Professional Licensure Matters
Our attorneys assist healthcare, business and other licensed professionals in Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing application matters and disciplinary complaints. We understand that acquiring or maintaining a professional license is vital to your career and future goals. You need experienced counsel to navigate the regulatory agency proceedings to protect your profession. Being proactive is the best defense against becoming involved in a lengthy investigation that can have damaging consequences for your career and well-being.
Professional License Application Matters
Some professionals encounter obstacles when seeking a license. Criminal matters or past substance abuse issues earlier in life can stand in the way of obtaining a professional license. The application process can be confusing and you may need to explain past indiscretions or defend against proposed limitations on your ability to practice your career. With our experience, we can inform you how to address any obstacles and navigate through the process.
Investigations and Disciplinary Proceedings
Disciplinary proceedings require assertive advocacy from the start. We guide our clients through the entire process to resolution. We provide clear communication through all stages of the investigation and proceedings to explain your potential outcomes and make strategic decisions. We ensure that all relevant facts favorable to you are known to the examining board, the appropriate law and standard of care are applied to evaluate the allegation of a rule violation, and mitigating factors for our client are outlined to the investigating attorney and examining board.
We are often able to achieve closure of the disciplinary investigation with a determination that there was no violation or grounds to seek discipline. If a potential ethical or regulatory violation is found, we negotiate comprehensive, protective resolutions to minimize potential adverse impacts on your license.
If clients hire us soon after receiving notice of an investigation, we assume the primary responsibility for providing information to the Department of Regulation and Licensing. In consultation with you, we review records, consult with any experts or collateral contacts, and provide a response to the Department of Regulation and Licensing that explains advocates for our clients to maintain their license.
If an investigative file is not dismissed or resolved after an initial exchange of information, a formal disciplinary complaint is commenced. The formal disciplinary process is an administrative proceeding that can include an evidentiary hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ) with an attorney representing the professional examining board requesting the disciplinary action. After both sides have presented their evidence and arguments, the ALJ will submit a proposed decision to the professional examining board, with copies to the attorney for the Division of Enforcement and to the licensee’s attorney. Both the Division of Enforcement and the licensee have an opportunity to object to the proposed decision. The professional examining board then issues a final decision on whether or not professional misconduct has occurred, and any sanctions that may be imposed including, but not limited to, reprimand, suspension or revocation of the professional license.