DOH Investigations Involving Nurses and Other Health Care Professional Licensees!

DOH Investigations Involving Nurses and Other Health Care Professional Licensees!

The Washington State Department of Health follows a similar investigatory process as DFI, DOL, and DSHS. DOH receives complaints against health care professionals. Investigators conduct interviews, review any existing medical documents and legal action against the provider.If the evidence supports the allegations, the state will file charges against the caregiver. The accused health care professional is given the opportunity to appeal the charges and request a hearing. If the accused health care professional does not respond, or a hearing finds him or her guilty of the charges, sanctions are imposed. Disciplinary action can include requirements of additional training, suspending privileges, periods of probation, or revoking licenses. The state may also elect to settle with the provider prior to a hearing. Pre-hearing settlements are common if the health care professional is represented by an attorney.The length of time it takes to conduct an investigation and impose sanctions varies from case to case. It’s a serious issue to take someone’s credentials from them. It takes time to conduct that investigation. In most cases, there is not an immediate risk of harm and the provider maintains their credentials and is allowed to continue working during the investigation. Even in cases where there appears to be an immediate risk of harm, there often will not be an immediate suspension.The attorneys at Rosenberg Law Group, PLLC have substantial experience successfully defending licensees, such as nurses, against charges from the Department of Health and other agencies that regulate and license them. We know that your livelihood is often threatened by the charges promulgated by agencies that often have little practical experience in the industries they regulate.We understand the many avenues available to challenge an agency’s findings that can lead to a negotiated settlement or vindication of our clients.

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