Medical professionals, including nurses and physicians, attend years of school. They have to undergo state testing and background checks to secure licenses to work in their chosen profession. They often work long shifts in very demanding environments.
Medical careers often cause intense stress for professionals and can also strain their closest relationships. Individuals struggling with a high-demand job or floundering interpersonal relationships might self-medicate with drugs. Both the misuse of prescription medication or the abuse of prohibited substances could lead to someone’s arrest and prosecution.
Different offenses result in different consequences
The authorities monitoring medical professionals in Pennsylvania generally do review cases involving drug charges very carefully. Theoretically, licensed professionals have an obligation to report criminal convictions after they occur. Even if someone tries to bypass that requirement, the conviction on their record will almost surely show up during the background check process the next time they renew their license.
At that point, they could very well face disciplinary action. Drug trafficking convictions, in particular, often have an immediate negative impact on someone’s eligibility for a medical license. Lesser charges, including possession offenses, could also lead to disciplinary action potentially including the revocation or suspension of someone’s medical license.
How professionals can protect their interests
Anyone facing a disciplinary hearing that could affect their professional license in Pennsylvania will typically have the right to legal representation during those hearings. An attorney could help convince the licensing authorities that someone has already started the process of rehabilitation and will be able to continue working in the medical profession without any risk to themselves or their patients.
However, it is often a more effective strategy to assertively fight criminal charges to begin with so that someone does not end up saddled with a criminal conviction that limits their professional options. Depending on the evidence that the state has, there could be many different defense strategies that could work for those accused of a drug offense in Pennsylvania.
Realizing that a conviction could very well lead to significant career consequences can inspire professionals to seek legal guidance promptly after being arrested for a drug offense.
