Physician License Suspension Washington D.C.

The process typically begins with a formal complaint or referral from sources such as hospitals, patients, insurers, or enforcement agencies. The D.C. Board of Medicine then initiates a rigorous investigation to review the allegations and gather evidence. This phase determines if there is sufficient probable cause to formally proceed with disciplinary charges against the physician's license.

If charges are warranted, the Board issues a detailed written notice to the physician, meticulously outlining the specific alleged violations and the relevant laws transgressed. Physicians have the right to submit a formal response and request a formal evidentiary hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or a designated panel. At the hearing, the physician can present evidence, call witnesses, and argue their defense. A final decision is then issued, which must include specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, establishing the basis for the suspension.

Grounds include a wide spectrum of unprofessional conduct such as patient exploitation, performing medically unnecessary procedures for profit, engaging in various forms of fraudulent billing practices, or utilizing false advertising. Serious ethical breaches include unauthorized delegation of medical tasks, documented gross negligence, repeated malpractice, and the intentional falsification or omission of medical records.

A physician's license is jeopardized by convictions for certain crimes, including those involving moral turpitude (e.g., fraud, deceit), offenses related to controlled substances (such as illegal prescribing or diversion), or any conviction for a violent felony. Additionally, impairment—due to untreated substance abuse (alcohol or drugs) or severe mental health conditions—that is deemed to compromise a physician's ability to practice safely and competently also qualifies for disciplinary action.

During the suspension, the physician must immediately cease all forms of patient care, clinical duties, and professional medical activity. This action invariably leads to the loss of employment, the termination of clinical privileges at hospitals, and the cancellation of training contracts. The resulting financial distress and career interruption are severe. The physician is often mandated to formally notify all relevant institutions and their current patient panel of the disciplinary status.

The Board's disciplinary action, including the suspension findings, is a public record. This information is accessible on the D.C. Board of Medicine’s website and is reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). This permanent public record causes irreparable damage to a physician's professional reputation, creating substantial long-term barriers. These barriers include difficulty securing new employment, obtaining or renewing malpractice insurance, regaining hospital privileges, and successfully applying for medical licenses in other states, even years after the suspension is completed.

An initial challenge is filed as an administrative appeal with the D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), an independent quasi-judicial body. If unsuccessful, the physician maintains the right to seek judicial review in the D.C. Superior Court. This review focuses on whether the Board acted within its authority, followed due process, and whether its decision was supported by substantial evidence. A stay order can be sought to temporarily halt the suspension's enforcement during the appeal, granted upon proof of irreparable harm and a likelihood of success.

Reinstatement after serving the suspension is not automatic. It requires the physician to demonstrate verifiable and full compliance with all stipulated conditions imposed by the Board. These conditions are tailored to the original violation and may include, but are not limited to, successfully completing specified continuing medical education (CME), providing documented proof of successful completion of mandated treatment programs (for impairment cases), or passing independent competency evaluations. A formal application for reinstatement must be submitted with comprehensive supporting documentation. Failure to meet all conditions can result in an extended continuation of the suspension or, in severe cases, permanent revocation of the medical license.