JPOAssociates

NEW YORK MEDICAL LICENSE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

NEW YORK  OPMC LAWYER

New York medical license defense lawyers of Josep Potashnik and Associates have successfully  represented numerous physicians before the OPMC (Office of Professional Medical Conduct) in disciplinary proceedings for professional misconduct.

Professional misconduct by New York physicians is defined in N.Y. Education Law 6530. The statute contains no less than 49 enumerated acts each of which represents professional misconduct. Any licensed physician found guilty of any of them will be disciplined.

In addition, failure to pay child support or failure to respond to legal notices in paternity and child support actions is considered professional misconduct.

What happens when misconduct complaint is filed against a New York physician

Professional disciplinary process for New York physicians usually begins with a complaint filed with the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC). The OPMC will launch an investigation into the allegations of misconduct. In the process, the OPMC may interview the physician and witnesses, subpoena records, etc.

When the investigation is concluded, the case investigator will refer the investigative report to a committee that consists of two doctors of the special OPMC physician panel and one non-physician. The committee will make a recommendation regarding the next step. For example, they may determine that there is no cause for further action and the case will be closed. Alternatively, they may demand further investigation, issue an administrative warning to the licensee, or require the licensee to undergo a physical or psychiatric evaluation.

The committee may recommend that a formal action against the licensee is filed. In this case, an administrative hearing will be scheduled. Many physicians seek to settle the case by a Consent Agreement in lieu of a formal administrative hearing.

Under certain circumstances, when the Department of Health determines that a physician is an imminent threat to the health, safety and welfare of the public or in the case the licensee has been convicted of a felony, the license may be temporarily suspended prior to the administrative hearing.

When a New York physician is found guilty of professional misconduct, either after a formal hearing or by consent agreement, he or she will be subject to a variety of potential penalties including

  • Revocation of license
  • Full or partial suspension of license with or without conditions
  • Annulment of license
  • A maximum fine of $10,000 for each charge of misconduct
  • Public reprimand
  • A requirement of additional education and training.
Can a physician appeal the panel?s finding?

There are two ways to appeal the hearing outcome. First, there is an administrative avenue where both the physician and the State may appeal the outcome of the hearing to the Administrative Review Board (ARB). It is the only administrative appellate remedy. The board consists of three physicians and two lay persons. The process is overseen by an Administrative Law Judge. Both parties may file legal briefs and the Board will issue its decision within 45 days after the briefs are filed.

Another avenue is a judicial one. The panel?s hearing findings and/or the ARB?s determination may be appealed by bringing an Article 78 action in the Appellate Division of the New York Superior Court.

What is the right way to respond to an OPMS investigation

When you discover that you are the subject of the OPMC investigation, you must consult with an attorney experienced with the OPMC actions.

As a licensee, you are obligated to cooperate with the investigation. Failure to cooperate is professional misconduct on its own. Cooperation, however, does not mean forfeiting your rights and you do have the right to consult with an attorney before discussing the case with the investigator. It is essential to understand that every word you say and any information you provide will become part of the investigative report as comprised by the investigator. It will not matter that you did not say or mean exactly what the report says. It will be your word against the investigator?s and the odds will not be in your favor. Moreover, you may be subject to additional charges based only on your voluntary statements.

When approached by an OPMC investigator, the only correct option to handle the situation is to assure the investigator that you are willing to comply with the investigation and insist on discussing the matter with your attorney first. Your attorney will then contact the investigator on your behalf. This will save you from making incriminating admissions that could make the case more difficult to resolve. Participation in an OPMC interview without prior legal consultation and preparation may be absolutely fatal to the outcome of your case and your future ability to practice medicine.

When you are under the OPMC investigation, call our experienced New York OPMC  attorneys for an immediate consultation!