There are numerous situations that can cause a Pennsylvania doctor to face administrative licensing proceedings. For instance, it may occur if a patient accuses a physician of wrongdoing or if a doctor fails to adhere to protocol that governs his or her behavior in the workplace. A licensing board has the authority in appropriate circumstances to place a doctor on probation, suspend or even revoke his or her medical license.
Then again, the board may find that any charges have not been proved or otherwise do not warrant such actions. In those circumstances, the case could be dismissed with no disciplinary action against the doctor whatsoever. With regard to probation, suspension and revocation, each administrative action is unique and levied against a doctor for different reasons.
A probation typically lasts for an extended period of time. It doesn’t necessarily mean a doctor cannot practice medicine. It typically requires that the doctor be supervised while doing so or might be restrict him or her from certain procedures, such as writing prescriptions or performing surgeries.
A suspended license generally means the doctor in question cannot practice medicine in the state where the suspension was rendered for however long the medical board determines. The board must give official permission for the doctor to return to practice. Any Pennsylvania physician worried about a current licensing board situation may want to discuss the situation with an experienced medical licensing attorney. A doctor need not go before a board on his or her own behalf. In fact, acting alongside an attorney is often key to obtaining a successful outcome.