Chiropractor License Defense Lawyer
Serving Gwinnett County, Georgia
After years of education and training, and the time, effort, and expense that goes into building a successful chiropractic business, no chiropractor wants to risk the loss of their practice through suspension or revocation of their professional license.
However, that can happen if a serious complaint is made against you that you fail to successfully defend.
As harsh as it may sound, chiropractors can have their license suspended or revoked if an investigation of a complaint finds that you violated a standard of care, or failed to disclose required information, among other things. Even if no license action is taken, the potential loss of reputation can have serious implications for your business.
It is critical to address any complaint against you quickly and professionally to prevent these harsh consequences. The Law Office of Adam D. Brown can assist you in your chiropractor license defense.
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Chiropractor regulations in Georgia
The Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners (GBCE) is the main body that regulates chiropractors in the state and handles any complaints or licensing issues.
The Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners
The GBCE has the authority to investigate complaints and hold hearings. Investigations are generally conducted by Investigators from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. Hearings are conducted at the Office of State Administrative Hearings. At those hearings, the Board is represented by the Georgia Attorney General’s Office. If proven, disciplinary action may be taken against licensees.
The stated role of the Board is to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Georgia. It reviews applications, approves licenses for qualified applicants, and regulates the ongoing practice of licensees.
The Board consists of six members, who are appointed by the Governor. Five members are licensed chiropractors and one represents consumers.
What are the main chiropractor license issues?
In Georgia, most of the cases involving chiropractor licensing issues center around the following types of complaints:
- Unprofessional or unethical conduct
- Inability to practice chiropractic with reasonable skill and safety
- Negligent patient treatment
- Operating an unlicensed clinic or without a valid license
- Controlled substance violations/convictions
- Substance abuse or impairment issues
- Sexual misconduct
- Convictions for a crime related to chiropractic practice
- Fraud
- DUI convictions
- Disciplinary action discovered from another state
- Practicing beyond the scope permitted by law
- Medical records violations
- Breaching patient confidentiality
- Gross or repeated malpractice
- False, deceptive or misleading advertising
- Performing services not authorized by a patient
The most common reasons for attempted disciplinary action are criminal convictions, suspected prescription drug misuse, and allegations of negligence.
Criminal convictions & chiropractic licenses in Georgia
Criminal convictions are a serious type of misconduct that can lead to disciplinary action or the loss of a chiropractic license.
Generally, a misdemeanor conviction will not result in the loss of a license but the precise nature of the crime will be considered by the Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners when making a decision.
For instance, misdemeanors that involve illegal substances or violence raise the likelihood of the Board taking action against your license, through probation, suspension, or revocation.
Consumer Complaints
Chiropractic work by its nature involves working very closely with patients, including children and the elderly.
Because chiropractors often work with vulnerable groups, they are subject to very high standards of ethics, professionalism, and conduct.
When these standards are not met, complaints may follow. A board evaluation and investigation could have serious consequences for your career.
For instance, chiropractors (like all medical professionals) are expected to treat patients in a sober state and never while under the influence of alcohol. A complaint of this nature will be taken very seriously, especially for repeat offenders, and chiropractor license action could be taken.
You don’t have to handle your GBCE investigation alone….
If you are facing an investigation into your professional conduct or need to answer criminal accusations, you need help.
Investigations by, and appearances before, the Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners can be daunting for any chiropractor.
Even if you know you are innocent, making the wrong moves in response to the allegations could jeopardize your professional license. Attempting to defend yourself from such potentially damaging accusations is rarely the best option.
Criminal defense for chiropractors in Georgia
Adam D. Brown spent years in the medical profession before practicing as a criminal defense lawyer. He is experienced in how medical boards in Georgia view and approach disciplinary action against medical professionals.
He defends many professional licensees before Georgia Boards, and is committed to helping chiropractors retain their good reputation and their license.
As an experienced chiropractor license defense attorney, Adam will do everything possible to secure a favorable outcome with the minimum impact on your career.
Contact the Law Office of Adam D. Brown, LLC today at 404-883-8893 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
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