You have worked for years to earn your medical license in Texas. Any allegation of misconduct filed with the Texas Medical Board (TMB) could put your license, reputation, and career are on the line. The following are some precautionary measures all TMB licensees can follow to help protect their licenses.
Technology
Be aware of misconduct regarding technology. Technology is great. It makes all our lives easier. However, it opens gray areas that may lead to a complaint filed with the TMB. Anything you communicate can be used against you, including voice mail recordings and emails. Stay mindful of how you communicate with patients using technology.
Also, technology can open the door to misconduct about confidentiality and privacy issues. Make sure your office computers have proper firewalls and your client files are backed up in a way that complies with the law. Ensure your staff is well-trained on mandatory client confidentiality and proper billing protocols.
Prescribing Medication
Texas State agencies have been cracking down on doctors’ prescriptions for years. It is important to closely follow all regulations regarding the prescribing of medication. When considering the healthcare needs of family or friends, do not:
- Write a prescription for or treat a patient, especially a family member or friend, for a medical condition outside the scope of your specialty. For example, a dentist should avoid prescribing antibiotics to treat a cold.
- Prescribe medication to a spouse, family member, or friend without fully documenting the treatment or prescription in their medical record.
- Write a prescription for a patient who is in another state (if you are not licensed to practice medicine in that other state).
Relationships with Patients
As you know, having a romantic or sexual relationship with a patient is an ethical violation. It is important to establish and maintain proper boundaries with your patients.
When Your Professional License is Under Attack
If someone has lodged a formal complaint against you and your license, your professional reputation and good name are on the line. It’s critically important that you take the complaint seriously from the start and address the allegations head-on.
Our law firm helps professionals, like you, keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a state agency or board.
The professional license defense lawyers at Bertolino LLP have consistently won significant cases for doctors, nurses, lawyers, architects, pharmacists and other professionals dealing with issues that could jeopardize their ability to work. We know how to build a strong case to protect your license – and your livelihood. Our results speak for themselves.
If you have received a licensing complaint, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We represent licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. Our honest, experienced attorneys will fight aggressively on behalf of your license and reputation. Contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
