You have invested a substantial amount of time, effort and money into your medical career. You have gotten the education and training, obtained your license, reached your employment goals and established a solid reputation for your expertise and skill. What if all that was swept away in the blink of an eye? Many medical professionals worry about losing their license due to a malpractice suit but fail to think of how criminal activity can affect their ability to practice medicine. A criminal conviction can have major lasting consequences on your medical license.
Complete loss of license
It is more than just extreme or medically related crimes that can lead to license revocation. Other types of crimes that can bring about this consequence include the following:
- Fraud or forgery
- Embezzlement
- Extortion and/or tax evasion
- DUI/DWI or BUI/BWI
- Sale, distribution or use of illegal substances
- Serious traffic violations
Even unintentionally breaking an unknown law can result in a criminal conviction and license loss. What you may believe was an honest mistake or minor offense may be much more severe.
You may not lose your license right away, either. When you apply for a renewal, the Maryland Board of Physicians may deny your request based on your criminal record, which you are legally required to provide to the board. The same is true for a reinstatement. Not submitting your record will result in further disciplinary action.
Loss of employment
Some crimes do not warrant a loss of license, but they may still cause your employer to dismiss you to maintain the medical facility’s reputation or to deter other employees from engaging in illegal activity. A termination, conviction or jail time (if applicable) can make it hard for you to obtain a position elsewhere, even with anti-discrimination laws.
Depending on the circumstances, you may receive a different penalty instead of a discharge, such as probation or temporary license suspension. Although you may end up keeping your job, the situation can invite challenges such as a strained coworker or patient relationships.
Professionals helping professionals
If you face criminal charges and a license revocation, there is still hope for you and your professional life. You may benefit from hiring a criminal defense attorney who has handled convictions and medical licenses. You may be the expert in your field, but navigating the judicial system is a different matter. Your chances of a better outcome increase when you have qualified legal representation. Call a law firm to see how a lawyer can help you retain the medical license you have worked so hard to earn and the job you love so much.