Pennsylvania License Defense Blog

Can Pennsylvania doctors prescribe marijuana to their patients?

On behalf of Hark and Hark posted in drug crimes on Thursday, February 21, 2019.

For the last several years, medical marijuana has been in the national news. While some fear that allowing it to be used in the medical field is a slippery slope to allowing its permissible use by everyone, there is no doubt that for some medical patients marijuana is a life-changing drug. Different jurisdictions throughout the nation have different laws regarding how it may be prescribed and who may use it. Readers with questions about the legality of medical marijuana in their communities should seek their own legal support.

However, physicians and other medical professionals sit in a precarious position with regard to this national hot button topic. Although they may believe that medical marijuana is a good treatment for their patients, they may fear what will happen to their licenses if they prescribe it. Throughout the nation, marijuana is still recognized, at least at the federal level, as an illegal substance.

Immediate Tempory Suspension -- Do Not Sign Any Document

By Richard Hark of Hark and Hark posted in Injuries on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

Doctors beware. Government prosecutors are fighting the opiate epidemic on many fronts. Now more than ever local police in coordination with DEA and Commonwealth Attorney General drug enforcement investigators are investigating doctors for writing unreasonable amounts of scheduled narcotic prescriptions.

The PHMP, Kevin Knipe, Pharmacy Board, and an Abuse of Discretion

By Richard Hark of Hark and Hark posted in Medical Nursing on Monday, February 11, 2019.

The PHMP, it's caseworkers, and director Kevin Knipe's treatment of licensees is a major topic of my blogs and website. I routinely field inquiries regarding false positive drug tests, chain of custody issues, and other PHMP claimed violations. How do I get out of the PHMP is the most consistent PHMP question.

Should I report a crime if the statute of limitations expired?

On behalf of Hark and Hark posted in criminal defense on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

Individuals who are subject to professional licensing are often required to self-report the criminal charges that are issued against them. Certain crimes and convictions may be weighed against them and can threaten one's ability to attain and retain his or her license to practice in the medical field. Those who fear that criminal legal matters may derail their medical careers and threaten their medical licenses may wish to consult with attorneys who provide medical licensing and criminal defense in their communities.

An interesting issue arises, however, when individuals consider the topic of statutes of limitation and self-reporting in the medical licensing field. A statute of limitations is a law that indicates how long a party has to bring a case against someone who they believe has committed a crime or caused damages in the civil realm of the law. The question that may come up with regard to licensing is therefore whether an alleged crime must be reported if the statute of limitations that applies to it has run.

Finishing the PHMP Term -- Returning to an Unrestricted Health Care Practice

By Richard Hark of Hark and Hark posted in drug crimes on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

How do you get out of Pennsylvania's Professional Health Monitoring Program ("PHMP"). The PHMP administers both the Voluntary Recovery Program "VRP" and the Disciplinary Monitoring Program ("DMU"). As a licensed professional voluntarily enrolled in the PHMP - VRP - or forced into the DMU, you agreed to PHMP terms to keep working. You have been compliant for over three years. Now you think the program time is up!

Multiple medical professionals sentenced on federal charges

On behalf of Hark and Hark posted in federal crimes on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Doctors take an oath to do no harm in the execution of their professional duties. This can mean that they engage in different courses of treatment based upon the specific needs and wishes of their patients. Because they are licensed and bound to certain standards of conduct due to their important positions of trust, doctors can be severely penalized if they engage in activities that impact their reputations, characters, and fitness to do their jobs.

Not long ago several medical professionals in the United States were sentenced for their alleged involvement in what some refer to as a "pill mill." The doctors and nurses were accused of creating illegitimate prescriptions, committing healthcare fraud, and engaging in other federal crimes. While some of the medical professionals were given probation for their involvement in the alleged infractions, at least one was sentenced to serve time in jail for his alleged crimes.

What is a Petition for Appropriate Relief

By Richard Hark of Hark and Hark posted in Medical Nursing on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

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Marijuana Impaired Drivers -- The DRE Revisited -- Costs

By Richard Hark of Hark and Hark posted in Pennsylvania Criminal Law on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Dr. Marijuana -- Has Lost His New Jersey Medical License

By Richard Hark of Hark and Hark posted in Medical Nursing on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

Possible defenses to alleged drug crimes

On behalf of Hark and Hark posted in drug crimes on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

An arrest based on alleged criminal conduct can be detrimental to anyone's future. However, in Pennsylvania medical professionals who are licensed by the state may face the loss of their right to practice if they are convicted of certain crimes. While individuals in other professions may be able to go back to their careers once their convictions and sanctions are dealt with, doctors, nurses, and other professionals may be at a loss when they face challenges to having their licenses reinstated.

It is therefore in the interests of those who face threats to their licenses to seek legal help when they are charged with drug crimes. Attorneys who understand the unique challenges that licensed professionals face when dealing with alleged crimes can be of great benefit to men and women who need their licenses to provide for themselves and their families.

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