by Rich West
on January 17, 2012
You should probably talk to an attorney. Prescription drug abuse is of major concern not only to the licensing boards, but to other regulatory bodies and law enforcement. In fact, a recent article in the New Jersey Star Ledger highlights a new approach being taken by the New Jersey Attorney General and the Division of Consumer Affairs (cite article).
The state is starting an ambitious program to track every prescription filled for controlled dangerous substances (see the Attorney General’s Press Release here). The purpose of this new program is to reduce the growing abuse of prescription pain killers. Until this goal is laudable, practitioners need to be aware of the effect such a program may have on their license. A major part of this program appears to be increased enforcement actions against prescribers who dispense large amounts of CDS. These enforcement actions may include fines, license discipline and possible jail time.
If you have not been contacted, now would be a good time to refresh your knowledge of prescribing practices and recognizing additions. In addition, it is critical for prescribers to have excellent security for their prescription pads.
In you have been contacted by your board for any reason, be prepared to answer questions about your prescribing practice. Since this initiative is coming from the Attorney General, it is likely that all relevant boards will be asking questions about prescribing practices. For that reason, licensees should consider having an experienced attorney represent them.
If you are a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other prescriber and you been been asked to appear before your licensing board, why not speak with a New Jersey Healthcare License Defense Attorney – for free – and find out what you’re up against. Call me at 973-377-0007.
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by Rich West
on January 10, 2012
I know it’s a lousy experience for a physician, nurse or pharmacist to be the disciplinary target of their employer because I see it regularly in my line of work.
If there is one thing I can recommend, it is this:
The most important thing you can do is to contact an attorney as soon as you’re aware of a job-related issue….preferably one that has experience in disciplinary issues with hospitals. A scenario of “you vs. the hospital” is a lopsided affair. It’s just the right move to get an experienced attorney.
If you’d like to discuss your situation in confidence, please call me at 973-377-0007.
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by Rich West
on December 2, 2011
Very simply, you may be fined or have other disciplinary action taken against you.
In a November 28th article in the Star Ledger, Christopher Baxter reports that a record number of licensed New Jersey Accountants are reporting that they have taken required continuing education courses, but in fact, have not. Many have simply been lying about it. You can see the complete article here.
In total, 780 accountants were caught falsifying continuing education reports and were fined anywhere from $500 – $8000 for the violations.
If you are a Licensed Professional and are under investigation or are being called to appear before the board, give me a call at 973.377.0007 and we can review your situation and the options available to you. This consultation is free.
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by Rich West
on November 5, 2011
Not only can the board collect the money, they can also take action against your license if you fail to pay a fine or other assessment made against you. In fact, there was an article in the October 30, 2011 Star Ledger authored by Christopher Baxter, which highlighted the failure of the boards to take steps to collect outstanding amounts. You can see the article here.
Based upon this article, it is highly likely that the boards will step up their efforts to collect past due amounts. In addition, it may make it more difficult to set up a payment plan in the event there is a fine.
The boards have the authority to suspend or revoke a license for failure to pay a fine. In addition, the board can take steps to record the fine as a judgment which can then become a lien on real property. Lastly, the board will add to the initial amount both interest and costs of the suit.
If you are a Healthcare Professional and have an outstanding fine, it’s my guess that a push to collect is not going to pretty. Give me a call at 937-377-0007 and we can review your options.
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by Rich West
on November 4, 2011
For Physicians and other healthcare professionals, immediate consequences include, if there is a suspension or revocation, a loss of income in professional standing. In addition to the immediate impact, the possibility that there may be a criminal referral depending upon the nature of the activities.
There may also be a termination of hospital privileges as a result of discipline. There may be a termination from insurance plans depending upon the nature of the discipline.
If you are under investigation, or are facing disciplinary measures, contact New Jersey Physician & Healthcare License Defense Attorney Rich West at 937-377-0007. The call and initial guidance is free.
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by Rich West
on November 1, 2011
At the conclusion of an investigation, a licensing board has a range of options open to it. Those options start at no action taken at all, and go all the way up to revocation of a practitioners’ license.
In addition to penalties such as a suspension or revocation of a license, depending on the nature of the investigation, a licensee may also be subject to monitoring of their practice, direction to seek counseling, substance abuse, monitoring, fines, penalties, investigative and legal costs.
If you are a physician or other medical professional, and are facing a licensing board, why not speak to a NJ medical license defense attorney for free to find out what your options are.
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by Rich West
on October 24, 2011
Yes. Licensees have a duty to cooperate with questions and investigations by their licensing board. Failure to cooperate as required by the statute and regulations, could subject licensee to additional discipline.
However, although there is a duty to cooperate, there is no duty to incriminate, and further licensees have an absolute right to counsel in connection with any action taken by the board.
Thus, it is advisable to consult with your attorney, preferably with an attorney with experience in licensing and disciplinary matters, prior to providing any information or testimony to investigators.
If you need answers to your questions and solid advice from an experienced New Jersey Healthcare Licensing Attorney, please call me at 937-377-0007. I offer a free consultation.
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by Rich West
on October 24, 2011
The most important thing that a licensee can do when contacted by an investigator is to determine the nature of the inquiry and to contact an attorney with experience in professional licensing and discipline matters. While you are always allowed to represent yourself, and you are able to take questions from the investigators, it is always better to have a lawyer evaluate what the investigators are asking for.
While the investigators may be perfectly friendly, they are there because they are investigating some aspect of your practice. Remember that your license is your livelihood, and any action taken by a board against your license could impact your ability to earn a living. Many people often assume that because they did not do anything wrong, they have nothing to hide and they may as well get the questions over with as soon as possible. Remember that the investigators, while doing their jobs, are not your friends. They are there to conduct an investigation into some aspect of your practice.
Therefore, it is always advisable to contact an attorney first before allowing access or answering questions.
If you have been contacted by your licensing board, contact a qualified NJ Healthcare Licensing Attorney as soon as possible. I offer a free consultation and can be reached at 937-377-0007.
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