Representation Before the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and Medical Student, Intern and Resident Legal Representation

Richard Q. Hark has represented many physicians in applying to sit for the USMLE and foreign medical school graduates, often called upon to provide advice or hearing representation when an application is denied.

Richard represents physicians, dentists and other licensed health care professionals in challenging and appealing the results of medical board, dental board and board certification examinations. Often this may be as simple as requesting a rescoring or regarding of the examination or a certain part of it. Sometimes because of problems at a test site or because of technical problems, retesting is an option.

Richard routinely represents medical students and residents in legal disputes with the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), Examination Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), and provides legal representation and defense of charges of irregular behavior.

Allegations of irregular behavior could cripple medical school advancement. Irregular behavior comes in many forms. Richard always submits appropriate documents for review by the committee, to obtain fact witnesses and expert witnesses (where appropriate) and to prepare adequately for the hearing ahead of time. The committee needs to know about personal, familial, and economic issues that show the test taker is not a cheater. Appearing live is necessary. Hearings before the committee are recorded by a court reporter, so transcripts of the proceedings are available for later appeal or subsequent court proceedings.

Allegations of cheating, obtaining an unfair advantage on an exam stop a medical career in its tracks. It could result in certifications suspended or revoked. Richard takes immediate action to appeal this and to request a hearing on it. Every certifying organization has a detailed hearing process to ensure the applicant has due process of law and a fair hearing. Failure to act promptly will result in permanent action being imposed that will affect your future ability to obtain a license in a another state, to obtain clinical privileges at a hospital, to be a participating physician on health insurance panels and to be a participating physician in Medicare and Medicaid programs. It will obviously affect future employment opportunities.

Representation Regarding Board Certification

Additionally, Richard has represented physicians in investigations and hearings by their medical specialty college or organization in matters involving complaints, peer review, questions regarding false applications, and other matters. Familiar with the goals and concerns of medical specialty boards and colleges, Richard applies his legal experience in producing experts and documentary evidence which addresses the concerns of the members who may be called by a hearing panel or credentials committee.

Medical Student, Intern And Resident Legal Representation

Richard Q. Hark also represents medical school students, residents, interns and fellows in academic disputes and graduate medical education (GME) disputes. Whether it is an academic performance dispute, clinical performance or allegations concerning substance abuse or mental health, Richard has probably handled similar cases.

Richard Q. Hark also represents physicians and other health providers in administrative hearings, administrative licensing cases and in appeals of adverse actions by state licensing boards and state and federal administrative agencies.

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