Long Island OPMC & OPD Lawyer

Investigations by the New York Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) or the New York Office of Professional Discipline (OPD) can be terrifying as a medical provider. However, it’s crucial to realize that you can take action to protect your interests with a Long Island OPMC & OPD lawyer.

Any official complaint made against a medical provider is investigated, and complaints can be made by anyone, including coworkers, competitors, and others. This is done to protect public well-being, but it can also mean that providers are subject to investigations because of false complaints. Even if the claim against your practice or license is false, you still have to act to protect your rights. Otherwise, the investigation could have serious consequences for your future.

Weiss Zarett Brofman Sonnenklar & Levy, P.C.: Your Long Island Physician Investigations Attorneys

You need diligent legal representation with a thorough understanding of professional licensing requirements and healthcare law. At Weiss Zarett Brofman Sonnenklar & Levy, P.C., we have significant experience with OPMC & OPD cases, along with those involving other professional licensing agencies.

Our firm has decades of experience in healthcare and business law, and we have supported many physicians, medical organizations, and other professionals during audits or investigations. You have worked hard to be where you are, and we understand the importance of fighting for the future of your practice. We care about our clients and want to secure the ideal outcome whenever possible.

Our firm does not pass cases to less-qualified employees but manages them with seasoned employees. We have dealt with a vast array of accusations made against medical professionals, and our team has experience with the Long Island 10th Judicial District courts. Because of this, we have the knowledge and abilities to create unique and adaptive plans for our healthcare professional clients. Our attorneys can effectively deal with licensing issues and professional conduct accusations.

Professional Requirements for Healthcare Providers in Long Island

Healthcare providers and businesses have a significant number of regulations they must follow, including those related to their license renewal and conduct requirements.

Licensing and professional discipline against a medical provider can come from many agencies in addition to the OPMC and OPD. At Weiss Zarett Brofman Sonnenklar & Levy, P.C., our attorneys are experienced in supporting healthcare professionals and businesses against other offices, like:

• The Committee for Physician Health (CPH) of the Physician Health Program for New York State
• The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
• The New York Department of Health physician profile requirements

The many requirements for healthcare professionals exist to ensure safe and effective care for the community, but they can also be complex for many providers. A Long Island physician investigations attorney can address complaints and investigations by the OPMC, OPD, CPH, OASAS, and other agencies. They can also review your compliance measures prior to a complaint being filed, working to protect your interests ahead of time.

When a complaint is filed and investigated, your attorney can navigate the entire disciplinary process, from interviews to hearings. There are many benefits when you hire an OPMC & OPD lawyer. They can explain your rights, defend your license and future, and potentially secure the ideal outcome in the investigation you face.

What Are Common Complaints and Issues in OPMC and OPD Investigations?

An investigation by an agency like the OPMC or OPD is conducted because of a complaint made against a professional or organization. The OPD handles complaints against many types of professionals, including healthcare providers. Complaints are generally made for professional misconduct, or the provider failed to meet the professional standards of the practice. An OPD or OPMC investigation could be caused by a complaint regarding some of the following:

• Violating Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements, such as disclosing patient medical, personal, or financial information without consent
• Impairment or abuse of alcohol or drugs while working
• Practicing beyond the scope of a professional license and certification
• Incompetent care of a patient
• Fraudulent practicing
• Sexual misconduct
• Discrimination against a patient based on protected characteristics
• Failure to secure informed consent from a patient for medical services
• Errors in the documentation and records of medical and patient information
• Prescription drug diversion and other prescription drug misconduct

If you have received notice of an investigation by a licensing and regulating agency, you shouldn’t assume that you know the reason for the investigation. You also should not take the investigation lightly, even if you are certain that you’ve done nothing wrong. Navigating the auditing or investigation process incorrectly can lead to serious issues. If the investigation determines that you are guilty of the offense, it can impact your entire career.

Instead, immediately get in contact with an OPD and OPMC investigation defense attorney to ensure a strategic approach to the case. Your attorney can review your situation, gather information about the complaint, and begin crafting a defense.

What Are the Potential Consequences of an OPMC or OPD Investigation?

There are several potential consequences if an OPMC or OPD investigation finds proof of professional misconduct. One of the most serious consequences is that the agency can permanently suspend your professional license.

There were nearly 850 adverse action reports in New York taken against medical providers in 2024. The vast majority of these, over 670, were related to state licensure or certification. These included:

• 232 for physician MD licensure or certification
• 119 for registered nurse licensure or certification
• 97 for therapist and counselor licensure or certification
• 89 for practical nurse licensure or certification

Some potential actions and consequences other than the loss of a license include:

• Administrative warnings
• Reprimand and censure
• Probationary period
• Community service
• A fine, potentially for thousands of dollars
• Training or continuing education requirements
• Temporary or indefinite suspension of your license

The consequences for misconduct depend on the severity of the allegations and the proof the agency finds of those allegations. Consequences also depend on how much of a threat the misconduct was to public health. An attorney can review the case against you and the possible penalties you may face. They can then create a proper defense that mitigates or eliminates these penalties.

Even if an agency assigns penalties for misconduct, you can still appeal the decision. An attorney can navigate OPMC & OPD laws and defend your rights.

Find the Right Long Island OPMC & OPD Attorney

Weiss Zarett Brofman Sonnenklar & Levy, P.C., can conduct interviews and document reviews. Then, we can present a strong case to the investigating agency. Contact our firm today, and let us help you.