Licensing Board, Staff Privileges & Peer Review Representation
The attorneys at Allen, McCain & O’Mahony, P.C. have extensive experience and expertise representing health care professionals before their respective licensing boards, hospital and medical peer review committees, and administrative agencies. We have successfully represented many physicians, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses and other health care providers in a variety of administrative proceedings and appeals. Whether you are facing initial licensing concerns or are the subject of a disciplinary action or investigation, we will be zealous advocates on your behalf.
Licensing Board Representation
In Georgia, disciplinary investigations, actions and orders sought by the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners (the “Georgia Medical Board”) have increased dramatically in recent years. Licensing board complaints may be filed by patients, their family members, other health care providers, employees, or anyone who interacts with a physician. Investigations are often initiated by a letter and phone call from an investigator. It is extremely important for a licensee to obtain experienced legal counsel as soon as the physician knows or has reason to believe that a complaint may be filed with the Board. It is almost never advisable for a licensee to meet with or be questioned by a Board investigator without legal counsel.
Staff Privileges & Peer Review Representation
Similarly, upon notice that a hospital or medical peer review committee is reviewing or considering restricting a physician’s or other health care professional’s practice or staff privileges, the physician or professional should immediately consult with an attorney. Hospital or medical peer review actions can often lead to, or are accompanied by, licensing board or other governmental (such as Medicare or Medicaid) actions, malpractice insurance and managed care/preferred provider issues, and the like. Moreover, adverse results, outcomes or sanctions in any of these arenas can trigger reporting requirements to licensing boards, the National Practitioner Data Bank, and governmental organizations, which can prove catastrophic to a career. Therefore, early consultation with knowledgeable counsel is essential.
Our attorneys can guide you through these processes, help ascertain the nature of the complaint against you, and assist you in preparing and asserting an appropriate defense. We also understand the sensitivity and importance of these matters, and will work diligently to protect your interests in a zealous, responsible and tactful manner.
For more information regarding mistakes physicians often make after a licensing board complaint has been filed, see our article "The 10 Biggest Mistakes Physicians Make After a Licensing Board Complaint Has Been Filed Against Them."
