Posted on November 07, 2023 in Medical License Defense

Hospital privileges are essential for many doctors, allowing them to practice medicine and provide care to their patients. However, there are some situations where a doctor's hospital privileges may be at risk of being revoked or suspended. This can have serious consequences for both the doctor and their patients.

In Illinois, doctors have certain rights and options available to them when facing the potential loss of hospital privileges. It is important for doctors to understand these options and take appropriate steps to defend against any unjust actions by hospitals or medical boards. An attorney who has experience representing licensed professionals can provide assistance with these cases and help defend against penalties that could affect a doctor’s ability to practice medicine.

The Importance of Hospital Privileges

Hospital privileges allow doctors to admit patients, perform surgeries, order tests, and provide other necessary medical services within a specific healthcare facility. These privileges are granted by hospitals based on various factors such as qualifications, experience, reputation, and adherence to professional standards.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on October 31, 2023 in Nursing License Defense

Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing care and support to patients. However, like any profession, there are rules and regulations that nurses must follow. Failure to meet the accepted standards of care, unethical or unprofessional behavior, or criminal charges may result in discipline by the Illinois Board of Nursing. The use of controlled substances is one issue that may result in serious consequences for a nurse, especially if they are accused of drug diversion. In these cases, nurses can work with an attorney to determine their options for defending against discipline to their professional licenses while also addressing other related issues related to controlled substances.

What Is Drug Diversion?

Drug diversion refers to the illegal distribution or misuse of prescription drugs. This can include stealing medications from patients or healthcare facilities, using medications intended for patients for personal use, or selling prescription drugs on the black market. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on October 17, 2023 in Dentist License Defense

Dentistry is a highly regulated profession, and dentists are required to adhere to strict standards for professional conduct. The Illinois Board of Dentistry oversees the licensing and regulation of dentists. If a dentist fails to meet the appropriate standards or engages in misconduct, they may face disciplinary action that could potentially result in the suspension or revocation of their professional license. In these situations, a dentist will need to make sure they have representation from an attorney who has experience in cases involving professional license defense.

Grounds for Disciplinary Action for Dentists

The Illinois Dental Practice Act has established specific grounds for disciplinary action against dentists in Illinois. This law details the violations that dentists may commit that may affect their ability to protect the interests of their patients and the public. Some common reasons for dentist license discipline include:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on October 06, 2023 in Professional License Defense

Burnout is a serious concern for professionals in high-stress industries, such as law and medicine. It can not only impact a person’s physical and mental health, but it can also have implications for a professional license. For doctors, nurses, pharmacists, attorneys, or other types of professionals in Illinois, it is important to take proactive steps to prevent burnout from affecting your career. By recognizing the signs of burnout and responding correctly to this issue, you can help avoid potential discipline or other concerns that could affect your ability to practice. If you are facing disciplinary action due to burnout or other related concerns, an experienced attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed as you defend against the loss of your professional license or other penalties.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 26, 2023 in Pharmacy License Defense

Originally published: January 16, 2018 -- Updated: September 25, 2023

Update: As described below, there are several types of audits that may be performed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and these audits may review a wide variety of records to address prescriptions that have been filled and payments pharmacies have received from insurance companies. In recent years, virtual audits have become more common, and in these cases, auditors may require pharmacy personnel to provide a wide variety of documents and other information.

If an audit identifies any discrepancies related to prescription records, purchases of drugs, or claims submitted to insurance companies, insurance companies may claim that a pharmacy received improper payments, and they may seek to recoup these amounts. This may be done by requesting monetary payments from a pharmacy or withholding future payments for services provided to patients.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 14, 2023 in Medical License Defense

Continuing education is a vital aspect of professional growth and development. It allows licensed professionals in Illinois to stay updated with the latest advancements, industry trends, and best practices in their respective fields. For lawyers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, accountants, psychologists, physical therapists, or other licensed professionals, ongoing education plays a crucial role in maintaining competence and keeping up with the ever-evolving landscape. For many professions, continuing education is also a requirement for maintaining a professional license. If you have questions about how issues related to continuing education may affect your license, an attorney who is experienced in professional license defense can advise you of your rights and options.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 06, 2023 in Professional License Defense

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It allows us to connect with friends, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay up to date with current events. However, what many people may not realize is that their social media activity can have serious consequences, especially for professionals who hold licenses in regulated fields such as law or medicine. If you are potentially facing professional license discipline related to the use of social media, an attorney can help you understand your options.

The Impact of Social Media on Professional Image

Your professional image is crucial when it comes to your career. As a licensed professional, you are expected to uphold certain standards of behavior both inside and outside of your workplace. This includes your presence on social media platforms. What you say or do online can reflect on your professionalism and affect your credibility within your field.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 23, 2023 in Medical License Defense

Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction, can have serious consequences for individuals in various professions. In the state of Illinois, professional license holders are held to high standards of conduct and ethics. Engaging in substance abuse can not only jeopardize an individual's health, but it can also affect their ability to practice their chosen profession. Licensed professionals who struggle with substance abuse may need to take steps to address disciplinary action and ensure that they can keep working in their chosen profession, and they can do so with the help of an experienced attorney.

The Impact on Professional Licensing

Illinois has strict regulations regarding professional licensing, and these rules are meant to protect public safety. There are numerous licensing boards that oversee different professions, and they have the authority to impose disciplinary actions if professionals violate ethical guidelines or engage in misconduct such as substance abuse.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 17, 2023 in Professional License Defense

In any profession, ethical dilemmas can arise that may test a person’s integrity and decision-making abilities. This is especially true for those working in professions that require licensure, such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and engineers. While different licensing boards, such as the Illinois Medical Board or the Illinois Board of Clinical Psychologists and Social Workers, have their own set of rules and regulations governing professional conduct, they follow similar ethical principles. 

Professionals who are accused of committing ethics violations may face disciplinary action, including the suspension or revocation of a professional license. The following are some common ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in various fields in Illinois:

Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when a professional's personal interests or relationships interfere with their duty to act in the best interests of their clients or patients. These conflicts can include situations where a professional stands to gain financially from a particular outcome or has personal relationships that may impair their objectivity. Professionals in Illinois must navigate conflicts carefully to avoid compromising their clients' best interests while adhering to the rules of professional conduct established by the applicable licensing board.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 10, 2023 in Professional License Defense

As a licensed professional in the state of Illinois, it is crucial to understand that your professional license can be put at risk if you make certain mistakes or engage in misconduct. Disciplinary action against your license can have severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your license, fines, reprimands that could affect your reputation, and even criminal charges in some cases. By understanding the issues that could potentially lead to license discipline and responding to any complaints or concerns quickly and effectively, you can defend your license and ensure that you will be able to continue working in your chosen profession.

The Importance of Maintaining Professionalism

Professionalism is key when it comes to maintaining good standing and avoiding disciplinary actions against your professional license. Here are some common mistakes that professionals in Illinois should avoid:

Continue Reading ››