Criminal Convictions and Their Impact on California Medical Licenses
It’s a well known fact that when a licensed physician is convicted of engaging in prescription fraud, medical fraud, insurance fraud, or inappropriate behavior with a patient, it’s pretty much a given that he/she will be disciplined. This is because the Medical Board of California governs its licensees when it comes to criminal convictions. Depending on the individual circumstances, it may (1) suspend, revoke, or deny a medical license, (2) warn the license holder, or (3) place the license holder on probation.
What’s not so well known is that the Medical Board will discipline a California doctor for almost any criminal conviction…even if the offense isn’t directly related to the practice of medicine. This means that a conviction for driving under the influence, battery, or even petty theft could ultimately result in the loss of your medical license.
The key is whether the conviction is “substantially related” to the qualifications, functions, and/or duties of being a doctor. If the Medical Board believes that the offense is substantially related to being a physician, it will discipline the license holder. This is why it is advisable to consult with a skilled California criminal defense attorney who knows the most effective arguments to convince it otherwise.
You worked long and hard to become a doctor…don’t let one foolish mistake or unfortunate misunderstanding take that away from you. It’s always worth fighting the charge!
