Physician Assistants (PAs) are required to comply with Texas state laws and standards. Failure to do so can lead to license probation, suspension, or even revocation. If you’ve received a complaint or are under investigation for professional misconduct, your career could be in jeopardy.
At Bertolino LLP, we can help you defend your medical license. Our attorneys have litigated PA license defense cases in Texas since 2007. We know what it takes to protect your occupational license and can provide information on how to avoid similar issues in the future.
When do Physician Assistants Need to Defend Their Licenses?
If a PA receives a complaint, they may need to defend their license. Once a complaint is filed, the Texas Medical Board (TMB) reviews it and determines if it warrants an investigation. If you are contacted by the TMB or another government agency concerning an investigation, don’t answer any questions without a lawyer present.
A license defense attorney can help you communicate with the TMB in a way that doesn’t admit responsibility or fault. They’ll build a case against the allegations you’re facing and fight for your right to practice medicine.
Types of Complaints that Require a Legal Defense
There are a number of different types of complaints that can trigger an investigation. We encourage you to contact our firm if you’re facing an investigation for any of the following accusations:
- Violation of standards of care
- Improperly prescribing or dispensing drugs
- Failure to disclose a criminal violation
- Violation of a medical disclosure or confidentiality agreement
- Failure to maintain up-to-date certifications
If you’re facing an investigation, you should take it seriously and seek legal assistance from a lawyer. Partnering with a firm that offers legal services and support to medical assistants and other healthcare professionals can be the difference between keeping your job and losing it.
How does a Physician Assistant License Defense Work?
If the TMB receives a valid complaint, they will initiate a letter of inquiry. If you receive such an inquiry, you must provide a prompt and detailed response. An attorney can help draft and submit your response letter.
Upon reviewing your response, the TMB may decide that further action is required. If that happens, a lawyer can offer counsel and advocacy throughout the following processes:
- Licensing investigations
- Documentation disputes
- Disciplinary hearings
- Drug diversion investigations
- Criminal trials
No matter what kind of allegations you’re facing, our license defense lawyers will operate with your best interests in mind. They’ll represent you throughout your case and work hard to help you avoid long-lasting legal issues and license revocation.
Is Hiring a Texas PA License Defense Lawyer Necessary?
If you’ve received a complaint or are under investigation, we strongly recommend hiring an attorney. Without an experienced attorney by your side, you could run into several serious issues, including:
The Complexity of Navigating the Texas Medical Board Legal System
Navigating the TMB legal system can be incredibly complicated, particularly if you don’t have a background in license defense law and procedure. A lawyer can offer advice and guide you through the legal process with precision and care.
A Legal Mistake Can Ruin Your Career
If you’re under investigation for misconduct, your career, livelihood and reputation is on the line. Even the slightest error can lead to license revocation, leaving you without a job and steady income to support you and your family. If you answer a single question incorrectly, you could be accused of providing inaccurate information, which could be extremely detrimental to your case.
That’s why it’s of utmost importance that you work with an experienced license defense attorney. They’ll oversee your case and make sure you don’t say anything that incriminates you or leads to further scrutiny.
Legal Pressure Can Be Overwhelming
If a complaint has been filed against you, you’ll likely experience a great deal of stress. The pressure of an investigation may even make it challenging to perform your job and cause you to make mistakes that lead to future complaints.
Hiring a license defense attorney can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your job and avoid additional mistakes. An experienced lawyer may be able to resolve the issue early, so you don’t have to deal with the stress of a prolonged investigation or trial.
What Should You Look for in a Lawyer?
You should look for an attorney with a wealth of experience working with the Texas Medical Board and a proven reputation in PA license defense cases. The ideal lawyer gives each case they work on the time, energy, and resources it deserves.
In addition, a lawyer should communicate and collaborate with clients. They should ask their clients questions and learn as much as possible about their respective cases. Doing so allows the lawyer to develop a custom legal defense for each client.
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How Often Should You Renew Your Medical License to Remain Compliant with the TMB?
A medical assistant must have proper licensing regardless of their specialty. The Texas Medical Board (TMB) also requires PAs to keep their licenses up to date. To stay compliant, you must renew your license every two years.
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Our Firm Has What It Takes to Defend Your License
Bertolino LLP is Texas’s leading defense firm for physician license defense cases. We can review your case and provide you with the legal services and support you need to keep your license. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out if we can help you.
Our law firm is located in downtown Austin, TX, where the Texas Medical Board is based. Our strategic location allows us to work closely with the officials overseeing your investigation, which can be a major advantage for clients who reside in other parts of the state.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
