Acquiring a medical license only results after investing years of hard work. Physicians are subject to intense professional scrutiny and must adhere to all professional standards imposed on physicians in Minnesota.
In scenarios where physicians face accusations of misconduct or negligence, the licenses that allow them to practice medicine could be at risk. The five violations below are among the leading reasons that physicians face disciplinary action and licensing penalties.
1. Drug or alcohol abuse
People with substance abuse disorders may struggle to regulate the behaviors related to their addiction. Physicians are in a position where they could inappropriately access medication, which is cause for concern. Additionally, if they ever show up to work while under the influence, the mistakes that they make could have profound implications for their patients. Both accusations of impairment on the job and intoxication-related criminal charges can lead to disciplinary actions.
2. Misconduct toward patients
Some physicians use their authority to demand romantic, sexual or even economic favors from their patients. Others might speak to patients in a degrading fashion, possibly because of their protected characteristics, such as their race or sex. Allegations of engaging in physical, verbal, sexual or financial abuse of a patient could endanger a doctor’s license.
3. Insurance fraud
Physicians typically bill either private insurance or state-run health insurance programs to cover the cost of the treatment they provide. Common forms of fraud include phantom billing for appointments that did not occur and upcoding to charge for more expensive services.
4. Felony convictions
Generally speaking, any significant felony criminal conviction is enough to warrant review by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Crimes that are indicative of a substance abuse disorder or a breach of the public trust are likely to result in licensing consequences.
5. Negligence on the job
Physicians must always put the well-being of their patients above all else. Distraction, fatigue and other temporary challenges could impact the quality of care they provide. In scenarios where provable incidents of negligence lead to harm for patients, a physician’s license could be at risk.
Doctors who have dedicated their lives to their professions have the right to legal representation during both criminal prosecution and licensing hearings. Working with a licensing defense attorney can help Minnesota physicians protect their chosen careers.
