Discipline, Reporting, and Enforcement
Enforcement process
The Board receives complaints, investigates, and may resolve by agreement or contested case hearing. Licensees must cooperate. Grounds for discipline include fraud in licensure, unprofessional conduct, negligence or incompetence, impairment, violation of the practice act or Board rules, improper prescribing, record violations, and failure to meet CE or renewal requirements.
Sanctions and reporting
- Sanctions can include reprimand, fine, probation, restrictions, suspension, or revocation, plus CE or monitoring.
- The Board may seek injunctions or cease-and-desist orders against unlicensed practice.
- Adverse actions may be reportable to national databases; answer credentialing questions accurately.
- Do not retaliate against complainants or witnesses.
Worked example
An OD whose license is suspended continues to examine patients and write prescriptions. That is unlicensed practice. The Board can seek a cease-and-desist order and further discipline; prescribing during suspension may also create criminal and DEA exposure.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing a Board complaint is just a “customer service” matter.
- Ignoring Board correspondence; default can lead to worse outcomes.
- Assuming a suspended license still allows “consulting” or “supervision.”
- Failing to report a required change or adverse action on a renewal.