the board, or the department if there is no board, in writing within 30 days after the licensee has been convicted or found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction.”

To report criminal activities, licensed doctors can use the Florida DOH’s Online Services, email their report to Licensure_Services@doh.state.fl.us or mail it to the Florida DOH Licensure Support Services in Tallahassee. Additionally, licensed physicians must keep a profile with the DOH and submit an update to their profile to include any criminal convictions or pleas.

If you are uncertain about what details to incorporate into your profile or letter to the DOH, or if you have any questions regarding how to report this information, The Umansky Law Firm medical license defense lawyers possess advanced knowledge of this process. We are here to advise you throughout your case.

Penalties for Failing to Report a Conviction or Plea to the Board of Medicine

Any licensed physician who overlooks their duty to report a criminal conviction, guilty plea, or no-contest plea to the Board of Medicine may face severe disciplinary actions involving fines, measures against clinical privileges, and suspension or revocation of license. Cases involving drugs or alcohol abuse, like a DUI, will likely lead to an emergency suspension order until the conclusion of your licensure case with the Board of Medicine.

Licensed medical professionals who keep their obligation to report a conviction or plea deal to the board receive a more favorable outcome than those who fail to report criminal activity. Issues the board considers when determining the disciplinary action you face for failing to report a conviction or plea deal include:

  • The nature of the crime
  • The relationship of the crime to the practice of medicine
  • The potential of harm you caused to the public
  • Whether you had previous disciplinary actions on your record

Offenses that may result in an automatic bar to medical licensure are generally related to fraudulent practices, drug abuse, and social and economic assistance. The criminal and administrative defense attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm can provide further insight after learning the details surrounding your case.

Potential Defense Strategies against Disciplinary Measures against Licensed Doctors

Our doctor license defense lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm consider a wide range of defenses to protect your physician’s license. Some of those strategies include:

  • Pleading to some offense other than those that may result in an automatic bar of licensure
  • Avoiding a felony conviction as misdemeanors do not ban licensure or renewal but can lead to further disciplinary action
  • Avoiding any crimes that echo health fraud or Medicaid/Medicare fraud
  • Attempting to get a pre-trial diversion, pre-trial intervention, or drug court
  • Avoiding having to enter a plea of guilt or no contest
  • Pursuing plea bargain agreements that may be expunged from your record after completing all requirements

Consult with a Medical License Defense Lawyer in Orlando

If you’re a licensed doctor who has been convicted of a crime and are facing disciplinary action for failure to report the offense to the Florida Board of Medicine, do not delay retaining professional legal assistance. For legal defense protecting your rights, medical career, and professional reputation, contact the experienced criminal and medical license defense attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm.

Attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm include former prosecutors and defense attorneys, and some have a background working directly with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). That knowledge, tied with our criminal defense expertise, allows us to create an effective defense for you and avoid losing your medical license and criminal prosecution in the administrative action. To speak with a skilled medical license defense lawyer, call or fill out our online contact form.

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    Failure to Report a Conviction or Plea for Doctors in Orlando
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