Doctor License Defense Services

Our Illinois Doctor License Defense Services

As a doctor, you must take immediate steps when you meet disciplinary action or potential license application denial. You also absolutely must work with an experienced professional license defense attorney — so contact Williams & Nickl ASAP.

We have more than 55 years of combined legal experience. We’ve also represented more than 3,000 clients in cases before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). 

Defending Your Medical License

Complaints against you by patients, state or federal agencies, insurers and more can result in Illinois Medical Board disciplinary action. In addition, you may face denial when applying for a medical license due to a criminal conviction or other past incident. 

Alternatively, you may face discipline to your medical license if the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has investigated you based on your controlled substance prescription or dispensation practices. 

We can help you with a wide variety of issues that may affect your license:

• Negligence in practice
• Nontherapeutic prescribing
• Insurance fraud and irregularities
• Medicare/Medicaid compliance audits and enforcement
• Drug diversion, substance abuse/disorder
• Physical and/or mental impairment
• Sexual misconduct
• Sister-state discipline
• Violations of state and federal confidentiality statutes
• Unethical or unprofessional conduct
• Criminal convictions and DUI arrests

When addressing these issues, you must work with an attorney who fully understands the laws and regulations applicable to the practice of medicine. 

These include the Medical Practice Act of 1987 and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Your attorney should also have experience in the procedures that the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act define, as well as any relevant rules and statutes. At Williams & Nickl, we’re thoroughly versed in each of these acts and codes.

Handling Doctor License Application Issues

When applying for a medical license, you may receive a Notice of Deficiency checklist or request for information about past incidents, such as a criminal conviction or DUI arrest.

We can help you determine the best approach in these cases. Furthermore, we work with you to prepare a detailed response that demonstrates why the IDFPR should issue you a license. 

Usually, we can help you address any inquiries. The IDFPR often issues your license soon after it receives our explanation letter.

Addressing Medical License Disciplinary Action

If you’re already licensed and have received a formal complaint or a notice of disciplinary action, we’ll review your case. Alongside you, we’ll help you determine your best options for defending your license.

We’re with you every step of the way:

• Explaining the potential consequences you face
• Working with you to gather and present mitigating evidence and explanations
• Acting to minimize the discipline you may meet

We can also assist with DEA investigations:

• Helping you demonstrate that you’ve followed the proper procedures when working with controlled substances
• Advising you on how these issues may affect your medical license

When necessary, we appeal unfavorable IDFPR decisions and argue your case in the Illinois Circuit Courts or Appellate Court.

Why Partner With Williams and Nickl?

Attorney Fred Nickl interacts with the IDFPR daily. Meanwhile, Attorney Edward Williams is a former chief of prosecutions for the IDFPR. 

With our comprehensive experience representing medical doctors like you in license defense cases, we understand the smartest strategies to help you retain your license and continue practicing. Plus, we have the expert knowledge and experience to address your licensing issues quickly and effectively.

We’ve also helped physicians with ethical violation complaints, hearings and other issues arising before professional certification associations and specialty boards. These include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association and American Board of Medical Specialties.

Our Case Studies Speak for Themselves

We have a strong success record of skillfully representing clients facing an array of medical license disciplinary actions.

In one case, an internal medicine physician met accusations of overprescribing medications, failing to conduct proper physical exams and failing to chart. The IDFPR prosecutor demanded a suspension of our client’s license. Through aggressive negotiations with the prosecutor and the Medical Disciplinary Board, we obtained a short probation agreement. 

We also secured a quick restoration of the client’s license to “fully unencumbered” status. Our relieved client called us “miracle workers.”

Contact Us

Speak with us about your situation before talking to an IDFPR investigator or responding to requests for information. We provide complimentary one-hour consultations in person, over the phone or on Zoom. We’ll assess your needs, help you understand the forms of discipline you may face and explore your wisest defense options.

Contact us online or call 312-335-9470 to schedule your free consultation. In many cases, we can help you avoid any public discipline to your license.