If you are a licensed professional and facing disciplinary action, hearing the terms “license suspension” and “license revocation” carries profound implications. These actions can disrupt your career and livelihood. Understanding the nuances between these terms will help you navigate the road ahead and protect your professional future.
A license defense lawyer can provide clarity and advocacy while ensuring you respond effectively to either disciplinary action. In this guide, you’ll learn about the differences between the terms, potential consequences, and what you need to do next.
What Is a License Suspension?
A license suspension temporarily prohibits you from practicing your profession for a set period. Suspensions can range from months to years.
A licensure board can impose a suspension for a variety of violations, including ethical lapses or failing to meet continuing education (CE) requirements. During this period, you retain your license but cannot use it until the suspension is lifted.
For example, you could face a six-month suspension for failing to meet CE requirements. The board may require corrective actions, such as completing CE hours and paying a reinstatement fee. Many licensure boards use suspensions as a rehabilitative tool to correct behavior while preserving your ability to return to practice.
What Is a License Revocation?
A license revocation is a permanent cancellation of your professional license. You won’t be allowed to practice in your field unless you reapply and meet stringent reinstatement requirements. Revocations are reserved for serious offenses, such as gross negligence, fraud, or criminal convictions related to your profession.
Once your license is revoked, you may even be prohibited from reapplying. Reinstatement is rare and often requires a new application process years later.
Differences Between Having Your License Suspended and Having It Revoked
Here are some of the most important differences between a license suspension and a license revocation:
- Duration: A suspension is temporary and has a set end date, while a revocation is permanent
- Severity: Suspensions address correctable issues while revocations target egregious violations
- Reinstatement Process: Suspended licenses can be reinstated, whereas you may never be able to reapply after revocation
- Career Impact: A suspension will temporarily disrupt your career, but a revocation could be a true career-ender
While a suspension is less severe, either action against your professional license could have lasting consequences.
Consequences of a License Suspended or Revoked License
Both actions carry significant professional and personal ramifications. Some of the consequences of when a license is suspended include the following:
- Loss of income
- Reputational damage
- Compliance costs
The consequences of revoked licenses includes the following:
- Career termination
- An emotional toll
- Inability to get licensed in other states
If you are facing allegations that could compromise your professional license, you need to act fast. You can (and should) challenge the accusations so you can fight for a more favorable outcome.
How to Respond to Suspension or Revocation
Facing disciplinary action requires prompt, strategic action. Here’s what you need to do next.
1. Review the Board’s Notice
Step one involves reviewing the notice from the board. Find out what the allegations against you are and what discipline is being proposed, whether it be suspended, or revoked. Pay special attention to any deadlines so that you can request a hearing or file an appeal.
While licensure boards are required to provide clear information about the alleged violation and how it can impact your license, receiving such a notice can be incredibly stressful. If you are having trouble interpreting the information in the notice or need help protecting your rights, contact a license defense lawyer right away.
2. Request a Hearing
Most boards allow you to contest the action through an administrative hearing. This is your chance to present evidence, call witnesses, and argue for a reduced penalty. Hearing requests must be made before the deadline on your notice. Failing to do so means you will be at the mercy of the licensure board.
Don’t deal with this stressful process alone. A license defense lawyer will prepare a strong defense and leverage regulatory guidelines to protect your interests. They will also ensure you submit your hearing request by the deadline.
3. Show Compliance
While you await your hearing, take steps to show compliance with the board’s demands. For instance, if you missed CE courses, get caught up as quickly as possible. If you have been accused of ethical violations, consult with a license defense lawyer to discuss ways to mitigate the implications of those accusations.
4. Explore Appeal Options
If the hearing upholds the board’s decision, you may appeal to a higher authority, such as a state or legislative court. You’ll need experienced legal counsel to successfully file an appeal and continue your fight for your professional license. The appeal window is limited, so don’t miss this opportunity. You may not get another.
Why You Need a License Defense Lawyer
As a licensed professional in California, you have certain rights and responsibilities. A license defense lawyer knows how to enforce your rights as a licensee while also ensuring you are fulfilling your professional obligations. Additionally, an experienced attorney can provide you with:
- Knowledge of state-specific licensing laws and procedures
- The opportunity to negotiate for lesser sanctions, such as a probationary period
- Representation at hearings to argue your case
At Unlock Legal, we’ve helped professionals across California protect their licenses from suspension and revocation. Our legal team knows you’ve worked hard to earn your license and become a skilled professional in your field. We will work just as hard to protect your livelihood.
Contact Unlock Legal to Protect Your Professional Future
If you are facing a license suspension or revocation, acting quickly is important. With the guidance of a license defense lawyer from Unlock Legal, you can challenge the board’s actions and negotiate for a better outcome.
For example, our legal team can argue for a shorter suspension or negotiate for probation. These are just a few ways we work to preserve your reputation and legal ability to work. Unlock Legal also offers reinstatement of license services to help with nursing licenses, medical licenses, teaching certificates, and more like you get their licenses back.
Are you ready to talk to a license defense lawyer? Contact Unlock Legal and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
