
Facing a potential license suspension or revocation is a terrifying situation to go through alone. In this trying time, a Charlotte physician license defense lawyer can help you navigate your case. They can assist you in building a strategy and provide support at each step of the process.
North State Law cares about providing aid to the physicians of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and throughout North Carolina in their license defense cases. Our team primarily represents individuals rather than boards.
We have experience defending a wide range of professional license matters, such as nursing, dental, construction, engineering, child care, and other professional fields. Our team also has Spanish-speaking capabilities if desired.
Founder Nicholas Dowgul has decades of legal experience. He is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Attorneys and Associated General Contractors. His accomplishments in and out of the courtroom earned an Elite Lawyer rating annually since 2021 and a Rising Star award from Super Lawyers.
Physicians are a vital part of the healthcare industry. In 2023, the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) reported supervising 45,289 physician licenses. Disciplinary action taken against licenses is rare. In that same year, the NCMB suspended 16 licenses, received five through voluntary surrender, and revoked an additional three.
The North Carolina Medical Board may take disciplinary actions against a physician, including limiting their ability to work, a public reprimand, fines, issuing a public letter of concern, requiring additional training, or suspending or revoking their license. A few common grounds for such actions include:
A license may be automatically suspended if a physician is deemed mentally incompetent or is convicted of a felony.
Most physician disciplinary hearings are held in the North Carolina Medical Board’s main office in Raleigh, located at 3127 Smoketree Court. The meeting may be changed to another location if all parties consent.
You can represent yourself in disciplinary hearings, but the chance of losing your license makes it critical to hire a physician license defense lawyer. Your Charlotte physician license defense attorney can aid you with each step of your case. A few vital services that North State Law can provide include:
Whether you run your own practice or work at a facility like Atrium Health, an attorney is a valuable asset to have when facing a professional licensing board in Charlotte, NC.
How long your physician license disciplinary case takes in North Carolina depends on the extent of penalties the board is considering. The backlog of cases also plays a role. A minor case may take a few months, but one involving a permanent license revocation may take up to a year or longer.
The North Carolina Medical Board investigates allegations of wrongdoing filed against physicians. After receiving a credible complaint, the NCMB launches an investigation that includes reviewing medical records, witness statements, and other relevant documentation. Some cases may involve an independent physician’s review or an informal interview with the person in question.
The investigative body submits the results to the board. This is where the case is dismissed or proceeds to disciplinary action.
The steps you should take after receiving a notice of complaint can determine whether you retain your license. The first step is to review the letter carefully and craft a well-worded response. Next, preserve all evidence related to the complaint. Finally, consult an attorney experienced in handling the North Carolina Medical Board. They can represent you at the hearing and advise you on what comes next.
How much your North Carolina physician license defense attorney costs depends on the severity of accusations against you, the complexity of your case, and the total workload your case requires. A minor medical error tends to cost less than allegations of severe misconduct. These cases require multiple hearings that may end your medical career. Your attorney can provide a rough estimate for your final legal expenses.
North State Law knows how frightening a disciplinary hearing can be. We are committed to easing you through this difficult period and can fight for you to retain your license.
Contact us today for an initial consultation. We can learn the details of your case, explain your rights in the proceedings, and provide potential paths forward. You may also visit our Raleigh office, located on Faringdon Place, northeast of Cedar Hills Park and south of North Ridge.
