As a physician, people tend to hold you in high regard and expect you to always act with integrity. But what happens if you are accused of breaking the law? Can an arrest lead to the loss of your medical license?
If you are facing any kind of criminal charges, you must know to protect yourself and your license.
The consequences of criminal activity
Criminal activity can have a range of consequences for physicians. It can lead to disciplinary action from state medical boards and damage their reputation. In addition, physicians who engage in criminal activity may have their medical privileges suspended or revoked by their hospital or other medical facilities. This can result in the physician being unable to see patients or perform surgeries, placing their health at risk.
Even though a charge doesn’t equal a conviction, being charged with any kind of criminal act is something that generally must be reported to the medical board in a timely fashion. You can end up in bigger trouble by trying to hide the charges than by revealing them.
If you face allegations of wrongdoing or are arrested for a crime, it is vital to take quick and decisive action to protect your medical license. Your first step is to speak with a legal representative who understands health laws and professional licensure regulations. They will review the facts of your case and develop a strategy for defending you against the allegations.
They can also guide you through the process of notifying your state medical board of the situation and any ensuing investigations on their behalf. By taking quick and proactive action, you can minimize the impact of an arrest on your career as a physician.