Medical License Application Lawyer
Lauren A. Leikam, PLLC, helps licensed healthcare professionals overcome red flags on health care licensing applications.
No matter how overwhelmed, uncertain, or ashamed you feel, remember that you’re not alone.
Are you a ...
- Medical professionals with a criminal record?
- Medical professionals with a disciplinary complaint?
- Medical professionals with substance abuse or mental health issues?
Ordinarily, you wouldn’t need legal representation to help you get a medical license, nursing license, pharmacist license, or other medical professional license. But it’s not an ordinary situation when you apply for a health care license with a criminal background, disciplinary action from another state, or a history of mental health or substance abuse treatment.
Even if these delicate matters are well in the past, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will take them very seriously — possibly threatening your livelihood by branding you as “not eligible” to work. That’s why having health care licensing representation from the very beginning is a great idea.
When applying for health care licensing with a criminal record, disciplinary complaint, substance abuse, or mental health issues, here's what you need to include:
Criminal Background Information
Before you apply for health care licensing, you’ll need to gather the following:
- A self-explanation
- Arrest records
- Final dispositions
- Proof of completion of probation, parole and any other sanctions
- Between three and five letters of recommendation from people with whom you have worked
It’s important to note that the DOH won’t issue a license if there are certain crimes in your background. Lauren A. Leikam, health care licensing lawyer, is well versed in licensing information for health care professionals and can help you understand eligibility requirements.
Disciplinary History Documentation
If you’ve ever been subjected to a disciplinary action from a medical board — even if it was a long time ago or in another state — you’ll need to provide a self-explanation of the events. And you must have any relevant documents sent directly from the licensing agency to the Board office.
Note: If any records are unavailable, the medical licensing board responsible for those records must send, on agency letterhead, a letter confirming that the documents are unavailable.
A Statement of Your Health History
This is a self-explanation of all relevant medical conditions and occurrences. You’ll have to provide a detailed description of treatments, diagnoses and medications prescribed. And you’ll need to name all the health care professionals who administered your treatments.
Aside from those accounts, you’re also required to submit a physician letter. The letter must disclose the condition you are, or were, being treated for and whether you are able to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety. It should include DMS IIIR/DSM IV and Axis I, II, and III diagnoses.
Do I need a health care licensing lawyer to help me apply for health care licensing?
Even a small blemish from your past or a sensitive health issue can derail your application and put your livelihood at risk. So, it’s crucial to make sure your application is as thorough and complete as can be before you submit it. A good health care licensing lawyer knows how to do exactly that. They can:
Help you understand the process, your options, and your eligibility.
Make a solid case for you by crafting text for your self-explanation.
Expedite records needed for your application.
If anything is missing from your license application, the DOH staff will send you a deficiency letter. This details what items you must still provide — and by what date — in order for your submission to be considered. If you fail to provide the missing items by the deadline, your application file will be closed. But if you provide all of the deficiency letter’s requirements on time, your application will be considered complete and ready for review by the Board.
In some cases, the Board grants health care licenses at this stage. But if you’re not approved, you’ll be asked to appear at a hearing before the Board or credentials committee.
What is involved with a health care licensing hearing?
A hearing is not a trial, but it does resemble a courtroom experience. You’ll be required to provide testimony. The state medical licensing board will ask you questions and render a decision.
This is where a good health care licensing lawyer can shine for you.
Your lawyer can appear by your side and advocate for you, but — perhaps most importantly — they can help get you focused and ready to tell your side of the story in the best light possible.
Remember: misrepresenting or failing to disclose information can scuttle your application or even result in you losing your license later. So be honest, candid, and stick to the facts.
Remember: Your reputation has been called into question. Your livelihood is at risk. Your family is counting on you. And your future is riding on what you do right now.
So don’t go it alone.
Protect everything you’ve worked for with Lauren A. Leikam, PLLC.
About Lauren A. Leikam, PLLC: Medical License Defense Attorney
Ensuring the protection of your professional license is paramount, and having a dedicated legal advocate by your side is essential. My area of expertise lies in medical license defense for doctors, where I offer comprehensive support to uphold your professional standing.
I’ve represented numerous Florida medical professionals for over a decade. I can help you understand your rights and options. And I’ll be ready to be on your side before you even take step one.
Let’s talk. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.
