Pennsylvania License Defense Blog
Pennsylvania’s Updated Use of Prior Criminal Records In Licensing Decisions
On June 24 2020, the General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 637 which reforms occupational licensing by getting rid of outdated criminal record restrictions for the professions and occupations which are regulated by boards and commissions within the Bureau of...
DUI ARD, Prior Offense, Sentencing Enhancement, Repeat Offender
Recidivist sentencing enhancement statutes continue to be declared unconstitutional based upon relatively recent US Supreme Court cases. In 2000 the U.S. Supreme Court decided State v. Apprendi. There the Court states a criminal sentence must be based upon facts the...
Responding to patient criticism with confidence and poise
Criticism, especially when its content is a direct threat to a medical professional's licensure, may create anxiety and frustration, to say the least. Health care professionals facing potentially damaging claims from patients in Pennsylvania may benefit from...
What activities could put your license at risk
As a professional in Pennsylvania, you have worked hard to earn and maintain your license. Yet, a slight mistake or error may put your professional career in jeopardy and could lead to you losing your license. The professional licensing system through the Pennsylvania...
PA Wage and Collection Law, Covid 19 and Nurses Working Excessive Hours
A long-term client called me today, and related the following story: Before Covid, she worked an average of three, 8 hour shifts for 24 hours. After Covid, she worked five or six, 12 hour shifts, routinely working 55 or 60 hours a week. However, her nursing home employer was still only paying her 24 hours a week.
This is illegal. Pennsylvania’s Wage Payment and Collection Law gives powers and duties to every employee for the civil collection of wages. Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law provides for civil and criminal penalties including 10% and 25% escalating penalties for employers who fail to properly pay wages absent any good faith dispute.
How can CNAs lose their licenses?
As a certified nursing assistant, you typically work with patients who are particularly vulnerable in rehabilitation centers or long-term care facilities. The law provides certain protections to patients such as these. Though you may have no intention of breaking the...
What to do when accused of “irregular behavior”
If you receive notice that the USMLE suspects you of “irregular behavior” during your licensing exam, you are probably getting worried. First, don’t panic. It’s important that you understand what this means and how to deal with it. Here are some of the main things you...
Health care providers must know about this national database
Medical professionals licensed in Pennsylvania should be familiar with the National Practitioner Data Bank. The American Bar Association explains that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains this data bank, which is a national repository for reports...
How does substance abuse factor into your license revocation?
Working long hours in stressful situations with nurses, patients and other doctors led you to use substances as a coping mechanism. As a doctor, you know the risks of taking prescription medications for anything other than medical purposes, but you are human just like...
Could your license suspension be a scam?
If you receive a notice that the State Board of Pharmacy has placed your license under suspension, then it will get your attention. You will probably take it seriously. If someone calls you about this, you will likely be ready to do anything to get your pharmacist...
