Will A Doctor Lose Their Medical License If Convicted Of A Crime In Florida?

Are you a doctor who is facing a criminal charge in Florida? There is a lot on the line in your case. Your rights, your freedom, and even your career could be at risk. You may be wondering: Does a doctor lose their medical license if they are convicted of a crime? The answer is “it depends”—though any criminal conviction can be grounds for disciplinary action by the Florida Board of Medicine. In this article, our Orlando white collar criminal defense attorney explains the key things doctors should know about their medical license if convicted of a crime in Florida.

Background: Florida Board of Medicine has Power to Discipline Physicians 

The Florida Board of Medicine plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and professionalism of the medical community. The authoritative body holds the power to discipline physicians who fail to adhere to the high standards expected in the medical profession. The board’s disciplinary actions are not limited to professional misconduct within clinical settings but extend to personal conduct that may adversely affect a physician’s ability to practice medicine in a safe manner. 

Florida Law: Criminal Conviction May Be Grounds for Sanctions 

Under Florida law (Florida Statute § 456.072(k)(c)), “being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of guilty” may be considered good cause for professional disciplinary action by the Florida Board of Medicine. If the crime in question has any impact on a doctor’s ability to practice medicine safely—a principle which is interpreted broadly in Florida—some form of disciplinary action may be taken. 

The Specific Circumstances Always Matter 

While a criminal conviction can lead to disciplinary action, it is important to note that the loss of a medical license is not automatic. The Florida Board of Medicine evaluates each case on its specific circumstances. Factors such as the nature of the crime, its relevance to medical practice, and the presence of any mitigating circumstances are carefully considered. A conviction for a minor, unrelated offense may result in lesser sanctions like a fine or probation, whereas more serious crimes could lead to suspension or revocation of the medical license. 

You Need a Defense Attorney Who Will Consider Your License 

For physicians facing criminal charges in Florida, it is imperative to seek legal representation from a defense attorney who is not only adept at criminal law but also understands the implications of a criminal conviction on a medical license. A knowledgeable Orlando attorney will strategize not just to address the criminal charges but also to mitigate potential professional consequences. 

Contact Our Orlando, FL Criminal Defense Lawyer for Doctors Today

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando white collar criminal defense lawyer is a skilled and sophisticated advocate for clients. If you are a doctor charged with a crime, we can help. Call us now or contact us online today for a completely confidential, no obligation consultation. From our office in Orlando, we defend doctors who are facing criminal charges throughout all of Central Florida.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0456/Sections/0456.072.html