Medical professionals are known to have a passion for helping people. To have the opportunity to help people, medical professionals put in much time, effort, and cost of getting through medical school. Obtaining a medical license is an important and meaningful moment in someone’s life. It is important to know that once you have your license, there are many ways to lose it if you are not careful. One way you can lose your license is through the unlicensed practice of medicine. If you are facing a medical licensing issue, then it is important that you speak to an experienced medical license defense attorney as soon as possible.
General Rules Of Medical Practice
Generally, doctors are only allowed to practice medicine within the state that they are licensed in. If you are a doctor licensed by the state of California, then you can only practice medicine within the state. If you are a doctor licensed by a state outside California, then you are not eligible to use that license to practice medicine within California. If you practice medicine within the state of California without a license, then you can be criminally charged under Penal Code 2052 and can face up to three years in prison if convicted. You can also face license sanction in whatever state you are licensed in for the unlicensed practice of medicine.
Interstate Licensure Compact
Many states have recognized the need for more doctor availability through the use of telehealth and in-person services. To allow doctors to practice in multiple states, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (IMLCC) devised an interstate license compact. Member states of this compact allow doctors to practice within participating states without the need for separate licensing.
There are currently 29 states and one territory that are part of the Interstate Medical License Compact and that number continues to slowly increase. Four states along with Washington D.C. have passed legislation to join the compact but the changes have not been implemented as of yet. Four other states have introduced legislation within the state government to seek approval to join the compact. California is not a part of the compact nor are there current plans for California the compact. To practice medicine within California, you will need a California license or appropriate waiver. If you have legal questions, then call us at the S.J. Harris Law Office so we can help!
SJ Harris Law Free Consultation
The S.J. Harris Law Office is proud to offer FREE 30-minute consultations to all prospective clients. We realize that physicians who are facing discipline against their licenses require representation that values proper discretion and privacy. Anything discussed during a consultation will be protected by attorney-client privilege even if you don’t hire us to represent you further. At S.J. Harris Law, we put our focus into preserving three things; your license, your reputation, and your future. Let our experience go to work for you today. Call us at (310) 361-8585 or contact us online for a free consultation.
