Dealing with a Licensing Board

Dealing with a Licensing Board

Most licensed professionals do not give much thought to their professional licensing board, except perhaps briefly during licensure renewal. However, licensees should understand that boards not only have an impact on the regulation of the industry, but a formal board action can have a profound effect on a licensee’s practice. Below are some brief tips for licensees with respect to dealing with a licensing board:

-Respond promptly to board correspondence. If your licensing board is contacting you, typically it requires some action or response on your part in a limited period of time.  Failure to respond appropriately and timely may result in adverse consequences to your license. Do not panic if your licensing board informs you that you are under investigation. Most boards are legally required to investigate some or all complaints filed against its licensees.  Seeking legal advice immediately upon such notification can help the process go much smoother. While the majority of cases will resolve quickly, working cooperatively with the board through your attorney can help you avoid delays and potential pitfalls during the investigative process. It will also help you during the disciplinary process should a complaint proceed to a more formal level.

-Read your board’s newsletter or e-mails. Professional licensing boards often have regular newsletters and/or e-mail blasts to keep their licensees informed of important information – e.g., changes in regulations or practice decisions. Failure to give these at least a cursory review may result in you missing important information for your practice.

-Personally verify all information for license applications/renewals. While office managers or credentialing organizations may assist in the processing of your licensure renewal, you bear the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that your initial or renewal application is complete and accurate. Omissions or misrepresentations, regardless of whether they are intentional, may result in an investigation and in some cases, discipline against your license.

-Always remember that your board is ultimately there for the purpose of protecting the public and not to protect you, the licensee.

Nutile Pitz & Associates has attorneys who can help you through any interaction with your professional licensing board. Contact us today for more information on how to deal with any current Board issues, or how to best avoid potential future issues.