New York Professional Medical Conduct – OPMC Lawyers
A disciplinary sanction by New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) after an investigation and trial can have serious consequences for the physician, including loss of medical license, probation, censure, or letter of reprimand.
Walker Medical Law has medical license defense attorneys focused on representing physicians in investigations and disciplinary proceedings commenced by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (“OPMC”), a branch of the Department of Health of the State of New York.
This is some of the most important work that we do as the license of the physician is often in jeopardy. The claims against physicians by OPMC vary widely, but many issues involve one of the following:
- Sexual Misconduct
- Substance Abuse
- Billing Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- License Restoration
- License Revocation
Some physicians purchase a rider to their medical malpractice insurance policy to give them coverage to pay some of the legal fees that can be incurred during the representation of the physician at OPMC.
Other doctors have not purchased that coverage and must personally pay any legal fees. It is highly recommended that any physician who is facing an inquiry from OPMC obtain experienced legal counsel from the very beginning of the process.
There are ways to avoid, or at least minimize, sanctions by OPMC, but suffice it to say preparation for the process must be thorough and done realistically. It is not a good idea for a doctor to walk into an OPMC interview without counsel with the idea that this issue will be easy to deal with.
The investigators and physicians at OPMC are experienced and perceptive and therefore they cannot be underestimated. Also, OPMC has the ability to interview your patients, your employees, past and present, and to obtain a great deal of additional information from your past. Therefore, you must understand what the process is, who you are dealing with and devise a smart and reasonable sounding plan to present your side of any issue to OPMC.
We also assist hospitals in responding to statements of deficiency issued by the New York State Department of Health and accreditation violations alleged by the Joint Commission. Additionally, we represent nurses and other health professionals in proceedings before the New York State Department of Education.
