Professional bodies issue practicing licenses in their respective fields. In most cases, these licenses do not come easy. There are assessments and board examinations that are a requirement for admission and licensing. At times, experience and continuing education will be necessary to attain certain levels of accreditation. Also, there are fees paid to the registering bodies, and renewal depends on meeting set conditions.
Still, even with all these requirements, remaining a member is not guaranteed as the body retains the right to deregister and revoke practicing licenses. In case you face this dilemma, it is crucial that you contact a professional license defense attorney in Minnesota to get legal counsel on the way forward. Some of the reasons for revocation include:
Abuse of Power
Being a professional means that you are at a point of authority. As such, people may look up to you, and taking advantage of those seeking your services is wrong. Instances of abuse of office include failing to disclose a conflict of interest, accepting kickbacks to advance individual interests, and harassment.
Gross Misconduct
This refers to an individual engaging in offensive behavior which could also be criminal. Some examples of gross misconduct include working under the influence of alcohol, fighting, physical abuse, insubordination, stealing, smoking, drug use at work, and sexual harassment. In most cases, these are spelled out in the professional code of conduct of the licensing body, and engaging in anything bordering on misconduct will result in disciplinary action.
Desertion
Some professions have set rules on personal appearance and work performance. In case a member abandons duty without permission and fails to meet his obligations as a result of absenteeism, the registering body can suspend his license.
Negligence and Malpractice
Professional negligence is a common basis for lawsuits, especially in the legal and medical fields. Negligence and malpractice result from irresponsible use of work items and failing to be guided by set regulations when carrying out professional duties. These may lead to financial losses in business, loss of life in the course of treatment, or diminished structural integrity in the building and construction industry.
Disciplinary Action
Once you are caught up in the above circumstances and there have been enough complaints regarding it, the licensing body will investigate thoroughly and offer a disciplinary action depending on severity. For minor offenses, you will receive a written warning and probably work under supervision. For more severe cases, suspension for a given period is the likely outcome. Extremely severe cases will result in revocation of the permit.
Where the cause of action demands that you take time away from work, the evidence gathered against you will be given to you, and you will be granted a disciplinary hearing. How well you represent yourself will influence the outcome.
When you are summoned to appear before the committee, call your lawyer for guidance throughout the process so that you can get the most lenient consequences and continue practicing. Prompt action will save you time away from your profession and also salvage your reputation. If you have not been practicing for long and want to seek reinstatement, a license defense attorney will go a long way in getting it back.
