Experienced California Podiatry License Defense Attorneys
At Century Law Group, LLP, our California podiatry license defense attorneys represent clients who are facing accusations or investigations, or statement of issues for initial applicants, by the California Board of Podiatric Medicine.
If you have been confronted with the possibility of being placed on probation, or if your podiatric medicine license is in jeopardy of being suspended or revoked, do not face the Board alone.
Contact our skilled podiatry license defense lawyers in California today to learn more about your rights and options to pursue the best legal solution for your unique circumstances.
What are the Most Common Complaints Reviewed by the California Board of Podiatric Medicine?
The California Board of Podiatric Medicine, or BPM, is the organization responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining all Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) in the state of California.
BPM is also responsible for protecting consumers from negligent practitioners. Consumers may file complaints against a podiatrist through the Board’s website or in writing.
The BPM will consider the severity and nature of the complaints and the allegations against a doctor before deciding whether to act upon those complaints.
Common accusations against podiatrists in California can include an arrest, conviction, or allegations of:
- Unprofessional conduct.
- False advertising.
- Any form of fraud, including insurance or misrepresentation.
- Failure to maintain proper and honest patient records.
- Not allowing patients proper access to their medical records.
- Failing to maintain required confidentiality.
- Gross negligence or professional incompetence.
- Giving or receiving kickbacks for referrals.
- Purposefully and/or recklessly causing physical or emotional harm to a client.
- Employing an unlicensed assistant or failing to properly supervise licensed assistants.
- Drug or alcohol abuse, sometimes taking place while on the job and involving illegal narcotics.
- Alleged mental illness, physical illness, or chemical dependency compromising the ability to perform their duties safely.
When the Board is presented with potential violations, they will consider all aggravating and mitigating factors when determining its course of action.
Those factors may include:
- Whether there was actual patient harm
- Any prior incidents or complaints recorded on the podiatrist’s record
- Whether a criminal case has been filed or was previously filed
- The podiatrist’s defenses to the allegations
If you have been notified by the Board of a complaint that has been filed against you, or if you have been recently arrested or convicted of a crime, which will also jeopardize your license, contact our experienced podiatry defense license attorneys in California today.
We can help you get in front of these allegations to help protect your reputation and professional license.
How Do the California Board of Podiatric Medicine Discipline Proceedings Work?
The Board of Podiatric Medicine Disciplinary Guidelines dictates the enforcement process for complaints.
That includes outlining where the complaint was initiated, including whether it was from the public, or a professional or government group.
From there, a Consumer Services Analyst (CSA) will review the complaint to determine whether it falls under the Board’s authority, if more information is needed, or if an immediate investigation should take place.
Minor violations of the Medical Practice Act may result in an administrative citation and fine rather than formal accusation and disciplinary action.
If it appears following an initial review that a violation may have occurred, the case is referred to a Division of Investigation district office.
The result of the investigation can include closing the case, but retaining the file for one to five years, depending on the evidence it uncovered. Or it can be referred to another agency for non-disciplinary, disciplinary, or criminal action.
If the case passes the legal standard required, it will move forward with a formal Accusation from the Deputy Attorney General and an Administrative Hearing will be scheduled.
The podiatrist will have 15 days from the date that the Accusation was served (not received) to file a Notice of Defense. If this response is not filed, it will result in a Default, which requires the immediate Revocation of the Podiatrist License.
At Century Law Group, our skilled podiatrist license defense lawyers in California can help protect your rights throughout the legal process and design a customized defense strategy to fit your case’s unique needs. Call us now to learn more.
Contact Our Skilled Professional Licensing Defense Attorneys at Century Law Group
Contact our experienced Board of Podiatric Medicine defense attorneys in California today at (310) 642-6900 or online to learn more about the legal solutions that are available for your unique circumstances.
We provide free consultations and a straightforward approach to helping you put your legal trouble behind you quickly and effectively, so you can move forward with confidence.
