If you’re a healthcare professional charged with a drug offense, don’t delay in consulting with an experienced Georgetown drug crime attorney. At Price & Twine, PLLC, our attorneys are experienced in drug crime cases involving healthcare professionals. Our aim is to get your case resolved on the most favorable grounds possible. For a consultation, contact Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880.
Career Consequences for Texas Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
In Texas, the consequences of drug offenses extend far beyond criminal penalties for healthcare professionals. A conviction can have devastating career consequences, including the suspension or revocation of professional licenses. Being convicted can result in losing the ability to practice medicine, dentistry, nursing, or any other licensed healthcare profession.
Overview of Career Consequences for Texas Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
- License Suspension For Drug Convictions
- What Is Considered A “Final Conviction”?
- License Reinstatement
- Impact On Other Health Care Professionals
- Reapplication And Reinstatement
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources for Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
License Suspension For Drug Convictions
According to Section 108.002 of the Texas Occupations Code, the Texas Medical Board is required to suspend a physician’s license if the individual has been convicted of a drug-related felony. This suspension occurs after an administrative hearing. Following a conviction, the board typically aims to revoke the physician’s license permanently.
What Is Considered A “Final Conviction”?
The term “final conviction” refers to the point at which all appeals have been exhausted, and the conviction can’t be changed. At this point, the Texas Medical Board revokes the license of the individual, making it illegal for them to practice medicine.
License Reinstatement
Reinstating or reissuing a license is not straightforward. According to Section 108.003, the board may only reinstate or reissue a license if it determines that doing so serves the best interests of the public and the individual whose license was suspended or revoked.
Impact On Other Health Care Professionals
The law isn’t limited to physicians. Texas law also considers “health care professionals” dentists, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and other professionals working in health care. All these professionals could face license denial or revocation if convicted of drug offenses.
Reapplication And Reinstatement
Under Section 108.054, an individual could reapply for a license if their drug conviction or deferred adjudication is reversed, set aside, or vacated on appeal. Similarly, Section 108.055 allows for the reinstatement of the license under similar conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does The Texas Occupations Code State About License Suspension?
The Texas Medical Board must suspend a physician’s license if the individual is convicted of a felony related to controlled substances. The suspension occurs after an administrative hearing is conducted.
Can A Health Care Professional Get Their License Reinstated?
License reinstatement is not guaranteed. The board may only reinstate or reissue a license if it determines that doing so serves the best interests of the public and the individual involved.
Does Texas Law Apply To Health Care Professionals Other Than Physicians?
Yes, Texas law extends the scope of these laws to other healthcare professionals. This includes dentists, nurses, occupational therapists, and pharmacists.
What Is Automatic Denial?
Licenses could be automatically denied or revoked for specific offenses, including violent crimes and sexual offenses.
Is Reapplication Possible After A Drug Conviction Is Overturned?
Yes, a healthcare professional can reapply for a license if the drug conviction or deferred adjudication is reversed, set aside, or vacated on appeal.
What Does Texas Law Say About Reinstatement?
Texas law allows for the application for reinstatement of a license under conditions where a drug conviction or deferred adjudication is reversed, set aside, or vacated.
Resources for Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
The following Texas laws clarify the impact of criminal convictions on the licenses of healthcare professionals:
Contact Price & Twine, PLLC For Legal Representation
If you’re a healthcare professional charged with a drug offense in Texas, the stakes are incredibly high both legally and professionally. You don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. Criminal defense lawyers at Price & Twine, PLLC, based out of Georgetown, Texas, works hard to help protect each client’s freedom and career. You can reach out to Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 or online to schedule a consultation.