Licensing board actions are initiated when an individual or organization is under investigation for potential violations of the various state practice act licensing statutes or regulations. The consequences include disciplinary actions that can significantly impact you and your business’s reputation and professional standing. Quite literally, your livelihood is at stake. In those circumstances, you want someone who has handled these serious matters before on your side, who can guide you expertly through the process. If you or your organization is facing a Board investigation, it’s essential to contact experienced licensing board action lawyers immediately to protect your rights and interests.
At Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, our experienced attorneys provide strategic legal advice to clients in Missouri and Illinois facing investigations by professional licensing boards. If you have been notified of an investigation or possible disciplinary action, our professional liability lawyers in St. Louis, MO, can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.
What Causes Licensing Board Actions & Consequences?
Licensing board actions arise from a variety of reasons, including but not limited to allegations of:
- Unlicensed practice or aiding in the unlicensed practice of a profession
- Failure to provide adequate personal supervision over employees or agents
- Violations of state practice act regulations
- Deviations from the state practice act’s code of ethics
- Unprofessional conduct
- Negligence, gross negligence, or incompetence
- Engaging in activities that are outside the scope of expertise of a licensed professional
- Misrepresentation, fraud, or falsification of records
- The sale or use of controlled substances, alcohol, or narcotics without authorization
Those facing investigation by state licensing boards face risks that can significantly affect their careers and reputations. Some common licensing board actions include:
- Revocation or suspension of professional license
- Fines and monetary penalties
- Probationary orders or other corrective measures, such as retraining, additional education courses, or board supervision
Steps to Take to Appropriately Respond to Licensing Board Actions
Protecting your license at the earliest opportunity against further unwarranted risk is vital. Our experienced licensing board action lawyers in St. Louis can help you take the following steps to manage risk and protect your reputation:
Be Proactive in Managing Risk
If questions arise during the course of your practice, we can be a resource to advise you how best to stay within the bounds of your practice rules and regulations, abide by professional standards and ethics in all areas, and keep accurate records.
Respond Promptly to Licensing Board Inquiries
Immediately upon news of a pending complaint or investigation from the licensing board, ensure you respond appropriately and strategically. Your initial response to the board will set the tone for the rest of their investigation.
Seek Legal Representation Early
If you receive notice of an investigation or disciplinary action, seeking legal representation as soon as possible is essential. Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas’ licensing board action lawyers are ready to help in Missouri or Illinois, providing strategic guidance and counsel. Doing it alone is a risky proposition as there are traps and perils for the uninitiated.
Be Transparent and Honest
Honesty is always the best policy. Any cover-ups or misrepresentations of the truth will only make matters more serious and increase the risk that the licensing board will take disciplinary action. But, you need counsel to assist in the best delivery of the underlying facts and circumstances to the board.
Learn from the Experience
Licensing board investigations and disciplinary actions can be stressful, but there is value in learning from them. Use the experience to evaluate your policies, procedures, and behavior to help prevent them in the future.
Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas can provide knowledgeable advice to help you reduce the risk of licensing board action. We will review all relevant information, including applicable laws, regulations, documents, policies, and standard practices, to ensure that your professional conduct complies with state law.
Understanding Your Rights
During an investigation, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations under the applicable state laws. Our licensing board action lawyers in St. Louis have extensive experience representing individuals and organizations subject to investigations. We represent clients in all stages of these proceedings, from receipt of the initial complaint, through initial investigations, appearances before state boards, litigating licensing actions to appeals.
Knowledge of Licensing Board Procedures
As lawyers, we understand licensing boards’ procedures and practices. Our attorneys are experienced in the following aspects:
- Addressing initial requests for information from state boards
- Responding to complaints
- Responding to investigations
- Preparing for and appearing at board meetings and hearings
- Representing clients during initial negotiations on complaints
- Litigating board complaints before state administrative hearing officers
- Handling appeals
With our deep knowledge of the process and laws related to professional licenses, we can help you protect your rights and interests throughout the investigation.
Strategic Guidance
At Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, we provide strategic guidance to help you navigate the licensing board process. Our attorneys are highly experienced in state board licensing investigations and can provide comprehensive legal representation to protect your interests throughout the proceedings.
We will review all evidence against you, identify potential issues with the investigation or disciplinary action, and develop an effective legal strategy to help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Representation at Formal Hearings
Having experienced representation at the initial formal board hearing is important when facing an investigation. Our licensing board action attorneys in St. Louis understand the laws related to professional licensure and can provide effective legal representation throughout the proceedings.
We will work diligently to present your case constructively and protect your rights.
Negotiating Settlements
In some cases, reaching a settlement with the licensing board may be possible. Our attorneys are experienced in negotiating and can help you achieve a favorable resolution that meets your needs and goals.
Litigating Licensing Actions and Appealing Decisions
If your license is threatened with suspension or revocation, our attorneys have the know-how to help you contest the complaint and take the matter through to a hearing, if necessary. We can also represent you in appealing any decisions rendered by the administrative hearing officer or the board after discipline is imposed.
Our Licensing Board Action Lawyers in St. Louis Can Help
At Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, we understand how intimidating and complex a licensing board action investigation can be. We take the time to understand your situation to provide sound legal advice tailored to your situation and circumstance. Our attorneys stay up-to-date with the latest legislative changes and will assess all facets of your case to determine the best possible defense.
Our licensing board action lawyers in St. Louis are ready to help those facing an investigation. We will advocate on your behalf and work to ensure that you are afforded a fair hearing process.
If you have been notified of a licensing board action, contact us today at 314-257-9800 for a consultation and let our experienced attorneys help navigate you through this challenging process.
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