South Carolina Medical Examiner Professional License Defense Attorneys
Protecting your license before the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners is overseen by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR).
The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners regulates:
- Physicians both MDs and Dos;
- Physician Assistants;
- Acupuncturists;
- Anesthesiologists’ Assistants; and
- Respiratory Care Practitioners.
Despite your best efforts, the reality is that anyone can file a complaint against you. Patients, employees, or other Medical professionals can make a complaint to the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners potentially jeopardizing your South Carolina medical license.
Some of the most common complaints include:
- Medical Negligence;
- Criminal conduct and/or a criminal conviction;
- Practicing while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or mental
disability; - Illegal or prescription drug abuse or addiction;
- Medication violations;
- Unlicensed practice and/or practicing outside of the scope;
- Poor documentation or record keeping;
- Sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or maintaining an inappropriate
relationship; - Fraud and misrepresentation;
- Unlawful billing practices;
- Patient abuse; and
- Boundary violations.
As a licensed professional, it is important to understand that a complaint filed with the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners can result in a public reprimand, suspension, hefty fines, and potentially revocation of your South Carolina Medical License. If you are seeking to obtain a medical license in South Carolina, you should understand that similar prior conduct could prevent you from being able to obtain a South Carolina Medical license. A free consultation with a South Carolina professional licensing attorney can help you prepare you for appearing before the South Carolina Medical Board.
Responding to a South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners Complaint
An important fact to remember is just because a complaint is brought against you, does not mean you are guilty, or that you have done anything wrong. What it does mean is that your license may be at stake. Contacting a South Carolina professional licensing defense attorney before you respond to the investigator will ensure that you understand your legal rights before it is too late.
A prompt investigation will follow when a South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners Complaint is made. During the investigation into your South Carolina medical board complaint, an investigator from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation will contact you. Be aware that anything you tell the investigator may be used against you.
In the event that you are accused of diversion or failing to properly waste a controlled substance, an investigator with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (“DHEC”) may also reach out to you and you may face criminal charges.
Always contact a South Carolina professional licensing defense attorney prior to speaking with the investigator, even if the investigator says they just want to her your side of the story so he/she can close the case.
If you are facing criminal prosecution, the fact that you are found not guilty on a criminal charge is not binding on your disciplinary action. In other words, you can be found not guilty and still lose your professional license.
Losing your medical examiners license can cost you your livelihood. It can bring with it not only legal, but financial and emotional problems as well. If an investigator contacts you about a misconduct matter, call a South Carolina professional licensing attorney immediately. Call us for a free consultation before it is too late.
South Carolina Medical Board Discipline
If you are found guilty of professional misconduct, you may be subject to a reprimand, suspension, or revocation of your license, as well as a hefty fine. Depending upon the circumstances, a medical professional may also be subject to a monitoring agreement with the South Carolina Recovering Professionals Program (“RPP”).
Handling a Referral to RPP
RPP helps those believed to be suffering from alcohol or drug abuse. RPP works in conjunction with LRADAC and the LLR. It is the approved monitoring program for licensees of the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.
If you are being investigated for a complaint regarding drug or alcohol use, you may be referred to RPP for an assessment to determine whether you suffer from alcohol or drug abuse or addition. If you are found to suffer from alcohol or drug addition, RPP will likely determine that you need treatment and continued monitoring. Standard monitoring agreements may last up to five years.
RPP is tasked with ensuring you are able to return to practice. If you are referred for an evaluation with RPP, call our professional licensing defense attorneys to discuss the facts of your case and what you can expect.
The Strom Law Firm, LLC represents and defends South Carolina professionals in disciplinary matters involving allegations of professional misconduct as well as in criminal matters. If you are a physician, physician’s assistant, or any other medical professional and are being investigated by LLR, give us a call for a free consultation. 803-252-4800.
