Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals form the backbone of our medical system.
According to data from the North Carolina Medical Board, our state has nearly 20,000 actively practicing doctors. There are tens of thousands more other licensed medical professionals. You must be licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina.
A complaint with our state’s medical board could be filed against a doctor for many reasons—and a complaint could jeopardize his or her medical license. Our Charlotte professional license defense lawyer provides an overview of key things to know about defending a complaint before the North Carolina Medical Board.
Addressing Medical Board Complaints: A Step-By-Step Guide for Doctors in North Carolina
1. Review the Complaint and Gather Relevant Records/Documentation
You cannot effectively address and defend a medical board complaint if you do not have a strong understanding of the underlying allegations. Indeed, knowing the nature and scope of the complaint is essential. With this in mind, you should be sure to obtain all relevant evidence—from medical records to patient notes to correspondence to any other documentation that may be pertinent to the case. A detailed review of this material allows you to identify potential issues and prepare an appropriate response. You should ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete.
Organizing relevant evidence as proactively as possible is key to presenting a strong defense.
2. Consult With a Top North Carolina Medical License Defense Attorney
North Carolina Medical Board complaints are complicated. They are also high-stakes matters. Indeed, medical board complaints can have serious consequences—from fines to other disciplinary action to suspension to the outright loss of a medical license. It is essential to consult with an experienced North Carolina medical license defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney focusing on medical board matters can help you understand the allegations, guide you through the response process, and develop a strategic defense. Your lawyer can also help ensure you comply with deadlines, procedural requirements, and all other relevant considerations.
3. Prepare a Thorough and Well-Documented Response to the Complaint
Your response to the medical board complaint should be comprehensive, factual, and well-documented. Along with other things, your response should directly address the allegations and provide a clear, logical explanation supported by medical records and other relevant evidence.
As a general strategy, avoiding emotional or defensive language is best. On the contrary, doctors and other medical professionals should maintain a professional tone and focus on presenting objective facts that support the defense. Where appropriate, a doctor may want to include expert opinions or statements from colleagues that support the defense position.
4. Be Ready to Engage in the Investigative/Evaluation
How exactly does a North Carolina Medical Board complaint work? The process varies based on a wide range of different factors, including the specific allegations being raised. Once the board receives your response, an investigation may follow. From there, the process may involve:
- Interviews;
- Requests for additional documentation and
- Input from medical experts.
It is essential to cooperate fully while protecting your legal rights. You should communicate openly with your attorney and promptly respond to board inquiries. You should also be prepared to provide clarification or additional evidence as needed.
5. Attend Any Required Medical Board Hearings and Present a Strong Defense
There may or may not be a hearing in your case. It will depend on how exactly the North Carolina Medical Board evaluates the initial complaint. If the investigation progresses to a formal hearing, you must be well-prepared to present your defense. These hearings allow you to provide testimony, introduce evidence, and address the board’s concerns. You can and should be represented by an experienced North Carolina professional license defense lawyer during the hearing. If necessary, your attorney will help you develop a strategic approach, including witness preparation and cross-examinations. A strong, well-organized defense is a must.
Why Rely On Remington & Dixon, PLLC for Help With NC Medical Board Complaints
As a physician or other licensed medical professional, facing a medical board complaint is stressful.
It is crucial you know what to do to protect your rights and your career. At Remington & Dixon, PLLC, we have experience with doctor license defense, nurse license defense, and more. Our firm always takes a proactive approach. When you contact us at our Charlotte office, you will have a chance to connect with a North Carolina professional licensed defense attorney who can:
- Hear your story and answer your most pressing questions;
- Investigates the allegations—gathering evidence to support your defense; and
- Develops a comprehensive strategy to best protect your license and your career.
Contact Our North Carolina Medical Board Complaint Defense Lawyer Today
At Remington & Dixon, PLLC, our North Carolina medical board complaint defense lawyers are standing by, ready to help you take action to protect your rights. Call us now 704-247-7110 or contact us online for a fully confidential consultation. With a law office in Charlotte, we represent medical professionals in Mecklenburg County and throughout the entire state of North Carolina.
