As a medical practitioner, losing your license can be a tremendous blow to your career and livelihood. License suspension can happen for various reasons, including malpractice allegations, unprofessional conduct or substance abuse.
Fortunately, it is possible to appeal a medical license suspension in Pennsylvania, offering a chance to challenge the decision and potentially restore your ability to practice.
What is the process for appealing a medical license suspension in Pennsylvania?
Understanding the steps involved in appealing is key to moving forward. Here’s a detailed look at the process:
- Initial decision by the hearing examiner: Once a hearing concludes, the hearing examiner will issue a decision regarding the suspension. If no appeal is filed within 20 days, that decision becomes final and enforceable.
- Requesting a review: Either party involved in the case has the right to apply for a review within this 20-day period. The board may also decide to review the decision on its own initiative, even if no request is made.
- Comprehensive board review: When a review is requested or initiated, the board will thoroughly examine all the records related to the case. This includes testimony and evidence already presented. If necessary, the board may call for additional testimony from the same witnesses or hear from new witnesses to better understand the situation. Counsel for the parties involved may also present legal arguments during this review phase.
- Additional testimony process: If further testimony is required, the board will schedule hearings as soon as practicable, working to avoid unnecessary delays while still gathering crucial information.
- Final decision by the board: After reviewing all evidence and testimony, the board will issue its final decision, including its findings of fact and legal conclusions. This decision is communicated in writing to all parties.
Legal representation during this process can be crucial in presenting a strong case for overturning the suspension.
