By: Attorney Kristen Nelson

Doctors, nurses, therapists, and other health care professionals work extremely hard to obtain their professional licenses. Between schooling, practical training, and undergoing background checks or even enduring questions about mental health, it is not easy to get a professional license in the health care industry. Losing a license can be devastating, and it can happen for a number of reasons. Both criminal charges, whether or not they are related to your work, and some civil issues can lead to the loss of a medical license. In many cases, successfully defending against a criminal or civil accusation will preserve your license. You may need the skill of an experienced attorney to help you protect your career. 

What Criminal Issues Can Lead to the Loss of a Healthcare Professional License?

The biggest reason medical professionals lose their licenses is for committing a crime related to their profession. This can involve anything from stealing narcotics from a hospital to assaulting a patient. Over-prescribing addictive drugs to the extent that patients are harmed is taken extremely seriously. Financial crimes by medical practices, like illegal kickback schemes entered into with pharmaceutical company representatives are not entirely uncommon. Various types of fraud related to billing or in dealing with health insurance companies can result in criminal charges leading to a revoked license. 

By: Attorney Kristen Nelson

Doctors and other medical professionals are required to maintain a valid medical license. These licenses must be renewed every two years, and the deadline for renewing a physician’s license is October 31 of odd-numbered years. Doctors who are planning to renew their license will need to understand the information they will need to provide in their renewal application. Those who are concerned about the denial of a renewal based on the information they disclose can work with a professional license defense attorney to determine their options for ensuring that they will be able to maintain a valid license and continue practicing medicine.

Information Required in a Medical License Application

In addition to the application form itself, a person will need to provide the following documentation when renewing their medical license:

By Attorney Kristen Nelson

As of January 1, 2021, Wisconsin’s Pharmacy Examining Board has put new rules into effect regarding patient consultations for pharmacies and pharmacists throughout the state. It is important for licensed pharmacists to take note of these new requirements and be sure to uphold them, as failing to do so can result in disciplinary action regarding a pharmacist’s professional license.

When Are Patient Consultations Required?

The intended purpose of the new regulations for patient consultations is to better ensure that a person who is prescribed a drug or device understands how to use it properly. As such, a consultation is now required when patients are prescribed a drug or device that they have not previously used or that constitutes a change in the patient’s treatment or therapy. Pharmacists must also provide a consultation in any case when it is requested by the patient, and they may choose to provide a consultation when they believe, in their own professional judgment, that it is necessary to do so. However, a patient can refuse a consultation, in which case it is no longer required.

By Attorney Kristen Nelson

Under normal circumstances, reinstating a lapsed or expired healthcare professional license in Wisconsin can be a challenging process, with requirements often including renewal fees and late fees, and the demonstration of up-to-date education and recent work history in a position that requires the license in question. However, during the COVID-19 national health emergency, the demand for healthcare professionals has greatly increased, leading the Wisconsin government to temporarily waive some of these requirements.

While the rollout of vaccinations has offered hope that the worst of the pandemic may soon be in the past, there still remains significant work to disseminate the vaccine and care for those who are infected. If you are interested in continuing your career in healthcare and providing a vital service to your community, now is a great time to renew your professional license.

By Attorney Kristen Nelson

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a nursing shortage in Wisconsin. Now, that shortage is reaching a critical level. The State of Wisconsin and Governor Tony Evers have taken an “all hands-on deck” approach. On Friday, March 27, 2020, Governor Evers Issued Emergency Order #16, relating to certain health care providers and the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The Order applies to all heath care providers in various licensing situations.

Several administrative rules pertaining to nursing were suspended in this Order in an effort to increase the availability of nurses in Wisconsin during this health crisis. These administrative rules primarily affect new nurses and nurses whose licenses have expired.