Experienced license defense attorney Lucy McAllister offers a number of legal services for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. She defends physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from accusations filed by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Additionally, she will appeal denials of physical therapy licenses, represent you in Physical Therapy Board investigations, and guides you through the disclosure of adverse events on physical therapy license renewals and applications.
The Physical Therapy Board of California, a branch of the Department of Consumer Affairs, oversees the licensing, monitoring, regulating, and disciplining of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The Department of Consumer Affairs, Division of Investigation investigates alleged criminal and administrative violations of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, which could potentially lead to criminal or administrative prosecution.
When a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant is faced with allegations of misconduct, the Board of Physical Therapy may decide to investigate into the conduct of the licensee. Lucy McAllister is experienced in handling such investigations. If you are faced with an investigation from the Board of Physical Therapy, defense attorney Lucy McAllister can help defend your license through careful preparation and counsel. We act on your behalf and can represent your interests should you have to attend a Board of Physical Therapy interview before a Board of Physical Therapy interviewer.
Once an investigation establishes that unlawful actions were committed by California physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, the results of investigation are forwarded to the California Office of the Attorney General for administrative prosecution. The A.G. will then file and serve an accusation against the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in seeking to discipline the licensee. We will defend physical therapy license accusations filed by the Attorney General’s office. If you receive a Statement to Respondent, an Accusation, a Notice of Defense and other documents, you have a license defense case which must be defended at an administrative hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings.
If the Physical Therapy Board of California chooses to impose discipline on its physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, discipline could range from public reproval to license revocation. Common accusations include conviction of crimes substantially related to practice, negligent or incompetent treatment of patients, inadequate supervision of assistants and aids, or insurance billing and medical billing fraud.
If you receive an accusation, you have just fifteen (15) days to file the notice of defense with the Attorney General. If the notice of defense is not timely filed, the Attorney General can ask the Board of Physical Therapy to discipline the license by default, which could mean revocation. Therefore, it is critical to file the notice of defense on time to avoid default and request a hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings.
Very often, the defense of a physical therapy license or successful appeal of a denial of a physical therapy license can be achieved without ever having to go to trial. This is done through a stipulated settlement. At the Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister, our well-qualified attorneys strive to settle your license defense case for the best possible outcome prior to any potential hearing. However, if the license case cannot reach a satisfactory outcome by settlement, we are prepared to employ our experience, knowledge and expertise in defending your physical therapy license.
If you are a California Physical Therapist or PT Assistant who has been charged with a crime or is facing possible suspension, revocation of your certification or who has had your certification application denied, you should contact us immediately.
An experienced licensing and criminal defense attorney who understands how to both handle your criminal case and defend your professional physical therapist license will allow you to continue to practice your profession and also defend your career and your livelihood.
The Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister have successfully represented and defended a wide range of California health care professionals. We are experienced in handling all types of licensing issues as well as criminal cases. Let us help you protect your professional certification, your reputation, and your livelihood.
For additional information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our law offices today at (877) 280-9944.
