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Healthcare Professionals

Individuals who provide medicinal or healthcare services in Florida are held to very high standards and must be licensed to practice in their respective fields. When a person who works in the healthcare industry is arrested for an alleged criminal offense in the Sunshine State, it can place the status of that individual's license—and thus, his or her career—in serious jeopardy.

People with professional licenses relating to a healthcare field not only answer to the criminal charges, but also must navigate a complex administrative process in order to protect their licenses. It is critical for all alleged offenders to fully understand the possible consequences of certain plea agreements which, although offer reduced criminal penalties, can still negatively impact the status of a professional license.

Attorney for Healthcare Professionals in Gainesville, FL

If you are a licensed professional in the healthcare industry who is facing criminal charges in north central Florida, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. Galigani Law Firm defends licensed professionals charged with all kinds of criminal offenses in communities throughout the greater Gainesville area, including Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, Columbia County, and many others.

Our attorneys review your case and help you understand all of your legal options as soon as you call (352) 375-0812 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Alachua County Healthcare Professional Criminal Charges Information Center

• Which licensing board handles disciplinary actions?
• What are the consequences of convictions for medical professionals?
• Where can I learn more about healthcare professionals in Gainesville?

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Types of Healthcare Professionals in Gainesville

The Florida Board of Medicine licenses medical doctors (MDs), physician assistants (PAs), and anesthesiologist assistants (AA). The Florida Board of Nursing licenses certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and nursing assistants.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) regulates more than 50 types of health practitioners, including:

Every one of the medical professions listed above has its own specific administrative procedures relating to licensing consequences for convictions. Medical professional are required to disclose any convictions when applying for a license or renewal.

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Consequences of Convictions for Healthcare Professionals in Alachua County

Numerous sections of the Florida Statutes establish penalties for healthcare professionals convicted of criminal offenses.

Florida Statute § 456.072(2) establishes that when the board (or the department when there is no board) finds any person guilty of the grounds set forth in Florida Statute § 456.072(1) or of any grounds set forth in the applicable practice act, including conduct constituting a substantial violation of Florida Statute § 456.072(1) or a violation of the applicable practice act, which occurred prior to obtaining a license, it may enter an order imposing one or more of the following penalties:

• Refusal to certify, or to certify with restrictions, an application for a license;

• Suspension or permanent revocation of a license;

• Restriction of practice or license, including, but not limited to, restricting the licensee from practicing in certain settings, restricting the licensee to work only under designated conditions or in certain settings, restricting the licensee from performing or providing designated clinical and administrative services, restricting the licensee from practicing more than a designated number of hours, or any other restriction found to be necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare;

• Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed $10,000 for each count or separate offense. If the violation is for fraud or making a false or fraudulent representation, the board, or the department if there is no board, must impose a fine of $10,000 per count or offense;

• Issuance of a reprimand or letter of concern;

• Placement of the licensee on probation for a period of time and subject to such conditions as the board, or the department when there is no board, may specify. Those conditions may include, but are not limited to, requiring the licensee to undergo treatment, attend continuing education courses, submit to be reexamined, work under the supervision of another licensee, or satisfy any terms which are reasonably tailored to the violations found;

• Corrective action;

• Imposition of an administrative fine in accordance with Florida Statute § 381.0261 for violations regarding patient rights;

• Refund of fees billed and collected from the patient or a third party on behalf of the patient; or

• Requirement that the practitioner undergo remedial education.

Under Florida Statute § 456.074, the department will issue an emergency order suspending the license of any person licensed under chapter 458 (medical practice), chapter 459 (osteopathic medicine), chapter 460 (chiropractic medicine), chapter 461 (podiatric medicine), chapter 462 (naturopathy), chapter 463 (optometry), chapter 464 (nursing), chapter 465 (pharmacy), chapter 466 (dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental laboratories), or chapter 484 (dispensing of optical devices and hearing aids) who pleads guilty to, is convicted or found guilty of, or who enters a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, to certain enumerated misdemeanor or felony offenses.

Florida Statute § 458.331(1)(c) establishes that being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of medicine or to the ability to practice medicine is grounds for denial of a license or disciplinary action. Additionally, Florida Statute § 458.331(1)(pp) establishes that any of the following acts constitutes grounds for denial of a license or disciplinary action for a licensee who serves as the designated physician of a pain-management clinic:

• Being convicted or found guilty of, regardless of adjudication to, a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude, fraud, dishonesty, or deceit in any jurisdiction of the courts of this state, of any other state, or of the United States;

• Being convicted of, or disciplined by a regulatory agency of the Federal Government or a regulatory agency of another state for, any offense that would constitute a violation of this chapter;

• Being convicted of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction of the courts of this state, of any other state, or of the United States which relates to the practice of, or the ability to practice, a licensed healthcare profession; or

• Being convicted of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction of the courts of this state, of any other state, or of the United States which relates to healthcare fraud.

Under Florida Statute § 456.0635, the DOH or a respective healthcare board can refuse to issue or renew a license, certificate, or registration and refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant has been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to certain felony offenses.

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Florida Defending Healthcare Professional Resources

Florida Board of Medicine | Healthcare Practitioner Licensing and Regulation — The Florida Board of Medicine was established “to ensure that every physician practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice.” The Board licenses, monitors, disciplines, educates, and when appropriate, rehabilitates physicians and other practitioners to assure their fitness and competence in the service of the people of Florida. You can apply for, renew, or verify a license on this website.

Florida Board of Nursing | Licensing, Renewals & Information — The Florida Board of Nursing licenses, monitors, disciplines, educates and, when appropriate, rehabilitates its licensees to assure their fitness and competence in providing healthcare services for the people of Florida. Visit this website to apply for, renew, or verify a license. You can also check the status of an application or file a complaint.

Licensing and Regulation | Florida DOH — Visit this section of the DOH website to access a listing of all other medical professions regulated by the agency. Clicking on the individual link will take you to the website with licensing information pertaining to the specific profession. Elsewhere on this website, you can also access license certification information as well as licensure records.

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Galigani Law Firm | Gainesville Healthcare Professionals Defense Lawyer

Are you a licensed medical professional who was recently arrested in north central Florida for an alleged crime? Do not make any statement to authorities or co-workers without legal counsel. Contact Galigani Law Firm as soon as possible.

Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Gainesville represent individuals in Columbia County, Baker County, Bradford County, Union County, and many surrounding areas of Gainesville. Call (352) 375-0812 or complete an online contact form to have our lawyers provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.

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