The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration arrested 52-year-old Indiana doctor William Hendrick in January after his Muncie pain clinic was raided. Hendrick, who operates several pain clinics around the state of Indiana, has been charged with the reckless prescribing of controlled substances, Medicaid fraud, forgery and registration offense. The Indiana Medical Licensing Board, before whom Hendrick was awaiting another hearing and possible action on the temporary suspension of his license, has decided to continue the suspension indefinitely until criminal charges are brought to a resolution. If you or someone you know is facing a professional license inquiry, hearing or disciplinary action by a regulatory body governing your profession, contact an experienced Charleston professional liability defense attorney right away.
Your Reputation and Livelihood
Several different professional careers require the issuance of a professional license by a governing or regulatory board. These may include, but are not limited to, contractors, psychologists, accountants, chiropractors, realtors, doctors, dentists, lawyers, architects, nurses, and pharmacists. Once the license is granted to an individual, he or she will be subject to the rules and regulations set forth by that particular licensing board. An inquiry or hearing of a licensed professional taints their reputation and may put their career at risk.
The rules and regulations imposed by the governing board of the several aforementioned professions differ; however, a license may be put in jeopardy if any of the following factors are present:
· Criminal convictions;
· Malpractice complaints;
· Incapacity or cognitive impairments.
· Complaints by clients or patients;
· Failure to maintain proper records;
· Substance abuse;
· Violation of ethical codes or rules;
· Unlicensed practice; and
· Failure to meet professional standards.
An investigation or charge of a professional license can be defended in several ways. Although the procedures vary slightly by profession, usually there is an initial fact-finding process (investigation) and then a formal hearing before a board of peer and state professionals (hearing). An experienced and aggressive professional license defense attorney may respond to the fact-finding inquiry and end the investigation or, alternatively, appear before the board to defend and preserve a client’s right to practice.
Legal Help In Charleston
Contact aCharleston professional license defense attorney today to discuss the legal implications of any alleged violations of a licensing board’s rules or regulations. The attorneys atPierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC have years of experience defending professionals in disciplinary hearings and in front of licensing boards. Don’t risk your livelihood – improve your chances of being able to continue in your profession.