If you were targeted with allegations of unethical or unlawful practices in the field you hold a license in, you’re likely wondering what you can do to protect your career. Times like these can be stressful, which is why it’s important to turn to a trusted legal advisor who can provide the information you need to keep your right to practice intact.
At Bertolino LLP, our Texas professional license defense lawyers have the experience to help you through the challenging license review process. They can advise you on what steps you should take if your professional license is under review and, if necessary, help you fight the allegations jeopardizing your livelihood.
What You Should Do if Your Professional License Is Under Review
If you’ve received notice from the licensing board for your profession that your license is under review, there are steps you should take and actions you should avoid. Following the correct steps can help you avoid unwanted disciplinary sanctions.
Let’s discuss some of the do’s and don’ts of the license review process.
Carefully Acknowledge the Accusation Notice
Once you’ve received notice that you’ve been accused of illegal practices and that your license is under review, you’ll want to proceed with caution. It’s important that you acknowledge the notice, but you won’t want to contact a board staff member directly, as the board protects the public’s interests, not yours.
While reaching out to the board staff might seem like a smart way to plead your case, you’ll likely say something that could put you at risk of losing your license. Remember, board staff often record and take extensive notes on their conversations with license holders, so even the slightest mistake could have disastrous results.
Instead of responding to the notice yourself, work with a skilled lawyer to craft a response. They’ll be able to address the board correctly, ensuring mistakes are avoided, and appropriate evidence is available to involved authorities.
Don’t Discuss Your License Review With Others
Finding out your professional license is under review can be incredibly stressful. As a result, you might want to discuss the situation with a family member, friend, or even a colleague. A license defense attorney would strongly advise against discussing your license review with others. It is better not to involve loved ones and co-workers, as they could be forced to give testimony that hurts your case.
Reach Out to Your Professional Liability Insurer
While it’s inadvisable to reach out to a friend or colleague when your professional license is under review, contacting your professional liability insurance provider is recommended. In some cases, your insurer may cover the cost of hiring the legal counsel you need to protect your license.
It’s important to note that some insurance companies require you to contact them as soon as you receive notice that your license is under review. To ensure you have the best chance possible at securing quality legal representation, contact your insurer as soon as you can.
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Document the Facts and Events Surrounding the Complaint
If your professional license is under review, keeping organized documents of all relevant events and details can provide your license defense lawyer with information and evidence to protect your livelihood. In your records, make sure to include the names of the individuals involved and the date of the incident that led to your license review.
You should also make a note of any related events that led up to the incident. Whether your records are digital or on paper, you’ll want to include a section at the top of the document that the contents are confidential and only to be viewed by you and your attorney.
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Get in Touch with Eyewitnesses
If a colleague, co-worker, or another individual witnessed the incident that resulted in the complaint, ask them if they’d be willing to testify on your behalf. Give their information to your attorney, and they’ll get in touch with the potential witness.
Having an eyewitness can help your attorney strengthen your case and safeguard your continued ability to practice.
Find a License Defense Lawyer You Can Trust
As mentioned earlier, having a lawyer throughout the license review and defense process can make things easier and likely result in a positive outcome. They can provide guidance regarding the steps you should take once you’ve received notice your professional license is under review.
They can also help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a compelling case as to why you should keep your license. The right attorney can make the difference between a revoked license and a long career, so it’s important to find an attorney you can count on.
Meet With a Trusted License Defense Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take when your professional license is under review is to consult with an experienced attorney. Since 2007, our license defense attorneys at Bertolino LLP have offered effective counsel and representation to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, teachers, and insurance agents who have faced license review and revocation.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Bertolino LLP will meet with you to discuss the incident you are involved in. With their help, you’ll have the best chance to retain your license and continue practicing in your chosen profession.
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