Practice Areas Employment Law Medical Professional Employees

Our Lawyers Represent Doctors in All Employment-Related Matters

The employment relationship presents unique considerations and risks for doctors. From compensation structures to non-competition obligations, there are various issues that doctors must carefully consider before accepting employment with a hospital or other facility or provider. Of course, doctors can face many of the same challenges as other employees as well. Failure to pay compensation, harassment and discrimination, and wrongful termination are very real risks for employees at all levels. If your employer has violated your contractual or statutory rights or is threatening action against your medical license, you need to promptly discuss your situation with a Maryland employment lawyer.

Employment Lawyers Representing Doctors in Maryland and Washington, D.C. and Providing Assistance in Virginia and Other Jurisdictions

At The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C., our lawyers represent doctors in Maryland and Washington D.C. in all employment-related legal matters and, as appropriate, provide counseling to doctors facing employment-related matters in other jurisdictions. This includes contract negotiations and renegotiations, as well as formal and informal dispute resolution. So whether you are preparing to accept a position or you need help extricating yourself from an untenable situation or disciplinary action, we can help, and we encourage you to contact us for a confidential consultation.

Our representation for doctors includes (but is not limited to) assisting with the following employment-related matters:

• Employment Contracts – Before signing an employment contract with a hospital or other facility, it is imperative to carefully review the contract and negotiate any unfair terms.
• Non-Competition and Confidentiality Agreements – Non-competition and confidentiality agreements can severely restrict doctors’ options when pursuing post-employment opportunities. Many employers overreach, and this can prove problematic for doctors in many cases.
• Federal Employment Issues – If you are considering employment with (or are currently employed by) the U.S. Veteran’s Administration (VA), you are entitled to certain privileges and protections. Our medical employment lawyers can help you understand your rights and take legal action on your behalf if necessary.
• Contractual Disputes – Contractual disputes between doctors and their employers can involve a broad range of issues. If you have an employment contract and are facing a dispute with your employer, our lawyers can help you move forward.
• Compensation Disputes – Non-contractual compensation disputes are also common in the health care setting. Our lawyers can assist if you have been underpaid, are not receiving the benefits to which you are entitled or are facing any other compensation-related issue.
• Harassment and Discrimination Claims – We represent doctors in claims involving all forms of harassment and discrimination. This includes discrimination based on age, race, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy and disability.
• Severance and Wrongful Termination – We have significant experience representing doctors and other medical professionals in severance and wrongful termination matters. We can help you seek compensation, reinstatement and any other available legal or equitable remedies.

Facing Disciplinary Action as a Doctor

When you received your medical license, you never considered that you might have to fight to protect it one day. But, now that you are facing disciplinary action by your medical licensing board, fighting to protect your license is the only thing on your mind. This is a difficult situation; and, while all you want to do is take care of your patients, right now, you need to give your disciplinary matter the time and attention it deserves.

Disciplinary Action as a Doctor Can Impact All Aspects of Your Practice

If you are facing disciplinary action, there is a lot you need to know. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) from our medical license defense lawyers:

What Can I Expect During the Disciplinary Process?

When someone files a complaint against you, medical board personnel will investigate the allegations to gather evidence to present to the board. Upon reviewing this evidence (and considering any additional evidence or arguments you submit in your defense), the board will decide whether to issue a formal charge. At this point, you have the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ); and, if you assert this right, the board will render a final decision once the hearing takes place.

Will I Have an Opportunity to Dispute the Allegations Against Me?

Yes. In fact, you will have multiple opportunities to dispute the allegations against you. You can (and should) play an active role in the investigative process; and, if the board decides to issue a formal charge following its investigation, you can present a defense at your ALJ hearing.

What Are the Potential Outcomes of a Medical Board Disciplinary Hearing?

The potential outcomes of a medical board disciplinary hearing depend on the severity of the allegations against you. While some forms of professional misconduct can lead to formal reprimands, others can lead to license suspension or even permanent license revocation. Of course, avoiding discipline is a possibility as well—and hiring an experienced professional license defense lawyer will give you the best chance to avoid unnecessary consequences.

Can I Get Fired for Facing Medical Board Discipline?

Potentially. If you are employed “at will,” then your employer can terminate your employment for any reason or no reason at all (exceptions for discriminatory terminations and those that violate public policy). If you have an employment contract, then your employer can fire you if the discipline imposed serves as grounds for termination under the terms of your agreement.

Can I File an Appeal if I Disagree with the Medical Board’s Decision?

Yes, you can file an appeal if you disagree with the medical board’s decision—as long as you do so in time. There are various grounds for filing an appeal, and our lawyers have significant experience filing successful appeals on behalf of our doctor clients.

Speak with a Medical Employment Lawyer at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C.

Do you have questions about your rights as an employee of a hospital or other medical facility or provider? To get the answers you need from an experienced Maryland employment lawyer, call The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, L.L.C. at 410-514-6099 or request a confidential consultation online today.