Physicians must complete rigorous educational requirements, pass a state test and undergo a comprehensive background check to secure a medical license from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (MBMP). Licensed physicians in Minnesota can practice medicine so long as they continue to meet all relevant professional standards and avoid egregious misconduct.
However, when facing allegations of professional negligence or impropriety, physicians could be at risk of discipline that could lead to the restriction of their medical practice or even the loss of the licenses that allow them to practice medicine in Minnesota.
What types of accusations are serious enough to warrant intervention by the MBMP?
1. Serious felony convictions
Felony criminal charges, especially those that may relate to a physician’s career, could make them ineligible for a license and may trigger disciplinary hearings. Sexual offenses typically make people ineligible for a medical license under state law. Charges related to financial misconduct regarding billing or offenses involving prescription medications are among the most likely to draw the scrutiny of the MBMP. Physicians facing criminal charges generally need to respond assertively if they hope to protect their licenses and their careers.
2. Substance abuse allegations
Some of the most serious medical mistakes occur because physicians are under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working. As such, accusations of impairment on the job or criminal charges related to drugs or alcohol can easily trigger an investigation and possibly disciplinary efforts by the MBMP.
3. Allegations of discrimination
Every physician has their own inherent biases that they must overcome to fairly treat the people in their care. They have a duty to do no harm and to treat patients with dignity, regardless of their personal characteristics or choices. In scenarios where patients believe that a physician discriminated against them because of their protected characteristics, such as their race or religion, they might allege discrimination and file complaints with employers and regulatory authorities. Coworkers who notice a trend in how physicians treat certain groups of patients could also make reports of discrimination.
Any significant deviations from best practices or violations of the law could trigger a licensing review that has negative consequences for a physician. Working with a licensing defense attorney can help medical doctors protect their licenses and their careers.
