Medical License Defense  >  Physician Assistant License Defense

Defending Physician Assistants (PAs)

Ray & Bishop attorneys aggressively represent physician assistants in license applications, investigations, disclosures, denials, accusations, appeals, reinstatements, and related legal matters.  Our strategy is simple: prevent problems, fight for the client if accused, and appeal unfair results.  Our focused, experienced, dedicated license and regulatory practice gives you the advantage.  Contact Ray & Bishop for a prompt, thorough and thoughtful discussion of your legal issue with one of our attorneys.

Defending Physician Assistants in Situations from Simple Mistakes to Complex Disputes

Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable license defense attorney is key to getting the best result from your Physician Assistant Board of California license matter.  Ray & Bishop attorneys defend physician assistants in all disciplinary situations, including:

• Prescribing errors, including prescribing without proper authorization, prescribing without appropriate supervision, and prescribing to family members or oneself.
• Medical errors that result in patient injury or death.
• Mental illness, addiction or substance abuse that results in alleged impairment.
• Criminal convictions, from a single drunk driving conviction to felony charges.
• Inappropriate or sexual touching of patients.
• Unlicensed practice of medicine or failure to be properly supervised.
• Fraudulent billing.
• Errors or fraud in charting and recordkeeping.
• Discipline of a license in another state or by another agency.

Adverse History Disclosures on Physician Assistant Applications We also aid physician assistants in the Physician Assistant license application process.  The California physician assistant’s application contains 14 background questions.  Issues that give rise to problems in physician license applications include:

• Criminal convictions.
• Improper conduct in a training program that results in a reportable adverse action.
• Evidence of substance abuse, chemical dependency or mental health issues.
• Prior history of discipline or addiction treatment with another licensing board or other California licensing agency.

Ray & Bishop provides legal representation for physician assistants in any regulatory agency contact with the potential for an adverse outcome, including:

• Mandated disclosures on Physician Assistant applications, license renewals, and on special physician assistant reporting forms soon after the adverse event.
• Responding to Physician Assistant Board investigations initiated by letter, phone call, email or a personal visit from a Physician Assistant Board investigator.
• Evaluating a Board order or request to submit to a physical or psychiatric exam.
• Opposing a Board petition in administrative court or Superior Court to suspend a license.
• Appealing the denial of a physician assistant’s license after an application.
• Defending a physician assistant from Physician Assistant Board discipline in the Accusation process through administrative hearing.
• Setting aside a default decision taken by the California Physician Assistant Board.
• Appealing an adverse decision after an administrative hearing, through a petition for writ of administrative mandamus.
• Defending a physician assistant on Physician Assistant Board probation from a Petition to Revoke Probation.
• Requesting the modification of the term or conditions of Physician Assistant Board probation at an administrative hearing.
• Seeking the reinstatement of a physician assistant’s license after revocation of the license.
• Defending against and appealing the loss of privileges, certificates, membership or other rights before private and public institutions as a result of Physician Assistant Board discipline.

Common Questions from Physician Assistants for Ray & Bishop

I’ve been contacted by an investigator.  What should I do?
Hire an attorney.  Any statements you make to an investigator can become admissions that can be used against you later in court.  An attorney can step between you and the investigator and perform many important tasks, including clearing up misunderstandings, proactively addressing board concerns, stopping intrusive and oppressive harassment by investigators, and facilitating communication between physician and board in a manner that is managed, documented and controlled.

How should I reveal a past problem on a physician assistant application, renewal form or disclosure form?
Truthfully and carefully.  We understand the tools that the Board will use to detect adverse events and fact check your application or renewal form for honesty and accuracy.  We know the rules for what must be disclosed and what need not be disclosed.  If an explanation is required, we can assist with important strategic and messaging considerations to minimize the danger of denial or discipline resulting from the disclosure.

I just received a letter denying my application.  What’s my recourse?
A letter from the Physician Assistant Board of California denying an application should offer a hearing if requested within 60 days of the date of the letter.  The letter may contain other options as well.  It is best to promptly contact Ray & Bishop for a consultation to review the letter, before an important deadline passes.

I’ve received an Accusation.  What’s my next step?
You have only 15 days from the date the Accusation was sent to you (not from the date you received it) to file the Notice of Defense.  This matter should be turned over to an attorney as quickly as possible so that this deadline is met and the filing of the Notice of Defense is documented with proof of filing.

How do I pay for an attorney?
For individuals without insurance, we can quote you a fee for each step of your legal matter, or extend an hourly rate with a deposit, as appropriate.  We accept all major credit cards, bank debit cards, checks, money orders and cash.  Interest-free payment plans may be available in some circumstances.  If you have errors and omissions insurance that has license defense coverage, we can work with you and your insurance carrier to bill the insurance carrier directly or provide the information you need to seek reimbursement for legal fees, depending upon the particulars of the policy.

Unique Aspects of Physician License Cases

The Physician Assistant Board of California has an extensive infrastructure for investigating and disciplining physicians, that includes 12 Medical Board field offices throughout California.  Physician Assistant Board disciplinary cases are prosecuted through the Healthcare Quality Enforcement (HQE) division of the licensing section of the Office of the Attorney General.  Physician Assistant Board cases that proceed to administrative hearing are heard by administrative law judges on a special panel, the Medical Quality Hearing Panel.  By state law these administrative law judges receive special training on medical issues in order to qualify to hearing Physician Assistant Board license discipline cases.