California Board of Occupational Therapy License Defense Lawyers
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Occupational therapists in California have to follow a bunch of rules and regulations set by the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT). With over 18,000 licensed OTs across the state, it’s a lot to keep track of. Even small mistakes can lead to the CBOT taking serious action against a therapist’s license. As a fellow professional, I know how tough it can be to avoid running afoul of all the complex laws and standards we have to follow. But when you do end up facing discipline from the CBOT, having the right lawyer on your side makes all the difference.
Common Problems That Lead to Discipline
There are many ways an occupational therapist can end up getting investigated by the CBOT. Some typical issues I see include:
- Giving substandard care because of negligence or incompetence
- A patient getting injured or even dying
- Struggling with substance abuse or mental health problems
- Engaging in unprofessional conduct
- Problems with billing and potential insurance fraud
- Having a criminal conviction
- Not following supervision rules
Even small record-keeping mistakes can trigger the CBOT to audit you or start an investigation. Without a lawyer, you might not fully grasp how serious the charges against you are.
Building a Strong Defense Strategy
The key is partnering with an experienced OT license defense lawyer who regularly handles CBOT cases. They’ll start by thoroughly looking into the specific charges against you. This means reviewing records, talking to witnesses, and gathering evidence.A good lawyer will look for any procedural errors the CBOT made when investigating you. If they didn’t follow the right steps, parts of the case could potentially get dismissed.The lawyer will also search for facts and evidence that contradict or explain the allegations. When trying to negotiate a settlement, it often helps to show you’ve completed compliance training, evaluations, or other steps to fix problems.If your case goes to a hearing, your lawyer will aggressively question witnesses. They’ll point out credibility issues and present all evidence in the light most favorable to you. Sometimes they may even call expert witnesses to argue against the charges.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Here are some common missteps OTs make when dealing with license discipline that you’ll want to avoid:
- Ignoring investigation notices from the CBOT
- Talking to investigators without your lawyer present
- Trying to handle your defense alone without legal help
- Waiting too long to get a lawyer
Having a lawyer right from the start prevents you from making statements or taking actions that could hurt your case down the road. They’ll guide you through the process and help you avoid pitfalls.
Finding the Right License Defense Firm
Choosing the right law firm is crucial when your career is on the line. Look for lawyers who focus specifically on CBOT cases, not ones who dabble in many types of law. Avoid firms with little trial experience.Established firms like Spodek Law GRoup have successfully represented OTs statewide for over [50] years. We understand all the intricacies of building the strongest defense in CBOT investigations and hearings. Our legal team works tirelessly to protect your livelihood and reputation.Dealing with license discipline is stressful no matter what. But having an experienced lawyer levels the playing field and minimizes the damage. We’ll always have your back so you can keep doing what you love – helping patients through occupational therapy.Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to chat more about how we can assist OTs facing license issues in California.