Can I Get My Medical License Reinstated?

The Pennsylvania state licensing board has the authority to revoke a physician’s license to practice medicine in order to protect the general public. However, physicians are entitled to due process and the right to defend their position if they are unfairly targeted or claims against them are unfounded.

If your medical license has been deactivated or revoked, do not assume your career is over. If you take the proper steps to improve and show a willingness to be a better physician, your license can possibly be reinstated.

When a medical license is revoked or suspended, that physician is barred indefinitely from practicing medicine. There are many reasons why the state would consider a physician a risk to the public. Possible grounds for medical professional licensing suspension include:

• Conviction of a crime.
• Fraud.
• Improper issue.
• Malpractice.
• Misrepresentation.
• Negligence.
• Professional misconduct.

Various parties can initiate a disciplinary case against a doctor. The patient or their family member can bring allegations of misconduct or malpractice. Sometimes, it is a colleague, employer, or other medical expert who raises red flags.

It is also possible for the state medical board to open a disciplinary action against a doctor without a single compliant if a patient is injured through negligence. After concerns about a physician are reported, a disciplinary case is opened by the Federation of State Medical Boards.

If the medical board suspends or revokes your medical license, you will receive a letter indicating so. The letter includes a document that explains the reason for the decision along with fines and other penalties.

In most states, you have approximately 30 days from the receipt of the letter to request a hearing. If you do not respond, the decision becomes default, and you must stop practicing in your jurisdiction and/or state until the medical board reinstates you.

A hearing is the opportunity for your lawyer to provide a defense and/or negotiate the terms of the decision or the revocation. They have the right to request all of the evidence reviewed by the board during the process, including employment records and witness testimony.

After the hearing, the board has a few options. They can maintain the original decision to revoke your license, revise the terms of the decision, or retract their decision and reinstate your license. Your attorney can appeal this decision again, and after that move, the case to a higher court for one final round of appeals.

There are steps you can take to improve as a medical professional and show the board you are ready and capable of practicing again.

Volunteer

Community service is a good way to demonstrate good character, empathy, and compassion for others. Volunteer work is not a requirement for license reinstatement, but it can show good faith.

Community service does not necessarily have to be health care-related. It only matters if you are genuinely working to improve the lives of others in need.

Take Courses to Improve Your Skills

Many suspension and revocation cases derive from poor decision-making and negligence. If you cannot show an effort to improve your professional skills and get up-to-date on the latest health care guidelines and practices, the board is unlikely to change your status.

It is recommend to take medical courses to update your skills and expand your knowledge. If your case involved misconduct, you should also take courses on ethics in health care.

When you are ready to request your license to practice medicine, you can file a petition for reinstatement. The medical board in your state will review your case and make a determination.

They may schedule a hearing to discuss your situation further before deciding your case. A skilled lawyer is the best resource to protect your investment and your interests when your abilities or ethics are in question.

Philadelphia Disciplinary Action Lawyer at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Advocates for Doctors Facing License Suspension

If you need help getting your medical license reinstated, speak with our Philadelphia disciplinary action lawyer at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. We are committed to protecting your interests and your reputation. Call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.