Thousands of complaints are made every year against licensed professionals, and fortunately, many never go beyond the initial intake stage. However, professional regulation is important to protect the public, and allegations of misconduct from your licensing authority is a serious matter.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to receive a letter that a complaint has been made against you and that there is going to be an investigation into your professional conduct. However, you have the right to defend yourself, and by doing so, you may be able to end the investigation in the early stages, minimizing the impact on your professional license.
If your license has already been revoked because of a mistake you made, or because the licensed lapsed, you can file a petition and build a case proving that you are fit to have your license reinstated.
Types of Professionals Who Are Subject to Professional Regulation
Some of the common types of professionals who are subject to professional regulation include:
- Lawyers
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Psychologists and other mental health professionals
- Pharmacists
- Dentists
Types of Violations That Lead to Disciplinary Actions
There are many actions that a professional can take that may lead to disciplinary action. While the violations vary depending on the profession that the individual holds, some of them include (per The Florida Bar and Florida Statute 456.072):
- Stealing from clients
- Misrepresenting themselves
- Helping unlicensed professionals practice law or medicine
- Committing a felony
- Using controlled substances
- Charging excessive fees
- Engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient or client
- Conflicts of interest
- Unprofessional conduct
Professional License Complaint Process
Professional regulation is important for ensuring licensed professionals are behaving ethically and to the best of their ability. However, there is a clear process in place for every industry to ensure that complaints are valid before the licensing board moves forward with an investigation.
While the process can vary somewhat from one industry to the next, in general, the process starts with a patient or client filing a complaint. Next, the board or someone assigned to the responsibility reviews the complaint to ensure it is a clear violation of the law or ethical violation that warrants further review and, if true, disciplinary action.
If it could warrant disciplinary action, an investigation commences, and the professional is informed of the complaint. They may be given the opportunity to defend themselves at this time via letter and evidence, or they may be given a chance later, after the investigation, to defend themselves before a counsel. Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the decision by a counsel, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken.
Types of Disciplinary Action That Can Be Taken
The disciplinary process can vary somewhat from the medical industry to the legal industry, but some of the common types of disciplinary action, per Florida Statute 456.072, include:
- Reprimand letter
- Administrative fine
- Remedial education
- Probation
- Restrictions on practice
- Suspension of license
- Loss of license
If you are facing disciplinary action because of an allegation that was made regarding professional misconduct, you have the right to defend yourself. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733.
