Common Reasons for Professional License Suspension and How to Avoid Them
In California, healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others—work under strict regulations to maintain their licenses. The stakes are high: even a single misstep can lead to license suspension, threatening your livelihood, reputation, and ability to practice. At the Law Offices of Art Kalantar, we help healthcare providers defend their professional licenses and navigate the complex world of administrative and criminal investigations.
Below are some of the most common reasons for license suspension—and what you can do to protect your license and your career.
1. Criminal Charges or Convictions
Any criminal conviction—especially one involving fraud, substance abuse, or moral turpitude—can trigger disciplinary action from a licensing board. This includes:
- DUI or drug possession
- Theft or embezzlement
- Domestic violence
- Medicare or Medi-Cal fraud
How to Avoid It: Avoid high-risk behavior that could lead to criminal charges. If you’re facing charges, contact a healthcare defense attorney immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in both the criminal case and any related disciplinary proceedings.
2. Substance Abuse or Impairment
Healthcare professionals are held to high standards of conduct, and practicing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can endanger patients and result in swift disciplinary action.
How to Avoid It: Seek help if you are struggling with addiction. California offers diversion and rehabilitation programs designed to help professionals get clean while maintaining or regaining their licenses. An attorney can guide you through these programs and advocate on your behalf.
3. Unprofessional Conduct
Acts considered unethical or negligent—such as sexual misconduct, patient abuse, or inappropriate relationships with patients—are common grounds for suspension or revocation of a license.
How to Avoid It: Maintain strict professional boundaries and adhere to ethical guidelines at all times. If a complaint is made, cooperate with the investigation but do not speak to investigators or the board without legal representation.
4. Fraud and Billing Irregularities
Billing for services not rendered, upcoding, or other improper billing practices can not only trigger criminal investigations but also administrative discipline.
How to Avoid It: Ensure your billing practices comply with all applicable laws and insurance guidelines. If you’re unsure, consult with a healthcare compliance expert. If you’re audited or investigated, contact an experienced healthcare defense attorney immediately.
5. Failure to Report Required Information
Many healthcare providers don’t realize they are obligated to report certain events—such as criminal convictions or disciplinary action in another state—within a specific timeframe. Failure to report can result in penalties on its own.
How to Avoid It: Understand your reporting obligations and timelines. When in doubt, consult an attorney to determine what needs to be disclosed and how.
6. Violation of Probation or Prior Discipline
If you are on probation from a previous disciplinary action, violating the terms—such as missing a monitoring appointment or failing a drug test—can lead to license suspension.
How to Avoid It: Follow all conditions of your probation or disciplinary order closely. Keep detailed records and communicate with your compliance monitor or attorney regularly.
What to Do If Your License Is at Risk
If you’re under investigation or have been notified of a potential disciplinary action, don’t go it alone. The consequences of a license suspension can be devastating. At the Law Offices of Art Kalantar, we provide strategic legal defense to healthcare professionals facing disciplinary actions, criminal charges, and licensing board investigations in Los Angeles and throughout California.
Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, protect your license, and fight for your professional future.
