If you’re working in a field that requires licensing, there is probably a state board or agency that you have had to interact with at some point in time. If you’re a physician, you deal with the Texas Medical Board. If you’re a nurse, you have the Texas Board of Nursing. These regulatory bodies are not just responsible for determining who can enter a field and work in certain careers. Many of these boards are also responsible for handling complaints against professionals in the industry that they govern. At some point during the investigation process, an Agreed Board Order could be proposed. These can have some enduring effects on your career. Here’s what you need to know.
What is An Agreed Board Order?
An Agreed Board Order usually determines what kind of sanctions will be leveled against a professional who has received a complaint against them. Eventually, if a complaint is not dismissed during the investigation stage, most boards proceed to a stage called the “informal settlement conference.”
At an informal settlement conference, you get the chance to show that you have complied with the laws and regulations governing your career of choice. You make your case in front of a panel and they can recommend an Agreed Board Order that would settle the dispute. You and the full board would then have the right to accept or reject the order.
There are some situations in which you would want to accept an Agreed Board Order. In some cases, you can settle minor allegations without long-term consequences to your career and livelihood. If the penalties are not too severe, it can be tempting to accept the order and avoid a hearing with a judge, the usual next step in this process.
However, this is your career we’re talking about here! It’s also important to make sure that you are, in fact, getting a good deal and that you will be able to continue working with your reputation intact. That is why hiring a professional license defense attorney is a smart move when you have had a complaint filed against you.
Consequence of An Agreed Board Order
An Agreed Board Order can settle the complaint against you, but they often come with punishments and the acknowledgement of some wrongdoing on your part. An Agreed Board Order can result in:
- Fines
- Probation
- Continuing education requirements
- Mandatory drug testing
- Limitations on where and how you can practice
- A suspension or revocation of your license
If you are trying to negotiate for an Agreed Board Order, you are likely hoping for one with lesser penalties. However, it is important to know all the possibilities and the professional and legal complications that you could face.
Why You Need a Lawyer
This is also why you should consider hiring a license defense lawyer. You should not be signing any Agreed Board Order without first talking to a professional. A lawyer can also assist you at every stage of the complaint process. They can help you make your case at the informal settlement conference and could potentially help you negotiate a more favorable Agreed Board Order with lesser penalties.
An Order with more favorable terms could help you put a complaint behind you with few professional consequences. So, take this process seriously and contact a legal professional. Whether you have just received notice of the complaint, or you are getting ready for an informal settlement conference, the Austin license defense lawyers at BERTOLINO LLP are ready to assist you. Dial (512) 476-5757 and get your case evaluation today.
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