Healthcare workers deal with many complications throughout their careers. One of the most stressful problems you face is losing your ability to work. How to protect your medical license in North Carolina and get back to healing patients? North State Law is here to explain a few actions you can take to avoid license difficulties.
About Us
Nicholas Dowgul founded North State Law in 2008 to help professionals in Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, and throughout North Carolina in defending their licenses. His legal accomplishments earned him an Elite Lawyer rating every year since 2021 and a Rising Star designation from Super Lawyers.
Our team is exclusively focused on helping individuals and does not work with boards. We have experience not only in defending licenses for physicians and nurses, but also in child care, engineering, real estate, insurance, legal, and contractor licenses. If you are not comfortable with English, we have bilingual paralegals fluent in Spanish.
Medical License Disciplinary Cases in North Carolina
Losing your medical license is an understandable concern for the 73,480 people licensed with the North Carolina Medical Board. In 2023, the NCMB opened 3,390 cases, with 2,072 complaints originating from patients or the public. Out of these, 16 licenses were suspended, five were voluntarily surrendered, and three were revoked.
Medical license disciplinary hearings are often held at the North Carolina Medical Board’s main office, located at 3127 Smoketree Court, Raleigh, NC 27604. Your meeting may be held at another location, provided that there is mutual consent by all parties.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Medical License
How you act after receiving a notice of complaint or disciplinary action can make a drastic difference in your future medical career. Whether you work at Duke University, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, or any other health care facility in North Carolina, the following are a few steps you can take in your case.
Remain Calm & Review Your Notice of Complaint
After you receive a notice of complaint, it’s important to remain calm. This notification typically does not equate to immediate disciplinary action. Carefully review the wording used in the letter for the grounds for the complaint, the reason for the investigation, and any findings by the NCMB.
Preserve Records and Gather Evidence
After reviewing your notice, the next step to protect your license is to preserve all records and evidence related to the complaint. This can be useful in building your response to allegations of wrongdoing. Failure to preserve relevant information can harm your defense. It can also be seen as falsification and act as grounds for discipline.
You should also gather additional supporting evidence. This can come in the form of witnesses, records that support your case, character references, and any efforts to resolve issues beforehand.
Draft a Strong Response
How you word your response is crucial in the disciplinary process. Stick to the facts of a situation and maintain a calm, collected tone. Refrain from admitting any fault. Include the evidence collected earlier that supports each point.
Hire a Medical License Defense Lawyer
With your medical career at stake, hire a medical license defense lawyer to help you through this trying time. Your North Carolina medical license defense attorney can assist with each of the aforementioned steps and prepare you for the upcoming hearing. They can provide an experienced perspective that may make a positive difference in your results.
FAQs
How Likely Are You to Lose Your Medical License in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you are not likely to lose your medical license in a disciplinary hearing. In 2023, out of the 3,390 opened cases, only eight resulted in revocations. This should not be treated as a guarantee, as any complaint may escalate to a major career setback. Speak with an experienced attorney who can examine your case and determine whether you may face suspension or revocation.
What Are Common Mistakes Made in North Carolina Medical License Defense Cases?
Common mistakes made in North Carolina medical license defense cases can jeopardize a physician’s future in the field. One frequent error is failing to take the situation seriously and missing deadlines. This can be seen as uncooperation and grounds in itself for license suspension.
Another common mistake is directly contacting the party that filed a complaint. This can be seen as intimidation or harassment and can bring harm to your case.
How Do You Reactivate Your Medical License in North Carolina?
The process to reactivate your medical license in North Carolina changes based on the reason for the lapse. If you have not practiced in the two years before your petition, you may be required to take a test of your current skills and complete additional education. This can also be affected by your specific area of practice. If you lost your license by suspension or revocation, you must meet the terms in your initial disciplinary notice.
Do You Need a Medical License Defense Attorney in North Carolina?
North Carolina state law does not legally require you to have legal counsel to retain your medical license in a disciplinary hearing. However, having a knowledgeable attorney well-versed in NCMB proceedings can benefit your case. They help by reviewing arguments against you, drafting your response, and providing experienced insight at each stage of the process. An attorney does not guarantee you will keep your license, but they can improve the odds.
Speak With a North Carolina Medical License Defense Attorney Today
North State Law can understand how frightening the potential for a medical license suspension or revocation can be. Our team is prepared to use our combined experience, knowledge, and skills to help you navigate this difficult period. We can make a positive impact in your case. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can explain the potential threats against your career, offer strategies to protect your license, and provide next steps. You may also visit our Raleigh office, located on Faringdon Place, southwest of Millbrook Exchange Park, and northeast of Fairfax Hills Park.
