Unlicensed Medical Practice Penalties Washington D.C.

Any person without a valid D.C. license who engages in medical practice commits a direct violation of District law, regardless of whether patient harm occurs. The mere act of providing medical services without the requisite credentials is punishable.

• Performing diagnostic evaluations without authorization (e.g., interpreting lab results or making a medical assessment).
• Prescribing or dispensing medications without licensure.
• Conducting surgical or invasive procedures without credentials.
• Holding oneself out as a licensed practitioner (e.g., claiming to be a doctor, nurse, or other licensed professional when lacking the proper credentials).

Licensed professionals must strictly adhere to the defined scope of practice associated with their specific license. Stepping outside these boundaries, even with good intentions, constitutes unlicensed practice.

• A registered nurse performing anesthesia without a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) license.
• A dentist providing complex dermatological surgical procedures outside dental practice boundaries.
• A physician practicing alternative medicine modalities not covered by their license without additional authorization. These individuals risk the loss of their existing license in addition to other penalties.

The District treats unauthorized medical practice as a criminal offense, leading to potential jail time and significant financial penalties.

• Misdemeanor charges for a first offense, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment (often a strong deterrent for isolated incidents).
• In cases involving fraud, repeated violations, or significant patient harm, the offense may be prosecuted as a felony under D.C. law (carrying heavier sentences).
• Enhanced penalties if the practice was for financial gain or part of an organized scheme.
• For a first offense, penalties may include up to 1 year of imprisonment or a fine of up to $5,000. Subsequent offenses can increase to up to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $25,000, as provided under D.C. Code § 3–1210.03(a). Courts may also impose probation terms, community service, or restitution to affected patients.

Administrative measures are overseen by the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) and focus on regulatory compliance and public safety, running parallel to criminal proceedings.

• Cease and desist orders issued by HRLA legally compelling the individual to stop the unauthorized practice immediately.
• License suspension or revocation for those already licensed in another healthcare field, removing their legal ability to practice.
• Institutional sanctions such as temporary closure of a facility employing unlicensed practitioners.
• Administrative penalties are designed not only to punish but to prevent future violations, actively protecting public health and safety by removing the ability of the individual or entity to operate.

In D.C., complaints regarding suspected unlicensed practice can be filed with the D.C. Department of Health – Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA). A clear and detailed report assists investigators in successfully pursuing the case.

• Prepare a detailed written account of the suspected activity, including specific dates, times, locations, and the names of the individuals involved.
• Submit the report online, by mail, or in person to HRLA’s enforcement division, utilizing the official channels.
• Provide any supporting evidence such as photos, documents, or witness statements to substantiate the claims.
• Reports may be filed anonymously, but including contact information allows investigators to follow up. Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation under applicable District laws, including the D.C. Whistleblower Protection Act, ensuring individuals can report without fear.

Victims of unlicensed medical practice can pursue civil lawsuits against the perpetrator for damages, seeking financial compensation for the harm they suffered. Success in a civil suit requires proving a direct link between the unauthorized act and the injury sustained.

• Medical expenses for corrective treatment to cover all costs associated with fixing the damage.
• Compensation for pain and suffering (covering non-economic losses).
• Lost income if the injury affected the victim’s ability to work or diminished earning capacity.
• To succeed, the plaintiff must prove that the unlicensed act caused harm, which is supported by comprehensive medical records and expert testimony. A successful civil claim provides a crucial avenue for financial recourse for those harmed by unauthorized practitioners.