When a medical license investigation lands on your doorstep, it can feel like your entire career is crumbling around you. Your career, reputation and livelihood are all on the line, and you may feel desperate for a way out.
One option that may seem appealing is relocating to another state. But what are the implications of such a move, and how might it affect your licensure?
License reporting requirements
Medical boards across all states communicate with each other through the National Practitioner Data Bank and other reporting systems. Any ongoing investigation will follow you wherever you go. State medical boards share information about disciplinary actions, investigations and license status changes.
Pennsylvania’s State Board of Medicine, like most state boards, asks specific questions about pending investigations on license applications. Failing to disclose an open investigation may be considered fraud and can result in immediate license denial or revocation.
Interstate complication
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) allows physicians to practice across state lines more easily. Forty-two states, plus Washington D.C. and Guam, currently participate in this compact, and more may join in the future.
The IMLC system makes it nearly impossible to hide disciplinary issues, as participating states share real-time information about license status and investigations. This means they will certainly learn about your open case. Even if your destination state does not participate in the system, most medical boards conduct thorough background checks that reveal pending investigations.
Consequences and risks
Relocating to a different state while under investigation does not halt the original process. The investigating board keeps authority over your case, no matter where you move. If one state takes disciplinary action, it often leads to similar actions in any other state where you are licensed.
Steps to take if you face an investigation
Trying to handle a license investigation alone can put your career at risk. Consider these steps instead:
- Consult an attorney who handles medical license defense
- Respond quickl
Facing a medical license investigation can feel overwhelming, but you can protect your career with the right support. A qualified attorney can guide you through each step and help you make the best decisions for your future.