Domestic violence accusations can result from conflicts between intimate partners or longstanding issues within a family. Even an altercation with a roommate could potentially constitute domestic violence. Acts of violence that could lead to assault charges can constitute domestic violence when there is a familial, sexual or household connection between the people involved.

Anyone accused of domestic violence is at risk of criminal and civil consequences. The state may bring charges against the accused party. The alleged victim might go to court to seek a protective order. They might also try to leverage their accusations in family court to secure more parenting time if the people involved have children together.

If the person accused of domestic violence has a medical license, their career could be at risk.

Licensing authorities worry about violent behavior

The licensing boards that oversee medical professions in Pennsylvania hold professionals to a high standard. Generally speaking, they need to be able to pass a background check to obtain a professional license in the medical field and to renew it as necessary. Any criminal issues can come to light when people apply for renewal or when concerned parties report issues to the licensing board.

If the licensing board learns about a conviction or guilty plea related to domestic violence, there could be significant repercussions for the implicated professional. Obviously, a violent criminal conviction could lead to disciplinary actions including the revocation of a professional’s license.

The criminal courts don’t need to get involved at all for a medical professional’s license to be at risk. In cases where one party seeks a protection from abuse (PFA) order, that could also result in disciplinary action and licensing consequences.

Regardless of a licensed holder’s criminal record, being subject to a PFA order is an indication of unethical or dangerous behavior that could reflect badly on the state’s medical system as a whole. It is therefore incumbent upon those in medical careers to respond proactively not just to criminal charges related to domestic violence but also to attempts to secure protective orders.

Both criminal charges and protective orders can have a chilling effect on a medical career. Those facing disciplinary action may require support when responding to the licensing board and attending any hearings they schedule, and that’s okay. Fighting pending criminal charges and responding to allegations of misconduct successfully can help protect licensed medical professionals from career-ending licensing consequences.