Discipline, Grounds for Sanction, and Due Process
What this domain tests
Grounds for discipline, complaint investigation, hearing rights, and appeals.
Core rules
- The Board may deny, reprimand, suspend, revoke, fine, or place on probation for grounds including fraud in licensure, unprofessional conduct, gross negligence, incompetence, practicing beyond scope, substance abuse, infection-control violations, failure to meet CE, criminal convictions, and discipline in another state.
- Process: complaint, investigation, notice of charges, administrative hearing before the Board, findings, and sanction. Licensees may be represented by counsel, present evidence, and cross-examine.
- Appeals go to the circuit court on the administrative record; emergency suspension may occur when public safety requires immediate action.
- Licensees must report certain events, such as disciplinary action in another jurisdiction, as required by law.
Worked example
A dentist is disciplined in another state for chart alterations. Maryland may act even if the conduct occurred elsewhere. The dentist receives notice and a hearing; the Board considers the foreign order and the underlying conduct. Sanction may include suspension until conditions are met.
Traps
Assuming the Board hearing is a criminal trial; ignoring a notice; practicing after summary suspension; failing to report an adverse action; believing a private settlement ends the Board's authority.