In connection with an investigation by the Florida Department of Health (DOH), the Firm successfully defended a plastic surgeon against allegations that the surgeon had committed malpractice and practiced below the standard of care by negligently performing an abdominoplasty on a patient who later reported to the emergency room complaining of pain and blood loss.

The firm investigated the allegations, hired an expert to review and rebut the allegations, and prepared a robust rebuttal statement defending the surgeon’s technique and care and establishing that the standard of care had been met. After consideration of the rebuttal statement prepared by the Firm, the Probable Cause Panel for the medical licensing board agreed and directed that the case against the plastic surgeon be closed by the Florida Department of Health with a finding of No Probable Cause.

Medical License Investigations in Florida 

According to the Florida Department of Health, the Investigation Services Unit (ISU) is in charge of processing and investigating complaints against health care workers and establishments. The investigation is handled by an experienced team who conduct further interviews and documentations form the involved parties.

In most cases, the investigative steps include the following:

• Obtaining medical records, documentation and evidence related to the complaint.
• Locating and interviewing the complainant, the patient, the subject and any witnesses.
• Drafting and serving subpoenas for necessary information.

Once this information is reviewed and forwarded to the department’s attorney for legal review. The process involves very technical and specific jargon, making it critical for the defendant to hire the right type of attorney for the cases defense.

Medical License Defense in Florida 

The attorneys of Nicholson & Eastin have had success defending healthcare workers’ rights to their licenses with continued success. Our attorneys are committed to defending medical professionals before the Florida Department of Health and the professional licensing boards. Any medical practitioner that faces a licensure action should be seeking out the assistance of an experienced counsel that has expertise in the field.

Contact Nicholson & Eastin

The law firm of Nicholson & Eastin, LLP regularly represents physicians, chiropractors, physician assistants, nurses, and other medical practitioners before the Florida Department of Health and the professional licensing boards.  If you are applying for the first time to become a licensed healthcare professional and have questions about what health, discipline, and/or criminal history must be disclosed, our lawyers can assist you. In addition, if you have received a notice of an investigation, or you are otherwise concerned about the possible existence of a licensure matter, please do not hesitate to contact us to evaluate your case.