Arizona Professional License Defense Attorneys

Arizona Professional License Defense

Healthcare providers of all types invest a great deal of time, money, and effort into earning their professional licenses. Whether you are a physician, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider, you have spent years studying and working to ensure you can provide safe and effective care for your community.

Each healthcare profession has its own independent regulatory board that oversees healthcare professionals and businesses that they license. Regulatory boards’ missions are to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the individuals that they license are fit to practice and accountable for their conduct.  Complex and lengthy statues and regulations (also known as “rules”) govern the Board’s licensing and investigative powers and create standards for healthcare professionals’ personal and professional lives.  Regulatory boards are responsible for overseeing and enforcing these laws in various ways, including:

• Evaluating candidates for initial licensure, including administering or reviewing examinations, education, experience, and personal qualifications.
• Investigating and prosecuting complaints against individuals the board licenses and against unlicensed activity.
• Ensuring licensees remain fit to practice through mental health evaluations, practice monitoring, audits, inspections, and continuing education requirements.
• Passing laws and adopting regulations that govern the practice of a profession.

You have invested significant time, money, and other resources into getting your professional license and have necessarily made it through a board process to secure your license.  If you were denied a license or if your license is threatened with an investigation, it is important to invest the same effort you devoted to your education and training or to developing your business into defending those assets from aggressive regulatory oversight.  Do not be overconfident, although you have devoted your life to get where you are today, it can be taken from you if you have failed to comply with statutes and rules governing your profession.  Defend your investment intelligently by engaging with experienced healthcare attorneys who understand the gravity of your circumstances.

Very few licensed professionals conclude their career without facing a board investigation or disciplinary action.  At Boesen & Snow, LLC, our attorneys have advised and represented virtually every type of healthcare professional or business, including:

• Pharmacists
• Physicians and Surgeons
• Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
• Dentists
• Optometrists and Opticians
• Chiropractors
• Physical Therapists
• Veterinarians
• Respiratory Care Practitioners
• Acupuncturists
• Radiologists
• Massage Therapists
• Physician Assistants
• Psychologists
• Athletic Trainers
• Occupational Therapists
• Podiatrists
• Homeopathic Physicians
• Naturopathic Physicians
• Behavioral Health Counselors

It is important to contact an experienced defense attorney if you have received notice of a complaint. The lawyers at Boesen & Snow, LLC can help guide you through the process of cooperating with or fighting back against licensing boards. Our lawyers have experience defending professionals and business in virtually every healthcare profession and understand the unique challenges each profession and each regulatory board present.

Areas of Healthcare Licensure We Defend

There are regulatory boards nationwide that issue and oversee the use of licenses with healthcare professionals. This also includes the process of examining and investigating healthcare professionals and whether the practitioners are fit to have a license. The team at Boesen & Snow, LLC has extensive experience defending professional licenses from across the country, particularly the boards in Arizona.

The regulatory boards for healthcare professions in Arizona are as follows:

Medicine and Surgery License Defense

Medicine and Surgery are regulated by the Arizona Medical Board.

The primary duty of the Arizona Medical Board is to protect the public from unlawful, incompetent, unqualified, impaired, or unprofessional practitioners of allopathic medicine through licensure, regulation, and rehabilitation of the profession in this state. The Board, on its own motion, may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a physician or physician’s assistant is or may be medically incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct, or is or may be mentally or physically unable safely to engage in the practice of medicine.

Pharmacy License Defense

Pharmacy is regulated by the Arizona Board of Pharmacy.

The Arizona Board of Pharmacy issues licenses to pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians, issues permits to pharmacies, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and third-party logistics providers, conducts compliance inspections of permitted facilities, and investigates complaints and adjudicates violations of applicable state and federal laws and rules.

Nursing License Defense

Nursing is regulated by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

The mission of the Arizona State Board of Nursing is to protect and promote the welfare of the public by ensuring that each person holding a nursing license or certificate is competent to practice safely. The Board fulfills its mission through the regulation of the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs.

Podiatry License Defense

Podiatry is regulated by the Arizona State Board of Podiatry Examiners.

The Arizona State Board of Podiatry Examiners evaluates the professional competency of podiatrists seeking to be licensed in the State of Arizona. Further, the Board promotes continued competency and fitness by investigating complaints against podiatrists, holding hearings, monitoring the activities of its licensees, and enforcing the standards of practice for the podiatric profession as set forth by law.

