The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine discipline process can have a serious impact on an osteopathic physician’s license, reputation, and livelihood. If you are a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine practicing in Florida and you’ve received a complaint from the Florida Department of Health (DOH), you are entering a high-stakes process that could affect your entire career. Understanding how the Board handles disciplinary actions is essential to protect your future.
If you are facing a DOH investigation or administrative complaint, the best step you can take is to consult a legal team that focuses on healthcare law and administrative hearings. Elevate Legal Services, PLLC is a Boca Raton-based law firm that defends Florida physicians in front of the Board of Osteopathic Medicine, the DOH, and the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). Contact us today at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] for a confidential consultation and case evaluation.
Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, provides strategic legal representation to Florida healthcare licensees. The firm understands how to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and protect physicians from the consequences of DOH disciplinary actions. With extensive experience in administrative law and medical board defense, Elevate Legal Services, PLLC is the legal partner trusted by healthcare professionals throughout Florida.
Overview of the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine
The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine, part of the Division of Medical Quality Assurance under the DOH, licenses and regulates osteopathic physicians in accordance with Chapter 459, Florida Statutes. The Board is responsible for monitoring physician conduct and ensuring the public is protected from medical malpractice, unprofessional behavior, or violations of healthcare law.
When a physician is accused of wrongdoing, the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine discipline process is initiated. The outcome can range from educational interventions to full license revocation.
How the DOH Complaint Process Works
The disciplinary process begins when a complaint is filed with the DOH. The complaint is reviewed by the Consumer Services Unit, which determines whether the alleged conduct would violate any provisions of Florida healthcare law if proven true.
If the allegations warrant further review, the complaint moves to the Investigation. Here, investigators may interview the complainant, request records, or contact the physician directly. Do not respond to these requests without first speaking to legal counsel, your license may depend on it.
Once the investigation concludes, the file is reviewed by a DOH attorney who decides whether to submit the case to the Probable Cause Panel of the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine. This panel decides if there is enough evidence to justify a formal administrative complaint.
The Administrative Complaint Stage
If probable cause is found, the DOH will file a formal Administrative Complaint detailing the alleged violations and citing applicable sections of Florida Statutes and Administrative Code. At this stage, the physician can:
- Dispute the allegations and request a formal hearing at DOAH
- Accept the allegations and appear for an informal hearing before the Board
- Enter into a negotiated settlement known as a consent agreement
A formal hearing is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) from DOAH. This judge evaluates testimony, reviews documents, and issues a Recommended Order to the Board. In contrast, informal hearings do not allow the physician to contest facts but do allow arguments on penalties.
For more about DOAH procedures, visit the Division of Administrative Hearings official site.
Common Violations Leading to Discipline
The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine discipline process may be triggered by a variety of allegations, including:
- Failure to meet the standard of care
- Improper or excessive prescribing of controlled substances
- Criminal convictions related to healthcare fraud or moral turpitude
- Poor medical recordkeeping
- Inappropriate relationships with patients
- Violation of previous Board orders
Penalties can range from fines and education requirements to probation, suspension, or license revocation. Each case is evaluated based on aggravating and mitigating factors outlined in Rule 64B15-19.006, Florida Administrative Code.
If you’re concerned about recordkeeping issues or prescribing violations, explore our guide on defending Florida healthcare license complaints.
What Happens After a Disciplinary Decision
Once a disciplinary recommendation is issued, the Board may:
- Accept the Recommended Order in full
- Modify the penalty
- Reject the order and issue its own findings
All final actions are public and posted on the DOH website. Sanctions are also reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), which may impact your ability to practice in other states or retain employment with hospitals or insurance networks.
You can explore public disciplinary records at the Florida Department of Health License Lookup.
Why You Need a Lawyer for DOH Defense
Attempting to handle the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine discipline process without qualified legal counsel is risky. The procedural rules are highly technical, and the stakes are high. Whether you are facing an investigation, probable cause review, or a DOAH hearing, the attorneys at Elevate Legal Services, PLLC have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process.
The firm works with:
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
- MDs and other physicians
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Pharmacists
- Physician Assistants (PAs)
- Dentists and other licensed professionals
The earlier you retain counsel, the better your chances of preserving your license and career.
What to Do If You’ve Received a Complaint
If you’ve received a complaint notice or are under investigation by the Florida Department of Health:
- Do not respond to the DOH or complainant without legal representation
- Preserve all relevant documentation, including charts, records, and emails
- Contact Elevate Legal Services, PLLC immediately
The defense attorneys at Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, are experienced in Florida administrative law and are ready to help you navigate your next steps.
How Elevate Legal Services, PLLC Can Help
The legal team at Elevate Legal Services, PLLC defends against:
- Complaints filed with the Florida Department of Health
- Formal administrative complaints from the Board of Osteopathic Medicine
- DOAH hearings involving disputed facts or complex medical testimony
- Settlement negotiations and consent agreements
- Appeals of adverse Board decisions
To learn how our team can help you, visit our page on Florida DOH license defense.
Conclusion: Don’t Navigate the Discipline Process Alone
The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine discipline process is not something you should face unprepared. The outcome can affect your license, hospital privileges, reputation, and future. If you are under investigation or have received a complaint, you need immediate and experienced legal guidance.
Call Elevate Legal Services, PLLC at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] to schedule a confidential consultation. We serve clients across Florida and are here to protect your license and livelihood.
