Knoxville, TN Medical Board Complaint Attorneys

People in the health care field build their careers through years of education, training, and dedication to the well-being of patients. Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other medical providers devote a great deal of effort to meeting the professional standards required to maintain their medical licenses. However, when a complaint is filed with a medical board, a person's career can be placed at risk. Even allegations that may be unfounded can trigger investigations, hearings, and potential disciplinary action, which could threaten a provider's reputation and livelihood.

In Knoxville and throughout Tennessee, medical professionals are regulated by various boards under the Tennessee Department of Health. These boards have the authority to investigate complaints, impose discipline, and suspend or revoke a person's license. Because the consequences of a board action may include public reprimands, probation, the loss of a license, fines, or other penalties, it is critical for health care providers to defend against complaints correctly.

At The Baker Law Firm, our experienced medical license defense attorneys can guide health care professionals through each phase of the disciplinary process. By carefully reviewing complaints, gathering relevant evidence, and presenting a well-prepared defense, we will work to protect a provider's license and help them maintain professional standing.

Medical Boards That Regulate Health Care Providers in Tennessee

In Tennessee, there are various boards and committees that regulate specific professions, including:

• Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners: Oversees physicians and certain other medical practitioners.
• Tennessee Board of Nursing: Regulates registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses.
• Board of Physician Assistants: Governs the licensure and conduct of physician assistants.
• Other Regulatory Boards: Including those for pharmacists, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, midwives, occupational therapists, psychologists, and additional licensed providers.

Each board has the authority to receive and investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and impose discipline when it determines that professional rules have been violated or that a practitioner cannot meet the appropriate standards.

Common Reasons for Medical Board Complaints

Medical board complaints can arise from many sources, including patients, colleagues, employers, insurers, and law enforcement agencies. Some complaints may be based on clinical issues, while others may involve conduct unrelated to patient care. Common grounds for complaints include:

• Allegations of Medical Negligence: Claims that a provider failed to meet the applicable standards of care.
• Prescribing Violations: Improper prescribing of controlled substances in violation of Tennessee law or federal regulations.
• Boundary Violations: Inappropriate romantic or sexual relationships with patients.
• Documentation Issues: Failure to maintain complete and accurate medical records.
• Fraud or Billing Irregularities: Allegations of improper coding or submission of false claims.
• Substance Use Concerns: Impairment due to alcohol or drugs that has affected a provider's ability to meet the standards of care.
• Criminal Charges: Arrests or convictions for certain offenses, including some that may not be directly related to a provider's practice.

How Criminal Charges Can Trigger Disciplinary Action

Criminal charges can have serious professional consequences for health care providers in Knoxville and in other parts of Tennessee. Convictions for certain offenses may serve as a basis for discipline by a medical board. In some cases, even an arrest or pending charge may prompt a board investigation. Charges that could lead to disciplinary action include:

• Drug Offenses: A charge involving controlled substances may raise concerns about a provider's prescribing practices or substance abuse.
• DUI Charges: Allegations of driving under the influence may lead to scrutiny regarding a provider's substance use and fitness to practice.
• Fraud or Theft: Charges related to financial crimes may result in questions about a provider's billing practices, honesty, or professional conduct.

Boards may determine whether a criminal matter reflects adversely on a provider's ability to practice safely. In certain circumstances, a board may impose an emergency suspension if it believes that a provider poses an immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare.

The Medical Board Complaint Process in Tennessee

While procedures may vary slightly depending on the specific board, most complaints will follow a structured investigative and disciplinary process.

Initial Complaint and Review

When a complaint is filed, it will typically be reviewed by the Department of Health's Office of Investigations. Investigators may gather medical records, interview witnesses, and request a written response from the licensee. At this stage, it is critical to respond carefully and accurately. Statements made in a written response could affect the direction of the investigation or the potential allegations addressed by a licensing board.

Initial Review

After evidence is gathered, the case may be presented to a panel or committee to determine whether there is probable cause to believe a violation occurred. If probable cause is found, the board may authorize formal disciplinary charges. If probable cause is not found, the complaint may be dismissed.

Hearing

When formal charges are filed, the matter becomes a contested case. The medical provider has the right to receive a written notice of the allegations. They can be represented by an attorney, and during a hearing, they can present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine other witnesses. Based on the hearing, the board will determine whether a violation occurred and what discipline, if any, should be imposed.

Potential Disciplinary Outcomes

If the board finds that a provider has committed a violation, possible penalties may include:

• Reprimand: A formal statement of disapproval that may not affect a person's license but will be part of their record.
• Probation: A period in which a provider will be subject to ongoing monitoring and may need to meet conditions such as practice restrictions or the completion of continuing education.
• Civil Penalties: Monetary fines that must be paid to the board.
• Suspension: The temporary loss of a person's right to practice, which may require a hearing to determine whether their license may be reinstated.
• Revocation: The permanent loss of a person's medical license.

Collateral Consequences of Board Discipline

Beyond the immediate penalties that a person may face, discipline by a medical board can have long-term professional and personal consequences. These may include:

• Loss of hospital privileges
• Termination of employment or contract positions
• Increased malpractice insurance premiums
• Difficulty obtaining licenses in other states
• Damage to a person's professional reputation in the medical community

Strategies for Defending Against Medical Board Allegations

A strong defense against a medical board complaint will involve a thorough evaluation of the facts and the applicable laws. Effective strategies that our attorneys use when defending against complaints include:

• Challenging the evidence related to an alleged violation
• Demonstrating that a person has met the applicable standards of care
• Presenting expert testimony regarding a person's medical judgment, when appropriate
• Negotiating consent orders that will limit disciplinary action and allow a person to continue practicing
• Advocating for alternatives to suspension, such as probation and monitoring or education programs

In cases involving criminal charges, our attorneys can provide an effective defense in court while also addressing the potential effects on a medical license. We will work to minimize the penalties our clients will face and help them resolve these matters successfully while protecting their careers.

Contact Our Knoxville Medical License Defense Attorneys

A complaint before a Tennessee medical board can place your career in jeopardy. Whether you are facing allegations of negligence, substance abuse, criminal charges, or other complaints, effective legal representation is essential. At The Baker Law Firm, we can stand beside you during investigations and hearings, working to protect your license. Contact our Knoxville doctor and nurse license defense lawyers at 865-200-4117 to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you defend your professional future.