Suspension For Missing The Evaluation

Board authority to compel a mental and physical examination(“MPE”) is pursuant to 63 P. S. § 2205(D)(1). The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether, under 63 P. S. 224(a)(2) for nurses, a licensee is unable to practice their profession with reasonable skill and safety by reason of mental or physical illness or condition or psychological or physiological dependence on alcohol, hallucinogenic on narcotic or other drugs that impair judgment and coordination. Similar impairment evaluation provisions are contained in each of the twenty six different Pennsylvania licensing schemes.

A formal board order compelling attendance always accompanies these Petitions. The Board signs the order to compel both attendance and compliance with document production requirements. Typically, these petitions are filed, licensees show up at the expert’s office for the examination compliant with the terms and conditions of the MPE order. It is the unique case where a licensee does not show up and their license is summarily suspended.

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License suspension is based upon the Pennsylvania Code provisions that states, if a licensee fails to attend the MPE, the allegations of impairment are deemed true. The admissions of fact and law allow the Board to conclude impairment and formal suspension is ordered. License reinstatement after this step requires attending a PHMP expert evaluation (at the licensee’s expense) and complying with all other aspects of the suspension order.

Why or how would a licensee not go to the Mental and Physical Evaluation? Failure to maintain an up-to-date address with one’s Pennsylvania licensing board, resulting in missed notices is the first way. Secondly, thinking these appointments can be unilaterally changed or failing to properly communicate scheduling conflicts create huge problems. Minor inconveniences though do not warrant not attending the procedure. The last way is the simplest; a licensee simply does not attend the evaluation for fear of the result.

Case law discussing these provisions specifically requires proper Board notification of the MPE and suspension to the licensee’s address of record. The address on record is the address to which the Board is required to provide notice of a disciplinary action in order to honor its constitutional due process obligations. The Board only needs to provide proof of service via regular and certified mail. It is licensees burden to attend or reschedule the evaluation.

Why do licensees have to go to these evaluations? Section 224(a)(2) of the Nursing law, for example, is the standard provision in every regulatory board scheme. Board prosecutors receive information suggesting an impairment. In seeking licensure, licensees agree to be regulated by the State. Licensees agree to honor the provisions of Pennsylvania code and case law interpreting the code.

The MPE is just such a provision in an over arching regulatory scheme the Commonwealth has erected to protect its citizens from errant and high licensees (realtors, doctors, pharmacists, nurses and the like). I cannot accept mail for each licensee. Once we are retained, I am able to re-schedule the MPE with consent of either the doctor, Board counsel or prosecuting counsel. This allows me time to assist the licensee organize their documents and prepare for this expert examination. I cannot receive the mail.

The consequence on the licensee of not attending the evaluation is significant. While not immediate, eventual license suspension for failure to honor a Board order will occur. Reinstatement will only take place upon attendance of that MPE. Additional requirements include providing a criminal background check, proof of compliance with all continuing education burdens, proof of no practice during the term of suspension, and payment of investigatory costs.

As well, included in the typical MPE order is the Board paying for the evaluation. Once a licensee refuses or fails to attend the MPE, the MPE expert evaluation expense must be borne by the licensees. Please call me at 215-665-0766 to discuss your recent mail compelling you to attend a mental and physical examination.or suspending your license for missing one.

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