Chiropractic License Defense

Chiropractic is regulated by the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

The Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners, on its own motion or on receipt of a complaint, may investigate any information that appears to show that a Doctor of Chiropractic is or may be in violation of grounds for disciplinary action or board rules or is or may be mentally or physically unable to safely engage in the practice of chiropractic.  The board shall notify the licensee as to the content of the complaint as soon as is reasonable.

Dentistry License Defense

Dentistry is regulated by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners.

The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners examines and licenses individuals who provide dental services. Individuals who provide dental services include dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, denturists, and dental business entities.  The Board also accepts complaints against licensed and unlicensed individuals, investigates allegations, and takes disciplinary actions for violations of the law.

Naturopathic Medicine License Defense

Naturopathic Medicine is regulated by the Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board.

Anyone, including the Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, may file a complaint against a Licensed Naturopathic Physician. The Board, on its own motion, may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine is or may be medically incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct, or is or may be mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of naturopathic medicine.

Dispensing Opticians License Defense

Dispensing Opticians are regulated by the Arizona State Board of Dispensing Opticians.

The Arizona State Board of Dispensing Opticians seeks to ensure that the consumers of the State of Arizona are afforded quality optical services. To this end, the Board regulates the optician profession through administering examinations, issuing licenses to qualified opticians and optical establishments, proposing legislation, enacting rules and regulations, and investigating complaints brought to the Board against licensed opticians and optical establishments.

Optometry License Defense

Optometry is regulated by the Arizona State Board of Optometry.

The Arizona State Board of Optometry, on its own motion, shall investigate any evidence that appears to show that a licensee may be guilty of a violation that initiates grounds for investigation or discipline. Any person may report to the Board information the person may have that appears to show that a licensee may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or of practice without regard for the safety and welfare of the public.

Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons License Defense

Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons are regulated by the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery.

The Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery sets educational and training standards for licensure and reviews complaints made against osteopathic physicians, interns, and residents to ensure that their conduct meets the standards of the profession.

Board of Physical Therapy License Defense

Physical Therapy is regulated by the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy.

The Arizona Board of Physical Therapy licenses and certifies qualified applicants as physical therapists and physical therapist assistants; and receives, investigates, and adjudicates complaints against licensees and certificate holders.

Psychologists License Defense

Psychologists are regulated by the Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners.

The Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners licenses and regulates the professions of Psychology and Behavior Analysis. The Board also investigates complaints, which may be filed when unprofessional conduct is alleged against a psychologist, behavior analyst, or applicant for licensure.

Veterinarians License Defense

Veterinarians are regulated by the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board.

The Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board enforces the licensing standards prescribed by statute for the licensing and regulation of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary premises, and animal crematories. The Board also investigates complaints against veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians.

Physician Assistants License Defense

Physician Assistants are regulated by the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants.

The Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants is responsible for the licensing, regulation, and education of all physician assistants. The Board, on its own motion, may investigate any evidence that appears to show that a physician assistant is or may be medically incompetent, is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct, or is or may be mentally or physically unable to carry out approved health care tasks.

Radiologic Technologists License Defense

Radiologic Technologists are regulated by an advisory committee.

The director of the Radiologic Technologists committee may revoke or suspend a certificate or permit under parameters established by statute.

Homeopathic Physicians License Defense

Homeopathic Physicians are regulated by the Arizona Board of Homeopathic and Integrated Medical Examiners.

The Arizona Board of Homeopathic and Integrated Medical Examiners examines, licenses, and regulates homeopathic physicians and medical assistants. The Board also analyzes and responds to complaints that are filed against licensed physicians.

Occupational Therapy License Defense

Occupational Therapy is regulated by the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.

The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners may receive written complaints filed against licensees and conduct investigations or conduct an investigation at any time on its own initiative without receipt of a written complaint if the Board has reason to believe that there may be a violation of statute, that a licensee is or may be guilty of unprofessional conduct or is or may be acting outside the scope of practice, or that a licensee is or may be incompetent.

Respiratory Care License Defense

Respiratory Care is regulated by the Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners.

The Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners oversees licensure for Respiratory Care Practitioners and responds to complaints regarding licensed individuals that have engaged in an act that may be grounds for disciplinary action and/or may suggest that the licensee is not able to safely and skillfully practice respiratory care.

Acupuncture License Defense

Acupuncture is regulated by the Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners.

The Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners evaluates professional competency, investigates complaints, and enforces the standards of practice for the acupuncture profession. The Board regulates the educational, clinical, and clean needle technique programs approved to teach the practice of acupuncture in this state.

Athletic Trainers License Defense

Athletic Trainers are regulated by the Arizona Board of Athletic Training.

