The healthcare industry is heavily regulated in New Jersey, and any criminal charges or convictions related to healthcare can have very serious consequences, including the loss of your professional license. Knowing the impact of a healthcare crime on your license, and how to protect your livelihood if charged, or convicted, could be life changing.
Healthcare Crimes in New Jersey
Healthcare crimes in New Jersey cover a wide range of offenses, including healthcare fraud, prescription drug fraud, and abuse of controlled substances. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, are held to a higher standard of ethical and professional behavior than professionals in other industries due to their role in providing care to patients.
If you’ve been charged or convicted of a healthcare crime in New Jersey, you could face severe penalties. Fines, probation, and even imprisonment are all consequences of committing a healthcare crime. In addition, the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners, which oversees the licensing of healthcare professionals in the state, has the authority to discipline or revoke licenses for those found guilty of healthcare crimes.
License Discipline for Healthcare Crimes
If you have been charged or convicted of a healthcare crime in New Jersey, the Board of Medical Examiners may initiate an investigation into your conduct. The board will review the facts of the case and determine whether the charges or conviction constitute a violation of the state’s medical licensing laws.
If the board finds that a healthcare professional has violated the licensing laws, they have the authority to impose a range of disciplinary actions, including fines, probation, and revocation of the license. In some cases, the board may also require the individual to complete additional training or education before reinstating their license.
Steps to Protect Your License
If you have been charged or convicted of a healthcare crime in New Jersey, there are steps you can take to protect your license and your livelihood. First and foremost, it is essential that you seek the advice of an experienced healthcare defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and defend your rights.
Your attorney can work with you to develop a strong defense strategy, gather evidence, and negotiate with the prosecution to secure a favorable outcome for you. In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that allows you to avoid conviction or reduces the charges against you.
Finally, if your license is disciplined or revoked by the board, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced healthcare defense attorney can advise you on your options for appeal and help you develop a strategy to present your appeal case effectively.
Obtaining a Medical License When You Have a Criminal Record
You can still obtain a professional license in New Jersey, even if you have a conviction or a criminal record. New Jersey law allows for professional boards, including the Board of Medical Examiners, to consider your criminal past when you apply for a professional license.
In deciding whether to grant a professional license to an applicant with a criminal history, professional boards apply the standard set forth in New Jersey law. In particular, they ask:
(1) whether the crime or offense has a “direct or substantial relationship” to the profession, and
(2) whether granting the license would be “inconsistent with the public’s health, safety, or welfare.”
The board also considers the seriousness of the crime, how much time has passed since the crime was committed, the relationship between the crime and profession, and any evidence of rehabilitation. Again, it is important to be upfront with all the information surrounding your conviction and be willing to share more information as it is asked of you.
The consequences of a healthcare crime can be long-lasting, so it is essential to take the situation seriously and seek the guidance of an attorney as soon as possible. The legal team at the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot can help to develop a strong defense strategy as well as help you fully cooperate with the law so that your chances of a positive outcome increase.
Reach out today for a free consultation.
