Recent blog posts

The New Year not only brings resolutions for many people, it also brings new laws. One of those new laws in Illinois will affect every licensed healthcare professional in the state. As of January 1, every licensee will be required to complete a one-hour course in implicit bias awareness. This course will be part of the required medical education the state requires. What Is Implicit Bias? Racial disparities are present in employment, education, housing, and multiple other areas in this country. Many people may not…

It is estimated that one in three physicians will have at least one medical malpractice lawsuit filed against them during their medical career. In the majority of claims, the patient does not prevail in their lawsuit. Approximately 70 percent of claims are dismissed, dropped, or withdrawn. Even when a medical malpractice case does not result in action against the doctor, it can still have a significant impact on his or her professional career, including investigations by the Illinois Medical Board. This is why it is…

The month of December is one of the busiest for many people. The holiday season usually means get-togethers and parties with family and friends. If you are a professional, there are often many festive business gatherings scheduled during this time that not only gives you the chance to socialize with business colleagues but can also be significant networking opportunities. Many of these social events, whether personal or professional, involve the serving of alcohol. Having a couple of drinks at a holiday party may…

The arrival of Thanksgiving is typically the kickoff to the holiday season. This often means family gatherings, get-togethers with friends, and holiday parties. These events are also a popular time to drink. The number of drunk driving arrests and accidents spike this time of the year. Any driver who has been arrested for drunk driving faces harsh consequences if convicted, but those consequences are even more significant for a professional license holder. DUI Penalties In Illinois, any driver operating a vehicle with a blood…

Most physicians are aware of issues that can result in serious legal trouble, including actions taken against their medical license. Some of the more common issues include patient negligence, insurance fraud, and substance abuse. One surprising issue that can end up causing significant ramifications is advertising. Just like other businesses, many doctors find it beneficial to engage in different types of advertising in order to grow their practice, however, there are crucial factors that physicians should follow in order to avoid legal…

There are many words in the English language that sound similar but have different meanings. In most cases, the confusion may only to the necessity of clarification. However, in some situations, there could be legal implications if the definition of each word is not understood. For example, in medical malpractice, a doctor can be accused of a missed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis. While those two words sound very similar, there is a definite difference in how a doctor would defend their Illinois…

There are many issues that physicians face today that can result in some form of punitive action taken against their medical license. In some cases, it can even result in the loss of that license. One issue that has become particularly prevalent is allegations of overprescribing medications, especially for older patients. Overprescribing Can Be a Real Problem There is no denying that prescription drugs have become a problem for many people in the United States who struggle with drug addiction or other drug-related issues….

When one hears the word “audit,” it often triggers a negative reaction. After all, no one wants their financial life picked apart by the IRS. Being notified that your practice is going through a Medicaid audit can bring about the same type of reaction. Even if you feel there should be no issues with your practice, if the government finds any errors, it can lead to very expensive consequences and even have an impact on your medical license. Notification of a Medicaid Audit Approximately 25…

There is no denying we have become a video-based society. What started out as “selfie” photos on Facebook about a decade ago has mushroomed into videos and reels on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and multiple other social media platforms, to say nothing of ubiquitous security footage. Not all of those videos are made with our knowledge. In fact, one major study found that the average person is caught on camera almost 240 times a week. And if you travel a lot or work…

Under Illinois law, all physicians, chiropractors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals are required to obtain a professional license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). A person who practices medicine without a valid professional license is committing a crime under Illinois law and a conviction could result in potential jail time. Practicing Without a License When an individual gives medical advice or medical treatment, but that individual does not hold a current valid medical license, Illinois law says they…