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New York Optometrist License Defense Lawyers

When working as an Optometrist, there’s always the chance that a complaint could happen against you in New York State. This complaint could even come from a separate health care provider. It could also come from one of your previous patients. These complaints put your license to practice Optometry in jeopardy. This is what our NY optometrist license defense lawyers are here for. We help in legal situations like this, where your license is in jeopardy. Investigations and trials into these matters can prove to be costly. This is especially true in situations where you aren’t adequately defended. As New York Optometrist license defense lawyers, it is our goal to provide each of our customers with reliable and premium representation. We strive to obtain a favorable verdict with each case we represent.

The Professional Medical Conduct Investigation Process

Once the Professional Medical Conduct Health Office of the New York State Department investigates a complaint, a trial will occur. This trial can lead to any number of penalties. These range from a complete revocation of your medical license to a temporary probation. We want to help you avoid any of these penalties. Our firm is highly skilled. We have represented many cases involving Optometrist license disputes. While we have broad representation in many health-related professions and claims, our Optometrist license defense lawyers are specifically dedicated towards defending any claim made against Optometrists. These Optometrists must be living in the state of New York.

Specialized Knowledge in Optometry Defense

Staying Current with Legal Developments

We make sure to stay up-to-date on all legal matters involving Optometrist cases in NY. This allows us to be prepared for any eventuality during the course of the trial. In order to best represent your case, our defense lawyers study the medical eye services provided by Optometrists. This allows us to build a strong defense against the case brought against you. Whenever your Optometrist license is in danger, don’t hesitate to come to us for help. In order to understand just how important it is to have good license defense lawyers by your side during these cases, it’s important to take a look at the effects of a license revocation.

Understanding License Revocation Consequences

The Three-Year Waiting Period

In the state of New York, when a license is revoked, you will be required to wait a total of three years. This is before you’re even allowed to re-apply for a license restoration. With limited exceptions, individuals who have surrendered their licenses or had their licenses revoked must wait at least three years to apply for license restoration. With this application, you will need to pay a sizable fee of $750. You must also fill out and include several additional documents. This is a comprehensive application. It doesn’t even ensure the restoration of your license. Because of this, it’s essential that you make use of our license lawyers.

The State Education Department Review Process

When it comes to this application, it’s reviewed by the state education department. This review takes into account the past incident that caused the revocation of the license. They make sure that there’s a compelling reason as to why you should obtain a license restoration. We will help you with providing the state education department with reasons. These reasons explain why you deserve to have your license restored.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the In-Depth Review Process

The review process is exceedingly in-depth. This is why it’s important that you have representation with you at every step of the way. While this is likely one of the biggest issues that an Optometrist will face when it comes to their Optometry license, There are a myriad of additional licensing issues that we can also assist with. This includes the receiving of a letter or reprimand as well. Disciplinary sanctions sent out by the Professional Medical Conduct Health Office of the New York State Department are done only after a thorough investigation. Those presiding over the investigation will ask to speak with you several times throughout. In order to ensure a favorable outcome, it’s important that you have a license defense lawyer with you. This lawyer will provide you with counsel while the questions are being asked.

When Complaints May Be Dismissed

There are times when complaints brought against you are automatically found to not have any basis in fact. In these cases, the investigation will be closed quickly without the need of our counsel. However, this is typically not the case. While our counsel doesn’t automatically ensure that you’re able to keep your license, it will only help your situation. By selecting us as your New York Optometrist license defense lawyers, we will do all that we can to get you the best verdict. This applies when the trial comes around. Whether this involves taking a loss of license down to a more manageable probation or taking a censure down to a reprimand, we will tend to your needs. This care starts from the moment you walk into our office. It continues until every aspect of the case has been settled.

Optometrist License Regulations and Requirements

Understanding New York State Licensing Requirements

When it comes to an Optometrist license, there are a myriad of regulations and guidelines that must be followed at all times. Any use of the title “optometrist” within New York State requires licensure. Making one mistake can lead to consequences that you couldn’t have predicted. Optometrists must comply with Article 143 of the Education Law, which governs the practice of optometry in New York State.

Professional Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions

Professional misconduct is the failure of a licensed professional to meet expected standards of practice. The Board of Regents is responsible for the final disposition of all disciplinary matters except those handled by OPMC. Penalties may include:

• Censure and reprimand
• Fines up to $10,000 for each violation
• License suspension
• Probationary terms
• License revocation in severe cases

The Office of Professional Discipline Process

How OPD Investigates Optometry Complaints

Unlike physicians who are investigated by OPMC, optometrists fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of Professional Discipline. The OPD investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct in all professions except medicine. When a complaint is filed, staff in the appropriate regional office follow up on each complaint.

Investigation Steps and Timeline

The complaint process follows these steps:

• Complaint information is logged and reviewed
• Investigation is conducted by senior investigators
• Three-way screening with investigator, attorney, and board member
• Executive Director approval for charges
• Transfer to prosecutions division if approved

Continuing Education and Compliance

Maintaining Your Optometry License

Optometrists with therapeutic pharmaceutical agent privileges must complete 36 contact hours of continuing education during each three-year registration period. Additionally, every four years every optometrist practicing in New York State must complete approved coursework in infection control.

Professional Assistance Programs

OP’s Professional Assistance Program allows licensees who abuse alcohol or other drugs to surrender their licenses voluntarily and confidentially. This program offers treatment as an alternative to disciplinary action for those who have not harmed clients.

Why Choose Our Defense Team

Protecting Your Professional Future

We fully understand that losing your Optometrist license could lead to you being out of work for a lengthy period of time. A professional license is valid for life unless it is revoked, annulled, or suspended by the Board of Regents. This is why you can rest assured that we will work tirelessly and aggressively in representing your case. If you ever have the need for New York Optometrist defense lawyers, don’t hesitate in giving us a call.