Receiving notice of complaint allegations filed with your professional licensing board is something all licensed professionals dread. No matter how contentious and proactive you are, there is always a risk that a client, patient, or someone else will lodge a complaint against you for alleged wrongdoing. And even a single complaint against your license can harm your career.
When your professional license, good name, and livelihood are being threatened by a complaint, it is imperative that you respond strategically to ensure the best possible outcome in the case against you.
How to Respond Strategically to a Threat to Your Professional License
Do not underestimate the power of your first responses to the board’s investigation.
When you receive notice of complaint and investigation from your professional licensing board, you will likely be given the opportunity to respond. While each state licensing board has its own enforcement processes and notice requirements, all of them offer due process to their licensees.
Well-drafted first responses designed to show that you did nothing wrong can be a powerful tool to get the complaint dismissed outright or sets the stage for you to mount a strong and compelling defense against the complaint allegations.
Do not take on the licensing board alone.
An experienced professional defense attorney can help you craft compelling first responses to the board’s investigation and ensure that you do not inadvertently give the board superfluous information that could harm your defense strategy.
Our firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced professional license defense attorney to review allegations of misconduct helps ensure the most favorable outcome in your case. Having an advocate from the start of your case is invaluable.
Understand the licensing board’s Enforcement Process.
It is important that you know what you are facing. To be prepared to strategically respond to an investigation, you must first understand the licensing board’s complaint enforcement process. Knowledge of what to expect, the next steps, and the possible outcomes empower you to be active in your defense strategy.
Timely respond to deadlines and board requests.
It is critical that you timely respond to all matters in your case. Missing a response deadline can result in forfeiture of certain rights and/or may lead to further issues with your licensing board.
Maintain your confidentiality.
Do not speak publicly or openly about the complaint or investigation. Things you say may be discoverable and could harm your defense. If you are duty-bound to give notice of a complaint to employers or other agencies, disclose only the information that is necessary. Discuss case and defense details only with your attorney because those communications are protected by attorney-client privilege.
Adherence to these principles provides the framework for strategically responding to your licensing board and defending your professional license against attack.
Professional License Defense
BERTOLINO LLP provides aggressive advocacy for professionals who are facing disciplinary action in front of a licensing board, agency, or commission in Texas. We 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 law firm helps professionals, like you, keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a state agency or board.
With offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, we serve clients all over the state. As experienced attorneys, well-versed in state and federal laws, we know how to win. Our results speak for themselves!
If you are facing disciplinary action from a professional licensing board, 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