The Arizona Board of Athletic Training issues and renews licenses for the athletic training profession based on the applicant meeting established standards of experience and competency. The Board also receives, investigates, and resolves complaints taking necessary disciplinary action if appropriate.

Massage Therapy License Defense

Massage Therapy is regulated by the Arizona Board of Massage Therapy.

The Arizona Board of Massage Therapy evaluates qualifications for applications for licensure, issues licenses to persons who meet the qualification requirements, adopts rules to enforce the relevant statutory rules, requires a national examination, and conducts investigations and hearings into allegations of incompetence or unprofessional conduct.

How a Professional License Defense Attorney Can Help You

When you must face the reality of a regulatory investigation that threatens your healthcare license, it is essential to work with an attorney who has extensive healthcare law and license defense experience. They will help you build a strong case to protect your license.

A skilled professional license defense attorney can also help you obtain your professional license if it has been denied or delayed. They will be able to guide you through:

• Licensing problems arising from a history of civil or criminal legal problems, including past discipline, arrests or convictions, or missing qualifications.
• Investigations and disciplinary actions.
• Operational support and consulting to prevent licensing and disciplinary problems before they arise.

Regardless of your needs, an attorney can help you obtain and protect your professional license. Statutes and regulations that govern the process of applying for, receiving, and keeping a professional license can be complex, but a professional licensed defense attorney can help you understand and navigate them.  In fact, if you engage experienced attorneys early, they can turn this web of laws to your advantage.  Do not attempt to represent yourself.  The experienced healthcare attorneys at Boesen & Snow will representing you during investigations, board meetings, court appearances, and appeals and will work with you to create a plan to achieve the most favorable outcome.

Suspension vs. Revocation of a Professional License

The most severe remedies that regulatory boards may impose are suspension and revocation of your license.  A suspension is a temporary penalty, which may last for days, weeks, months, or years.  It is a public order that will be noted on the board’s database for the public to see.  Often to receive relief from suspension, licensees will have extensive probationary requirements that, if violated, can result in further suspension or even revocation.  Typically, a licensee will have to request to be released from suspension and probation and demonstrate rehabilitation.  An experienced professional license defense attorney can help you challenge a suspension or navigate the long and complicated path to getting your license back in good standing.

Revocation is permanent and public. This means that your license no longer exists, and you may not practice your profession.  Experienced professional license defense understands how to mitigate this risk and steer your case to lesser penalties.  In general, you may also reapply for licensure after revocation, provided enough time has passed and you can demonstrate rehabilitation.  You may be required to retake board examinations, appear in a board meeting, or engage in litigation if you are denied reentry to the profession.

Due to its permanence and severity, appealing a revocation order is imperative.  Experienced professional license defense attorneys understand how to create a hearing record that gives you opportunities to appeal and then to present your case to an independent district or superior court or court of appeals.  Many agencies and jurisdictions may allow you to prevent a suspension or revocation from taking effect until your appeal is heard.

Reasons a State Board May Suspend or Revoke a Professional License

Most regulatory agencies have the power to suspend or revoke your license for even one violation of statutes or rules. The state or federal government that regulates your profession will investigate public or agency-initiated complaints against your license and impose penalties that entirely within their discretion. In addition to negligence or other practice errors, three of the most common reasons for having a professional license revoked or suspended include:

• Any situation where you intentionally deceived someone else for your own gain can be considered fraud.
• DUIs, Drug Abuse, and Drug Diversion. If you test positive for certain drugs while you are at work, it could result in an immediate suspension of your license. Other drug-related situations, like writing false prescriptions or repeated DUI charges, can also result in having your license suspended or revoked.
• Significant Criminal Convictions. If you are found guilty of a serious criminal offense, it can threaten prompt action to revoke or suspend your license. Licensing agencies and courts are often required to report these incidents to regulators, who then come after your license.

Boesen & Snow, LLC: Your Professional License Defense Lawyers

Working with an experienced defense attorney who has a full understanding of professional license laws is essential when you are facing the possibility of losing your license. If your state board sends you notice of an investigation or complaint, do not delay—contact an experience professional license defense attorney immediately. An accomplished defense attorney can advise you on how to proceed, assist you with identifying and gathering evidence, advocate for you in board meetings, court appearances, and appeals, and give you the peace of mind that you will receive a fair process that considers your side of the story.

The skilled team of attorneys at Boesen & Snow, LLC has over 45 years of combined defense experience. Our office is based in Arizona, but we understand the state licensing boards and laws across the country. Our case experience includes complex cases that have helped us develop our experience with various healthcare industries and healthcare law. Contact our office today for assistance with your professional license defense.