In recent years, the California healthcare professional licensing boards have been increasingly aggressive in taking disciplinary action against providers who are convicted of drug or alcohol-related violations. With effective advocacy, however, it is sometimes possible to persuade the Board to take no action on a first offense.
In August 2013, Nelson Hardiman successfully defended a Psychologist who was investigated by the Board of Psychology following a mandatory self-disclosure of an out-of-state DUI conviction. Working with the client’s out-of-state counsel and experts, Nelson Hardiman was able to present the Board with sufficient mitigating evidence to persuade the Board that the circumstances did not warrant the filing of an accusation. The Board agreed, closing the investigation without action.