Every doctor, physician, surgeon, or psychiatrist needs a valid medical license to practice medicine. Doctors who face disciplinary action or the potential denial of a license application should take immediate steps to address any threats to their license.
In these cases, it is essential to work with a skilled and experienced professional license defense attorney.
At Williams & Nickl, LLC, we have more than 55 years of combined legal experience. We have represented over 3,000 clients in cases before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Attorney Edward W. Williams is a former Chief of Prosecutions for IDFPR, and with our exhaustive experience representing medical professionals in license-defense cases, we understand the best strategies that will help you retain your license and continue practicing.
Complaints against a doctor by consumers, state or federal agencies, insurers, or others can result in disciplinary action by the Illinois Medical Board. A person who is applying for a medical license may also face denial because of a criminal conviction or other past incidents.
If a doctor has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) based on their practices of prescribing or dispensing controlled substances, this may also lead to discipline to their medical license. We can assist with a wide variety of issues that may affect a physician’s license, including:
When addressing these types of issues, it is crucial to work with an attorney who has a full understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to the practice of medicine, including the Medical Practice Act of 1987 and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
Your lawyer should also have experience in the procedures defined in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, as well as any other applicable rules and statutes. Ed Williams and Fred Nickl interact daily with the IDFPR, and we can provide the knowledge and experience necessary to address licensing issues quickly and effectively.
We have also assisted physicians with complaints of ethical violations, hearings, and other issues that arise before professional certification associations and specialty boards, including the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, and American Board of Medical Specialties.
We have a record of success representing clients facing a wide variety of disciplinary actions to their medical licenses.
In one case, an internal medicine physician was accused of overprescribing medications, failing to conduct proper physical exams, and failing to chart. The IDFPR prosecutor demanded a suspension of our client’s license, but through aggressive negotiations with the prosecutor and the Medical Disciplinary Board, we were able to obtain a short probation agreement with a quick restoration of the client’s license to fully unencumbered status. The grateful doctor called us “Miracle workers.”
When applying for a medical license, a medical doctor or osteopath physician may receive a Notice of Deficiency Checklist or a request for information about incidents that occurred in the past, such as a criminal conviction or DUI arrest.
We can help you determine the best approach in these cases, and we can work with you to prepare a detailed response that demonstrates why you should be issued a license. We can usually help our clients address any inquiries, and a license is issued soon after the IDFPR receives our explanation letter.
If you are already licensed and have received a formal Complaint or a notice that disciplinary action is being taken against you, we can review your case and help you determine your best options for defending your license.
We will explain the potential consequences you are facing and work with you to gather and present mitigating evidence and explanations while working to minimize the discipline you may face.
We can also assist with DEA investigations, helping you demonstrate that you have followed the proper procedures when working with controlled substances and advising you on how these issues may affect your medical license.
When necessary, we appeal unfavorable IDFPR decisions and argue your case in the Illinois Circuit Courts or Appellate Court.
Before speaking to an IDFPR investigator or responding to requests for information, you should discuss your situation with our lawyers.
We provide complimentary one-hour consultations, and we will speak to you either in-person, or on the phone or by Zoom to assess your needs and help you understand the potential forms of discipline you are facing and the best options for defense.
In many cases, we can help our clients avoid public discipline to their licenses. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today at 312-335-9470.
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