If you’re a healthcare professional charged with a drug offense, don’t delay in seeking experienced legal counsel from a Georgetown drug crime attorney to navigate the intricacies of Texas laws. Your career and reputation are on the line, and you cannot afford to take risks. At Price & Twine, PLLC, the attorneys are experienced in dealing with drug offense cases involving healthcare professionals. With their expertise, they can help you mount a strong defense and aim to minimize the repercussions on your career. For immediate consultation and representation, contact Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880.
Career Consequences for Texas Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
In Texas, the ramifications of drug offenses extend far beyond criminal charges and penalties. For healthcare professionals, a drug-related conviction can have devastating career consequences, including the suspension or revocation of professional licenses. Being convicted can result in losing the ability to practice medicine, dentistry, nursing, or any other licensed healthcare profession. This is a critical matter not only for the individual professional but also for their families, colleagues, and the communities they serve.
Overview of Career Consequences for Texas Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
- License Suspension For Drug Convictions: Section 108.002
- What Is Considered A “Final Conviction”?
- License Reinstatement
- Impact On Other Health Care Professionals: Section 108.051
- Automatic Denial Or Revocation: Sections 108.052 And 108.053
- Reapplication And Reinstatement: Sections 108.054 And 108.055
- Frequently Asked Questions: Impact Of Drug Convictions On Texas Health Care Professionals
- Resources for Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
License Suspension For Drug Convictions: Section 108.002
According to Section 108.002 of the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, the Texas Medical Board is mandated to suspend a physician’s license if the individual has been convicted of a drug-related felony under Chapter 481 or 483, Health and Safety Code, or Section 485.032 of that code. This suspension occurs after an administrative hearing, which is conducted under Chapter 2001, Government Code. Once a final conviction is secured, the board will proceed to revoke the license permanently.
What Is Considered A “Final Conviction”?
The term “final conviction” refers to the point at which all appeals have been exhausted, and the conviction is unalterable. At this juncture, the Texas Medical Board revokes the license of the individual in question, making it illegal for them to practice medicine.
License Reinstatement: Section 108.003
Reinstating or reissuing a license is not straightforward. According to Section 108.003, the board may only reinstate or reissue a license if it expressly determines that doing so serves the best interests of the public and the individual whose license was suspended or revoked. This determination is based on substantial evidence compiled in an investigative report.
Impact On Other Health Care Professionals: Section 108.051
The law isn’t limited to physicians. Section 108.051 defines “health care professionals” broadly, encompassing dentists, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and many more. All these professionals are subject to license denial or revocation if convicted of drug offenses, under the same or similar statutes that govern physicians.
Automatic Denial Or Revocation: Sections 108.052 And 108.053
Sections 108.052 and 108.053 stipulate that licenses should be automatically denied or revoked for specific offenses. Although these sections mainly pertain to violent crimes and sexual offenses, they indicate the seriousness with which Texas treats the licensure of healthcare professionals.
Reapplication And Reinstatement: Sections 108.054 And 108.055
Section 108.054 allows for the reapplication of a license if the drug conviction or deferred adjudication is reversed, set aside, or vacated on appeal. Similarly, Section 108.055 allows for the application for reinstatement of the license under similar conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Impact Of Drug Convictions On Texas Health Care Professionals
What Does The Texas Occupations Code State About License Suspension?
The Texas Medical Board must suspend a physician’s license if the individual is convicted of a felony related to controlled substances. The suspension occurs after an administrative hearing is conducted.
What Constitutes A “Final Conviction” According To Texas Law?
A “final conviction” refers to a conviction that is unalterable because all avenues for appeal have been exhausted. At this point, the Texas Medical Board revokes the license of the convicted individual.
Can A Health Care Professional Get Their License Reinstated?
License reinstatement is not guaranteed. The board may only reinstate or reissue a license if it determines, based on substantial evidence, that doing so serves the best interests of the public and the individual involved.
Does Texas Law Apply To Health Care Professionals Other Than Physicians?
Yes, Texas law extends the scope of these laws to other healthcare professionals. This includes dentists, nurses, occupational therapists, and pharmacists. They are also subject to license denial or revocation if convicted of drug offenses.
What Is Automatic Denial?
Licenses could be automatically denied or revoked for specific offenses, including violent crimes and sexual offenses.
Is Reapplication Possible After A Drug Conviction Is Overturned?
Yes, under Section 108.054, a healthcare professional can reapply for a license if the drug conviction or deferred adjudication is reversed, set aside, or vacated on appeal.
What Does Texas Law Say About Reinstatement?
Texas law allows for the application for reinstatement of a license under conditions where a drug conviction or deferred adjudication is reversed, set aside, or vacated.
Resources for Health Care Professionals With Drug Offenses
View the full text of the chapter of the Texas Penal Code dedicated to healthcare professionals. Each statute provides a description of the offense as well as applicable penalties. Certain laws also include notes of amendments that modify the statutes.
Don’t Navigate This Alone, Contact Price & Twine For Legal Representation
If you’re a healthcare professional charged with a drug offense in Texas, the stakes are incredibly high both legally and professionally. You don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. Price & Twine, PLLC, situated in Georgetown, Texas, focuses on criminal defense and can provide the skilled representation you need to protect your career and freedom. Act promptly when facing a drug charge; your future is on the line. You can reach out to Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 or online to schedule a confidential consultation. Don’t leave your fate to chance; secure experienced legal counsel today.