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For a physician, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, therapist, or other licensed professional, your professional license represents far more than permission to practice. It represents years of education, training, sacrifice, and experience—and it is the foundation of your career and livelihood.
That is why a call, letter, or email from a professional licensing board or investigator should be taken seriously from the beginning.
Many professionals assume that if they have done nothing wrong, the best approach is simply to cooperate immediately and answer every question. Cooperation is important, but how and when you respond can significantly affect the course of an investigation.
An investigator may contact you before you know the precise nature of the complaint, what evidence has been provided to the Board, or what conduct is being investigated. Statements made during an initial telephone call or interview can become part of the investigative record and may later be considered by the Board.
Before responding to substantive questions, consider speaking with an attorney experienced in professional-license defense. Counsel can help determine what the Board is investigating, identify the applicable statutes and professional standards, gather relevant records, prepare you for an interview, and ensure that your position is presented accurately and completely.
The goal should not simply be to defend against formal discipline after charges have been filed. Whenever possible, the objective is to address the matter effectively during the investigative stage, before it progresses that far.
At Jones Law Group, LLC, we represent licensed professionals throughout the investigative and disciplinary process. When appropriate, we communicate directly with investigators and Board counsel, help clients prepare written responses and documentation, prepare them for investigative interviews, and present information that places the allegations in their proper context.
If formal proceedings cannot be avoided, we continue representing our clients through negotiations, administrative hearings, and related proceedings.
For healthcare professionals in particular, a licensing-board action can have consequences extending beyond the license itself. Depending on the circumstances, discipline may affect employment, hospital privileges, credentialing, insurance participation, professional liability coverage, board certification, and licenses held in other states. Those collateral consequences should be considered when developing a defense strategy.
If you have received a letter from a licensing board, been contacted by an investigator, or learned that a complaint has been filed against you, you do not have to navigate the process alone—and you do not need to wait until formal charges are filed to obtain legal advice.
Your professional license may be one of your most valuable assets. Treat an investigation accordingly.
Contact Jones Law Group before responding to substantive questions from an investigator. We will work with you throughout the process to protect your license, your career, and your professional future and pursue the best outcome reasonably available under the circumstances.
At Jones Law Group in Ohio, we aid licensed professionals facing disciplinary action so that they can continue practicing the careers they know and love. The types of cases we handle include the following:
Jones Law Group vigorously defends the rights of licensed professionals in the State of Ohio. We will work with you to protect your professional license, and ultimately, your livelihood. Some of the licensing matters that we can help you with include the following:
No matter what profession you’re in, your professional license is one of your most important assets. The professional license defense attorneys at Jones Law Group are experienced in representing doctors, accountants, real estate agents, and many others who require a professional license in order to perform their jobs. In many instances, the allegations of fraud, misconduct, negligence, and malpractice against licensed professionals are unjust and unfounded. Our attorneys can help protect your rights and deftly resolve professional license disputes.
State licensing boards in Ohio, Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, the State Medical Board of Ohio, and the Ohio Board of Nursing administer professional licenses. If a board receives a complaint against you, they will notify you. That notice typically describes the allegations against you. It is essential to act quickly if you receive notice of a complaint because there is typically little time to request a hearing. If you don’t take action swiftly and follow the proper procedures, your right to a hearing could be waived.
A licensing board disciplinary hearing is held to determine whether a violation took place. If the board determines that a violation did take place, disciplinary action is taken. The Jones Law Group can help you gather evidence and present the facts at your hearing. If the licensing board’s decision is made against you, you can appeal the decision.
You’ve worked hard to earn your professional license, and you need an attorney who’ll fight aggressively to prevent the suspension or revocation of your license. At Jones Law Group, we understand the challenges you face and are here to protect your rights. To schedule a free initial consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys, call (614) 545-9998 or contact us online.
The following are basic steps of the disciplinary process for licensed professionals.
After a complaint is filed against you to the appropriate state licensing board, you will receive a notice that outlines the allegations against you. It’s important to contact Jones Law Group at (614) 545-9998 immediately to protect your rights and interests.
An investigation is opened in order to interview all sources, potential witnesses, and subjects of the complaint. The investigator will work with your attorney to schedule an interview, obtain copies of relevant documents and collects essential evidence.
The board reviews the case to determine whether there is probable cause to take disciplinary action. If there is insufficient evidence, the case will be closed.
If the board believes there is sufficient evidence, you may be offered a settlement called a Consent Agreement or administrative proceedings may commence.
At an administrative hearing, the board must prove the allegations against you and give you an opportunity to present documentary evidence and witness testimony in your defense.
If the professional licensing board’s hearing decision is made against you, you can request to personally address the board before a final decision made or may appeal the decision in common pleas court.
Top 10 Reasons Ohio Physicians Are Investigated by the State Medical Board of Ohio
A call, letter, subpoena, or interview request from a State Medical Board of Ohio (Board) investigator can place a physician’s license, reputation, employment, hospital privileges, and livelihood at risk. Even when the underlying patient complaint appears minor—or plainly wrong—the physician’s first response can materially affect how the investigation develops. In fiscal year 2025, the Board […]
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Patrick Monday, April 2, 2018 A special thank you to Jones Law Group attorneys Kevin Larrimer and Nick Kolitsos for helping me with my STRS disability claim. They are both very competent and well versed in Ohio STRS disability law and were able to succeed in my claim where I was unable on my own. […]
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