Relinquish florida medical license

We are routinely contacted by physicians, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses and other health professionals who have voluntarily relinquished their licenses in the past and are now trying to get them back; this is extremely difficult and expensive, barring highly unusual and exceptional circumstances.

While this idea may seem to be logical in the short term, you will most probably regret it in the long run. If you did not commit the offenses alleged, we recommend that you attempt to retain the services of a Florida health law attorney experienced in such matters and defend yourself, if at all possible.

In many cases, even if it may seem there is a strong case against you, there may be technical defenses available of which you are not aware. If you have malpractice professional liability insurance it will usually pay for your legal defense in professional licensing matters. If not, you should attempt to obtain a loan or otherwise raise the fees it will take to defend your license.

Do this immediately as you may inadvertently waive certain legal rights you have under Florida law. If you are successful in defending yourself, the DOH may be required to pay your legal fees and expenses. This is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Phone: All rights reserved. Call: Toll-Free: In many cases, the individuals involved do not think to consult with an attorney until many months later, and this may be too late to save the business or professional practice involved.

This holds for physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacies, pain management clinics, physician assistants, group homes, assisted living facilities ALFs and home health agencies, among others.

We have seen a trend recently, especially here in Florida, of investigators immediately offering the person being investigated the option to voluntarily relinquish his or her professional license. This is offered as an option to being investigated, even in the event of very minor or frivolous complaints.

The problem is that once an investigation has been opened, then a voluntary relinquishment of a license is treated the same as if it were revoked for disciplinary reasons. It will be very difficult, if not impossible, to ever get a new license under the circumstances. Furthermore, if the professional has other licenses or similar licenses in other states, then this will be reported to the other states and disciplinary action will probably be initiated against those other licenses.

This is one of the reasons it is crucial to talk with a knowledgeable health law attorney before making such a decision. The ones putting pressure on you to do this will do everything they can to persuade you not to talk to an attorney.

But it is your right to do so. We have represented clients attempting to obtain a new DEA registration number or a new professional license many years after they did a voluntary relinquishment. In most cases, it is an extreme uphill battle and is often not successful. The following are some of the additional consequences of voluntary relinquishment of professional license or DEA number after notice of an investigation:. A license that has been expired for less than 10 years may be reactivated.

A license that is expired for more than 10 years automatically becomes null and void. Practitioners with profiles are obligated to update profile data.

SUSPENDED — the licensing board or department disciplined the licensed practitioner, prohibiting practitioner from practicing in the state of Florida for a specified period of time outlined in the final disciplinary order. The practitioner may remain inactive for a period of up to six years. This relinquishment does not constitute discipline. Licensee may practice in Florida, but has restrictions specified in a voluntary agreement with the department.