Kansas and Missouri Professional Licensing Attorney Danielle Sanger Explains What You Should Do if You Receive a Notice of Investigation

Medical professionals often come to my office for a consultation after they have received a notice of investigation from either their employer or their licensing board.  Sometimes they are still in a good position, and there is a lot I can do to either minimize the damage or have it dismissed altogether.  However, there are other times when there is very little I can do because the medical professional involved has tried to “go it alone” or tried “to be helpful,” thinking that these may be successful strategies. They aren’t.

I wrote the following blog post to explain the steps you should take, and more importantly avoid if you receive a complaint from your state licensing board or employer. If you are a professional in Kansas or Missouri facing an allegation of misconduct or an investigation, call attorney Sanger today at 785-979-4353 to schedule a free consultation. Your career, reputation, and livelihood are at risk, and the challenge facing you is one you cannot work your way through alone.

Remain Silent

I have seen so many medical professionals ruin their cases by trying to be “helpful,” thinking that their compliance will make the investigation go away. As you have seen numerous times on crime dramas, “you have the right to remain silent,” and you should exercise that right.  Simply put, do not make any statement to anyone without an attorney by your side. It is a massive mistake to think you can handle an investigative meeting alone or that you can play along with the investigation to make things go away. You are just digging yourself into a deeper hole and playing into the investigating agency’s hands when you attempt that sort of foolish strategy.

Do Not Ignore the Allegations Against You

While you should not speak with investigators or give any statement, you also should not ignore the allegations against you. Failing to respond to any complaints against you will only bolster the argument that you are not performing your work professionally.

Do Not Speak About the Matter with Friends, Family, and Coworkers

Only speak to your attorney about the claims against you. Your statements to your attorney fall within the attorney-client privilege and do not have to be disclosed. Anyone else can be questioned and must disclose your comments.  Your coworkers are likely to be asked about your conduct and statements, so especially avoid making statements to them about anything related to your case.

Stay Off Social Media

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can all be fun ways to blow off steam, but not about your case.  I recommend that clients delete all of their social media profiles while the allegations against them are pending. It is just too easy to make a statement that will be taken out of context or to post a picture of behavior that investigators can use to support their allegation that you are unprofessional.

Contact an Experienced Kansas and Missouri Licensing Attorney Now

You have worked too hard to attain your professional license. Allegations based on miscommunications, inter-office conflict, and vengeful patients can cost you that license, even if they are not true. But you can hobble your defense by trying to handle parts of it yourself. Contacting an experienced licensing attorney to help you through the misconduct hearing process and can mean the difference between getting back to helping your patients and losing your career forever.

Kansas and Missouri professional licensing attorney Danielle Sanger is prepared to advocate for your best interests and defend you. Call Attorney Sanger at 785-979-4353 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney experienced dealing with professional licensing issues.

 


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