Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are required to maintain a valid medical license in order to provide treatment to patients. The requirements to obtain a license are extensive, and providers will need to remain in good standing and meet additional requirements when applying for the renewal of their medical license. Medical professionals should also be aware that they could face disciplinary action by the Illinois Medical Board, the Illinois Board of Nursing, or other divisions of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation if they are accused of violating laws or professional standards. To avoid discipline that could result in the loss of your medical license, you will want to do the following:
Do not engage in unprofessional or unethical conduct – Medical providers can face discipline for a wide variety of actions that violate ethical standards or are likely to harm patients. These may include gross negligence when providing medical care, making misleading statements about a person’s qualifications or the forms of treatment they are suggesting, promoting certain drugs or medical devices for financial gain, overcharging for services, or engaging in sexual misconduct. By following accepted standards and practices and avoiding inappropriate behavior, you can ensure that you will not be accused of unprofessional conduct.
Do not violate the law – A conviction on felony charges may result in the suspension or revocation of a person’s medical license, even if the offense was unrelated to the practice of medicine. For example, a DUI arrest or conviction may be grounds for license discipline. A provider may also face discipline if they are accused of committing child abuse or neglect, and an investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) uncovers clear and convincing evidence that abuse or neglect occurred. By following the law while practicing medicine and during your personal time, you can avoid disciplinary action related to criminal charges.
Take care when prescribing or dispensing controlled substances – Providers may be disciplined if they have prescribed, dispensed, or administered any controlled substances for reasons other than accepted medical purposes. In addition to discipline to their medical license, providers may face the loss of their DEA registration or even criminal prosecution. To avoid these issues, you should ensure that you are following the correct practices when prescribing or dispensing controlled substances, including requiring patients who use opioids to participate in pain management plans, participating in a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), and making sure drugs are not prescribed or dispensed for patients who have known addictions.
Take care of your physical and mental health – A provider may face disciplinary action if they have any physical illness, mental illness, or disability that interferes with their ability to practice medicine. By ensuring that you are physically healthy and are receiving treatment for any mental health issues, you can avoid any concerns about your ability to provide the quality of care your patients deserve.
Contact Our Illinois Medical License Defense Attorney
Even if you follow all of the steps above, you may find yourself under investigation by the IDFPR based on claims that you have violated the standards of ethical conduct or committed other violations of state or federal laws and regulations. In these cases, you need professional legal representation by an attorney who can protect your rights and help you avoid discipline that will affect your ability to practice. The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC can assist with your case, and we will work to protect your medical license and your career. Contact our Illinois professional license defense lawyer today at 630-310-1267 to arrange a complimentary consultation.
Sources:
https://www.fsmb.org/siteassets/advocacy/publications/us-medical-regulatory-trends-actions.pdf
https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1309&ChapterID=24