Physicians are correctly worried after receiving notice of disciplinary action from the Oregon Medical Board, and it would be a mistake to underestimate the power of a state licensing Board. Although there are exceptions to a licensing Board’s authority, looking for exceptions is usually not the place to start when disciplinary action is threatened. Usually called a licensure attorney, an experienced “Board of Medicine lawyer” can help you discern the nuances of the law and understand your options when sanctions are being proposed.

Working with a lawyer

Working with a lawyer familiar with the Oregon Board of Medicine is an important first step. Ideally, you should have retained a licensure lawyer at the start of the investigation, to guide you through the process from the start. If you have delayed obtaining legal counsel until you have received a notice of proposed discipline, there is still much work to do, including, for example, making the decision to attempt a settlement, or to proceed directly to an administrative hearing. If you have received a notice of proposed discipline from the Board of Medicine, lawyer Eli Stutsman may be able to help. Call 503.274.4048, to learn more about his practice.