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Blog - Page 21

Avoiding HIPAA Violations on Social Media

January 12, 2024 License Defense

How Can Texas Licensed Medical Professionals Avoid HIPAA Violations on Social Media?

Medical professionals can face disciplinary proceedings before their respective licensing boards and agencies for various reasons. In today’s world, almost everyone uses some version of a social media platform, and medical professionals are no exception. However, when using social media, medical professionals must refrain from running afoul of the laws that govern their profession, including the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  An experienced license defense lawyer can represent your interests in any...

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Professional License Suspensions and Child Support Debts What You Need to Know (002)

January 11, 2024 Professional License Defense

Professional License Suspensions and Child Support Debts: What You Need to Know

As a licensed professional, you can face disciplinary action by your licensing board or agency based on numerous grounds, and, as a result, you can receive various consequences. In some professions, a failure to pay child support can cause your licensing board to bring disciplinary proceedings against you. If you are facing disciplinary proceedings before your professional licensing board or agency, you should not hesitate to contact a licensing board defense lawyer for advice and...

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Bertolino LLP

November 29, 2023 Scholarship

Grace McAloon Wins 2023 Bertolino Impact in Government Scholarship

Bertolino LLP takes solace in the knowledge that so many of today’s young people have their fingers on the pulse of changes in United States law. The 2023 Bertolino Impact in Government scholarship brought in several concise and thoughtful essays describing the ways some of the nation’s most fundamental legislation may change in years to come. That said, one essay stood out from the rest. This year, Bertolino LLP’s financial support goes to Grace McAloon,...

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The words "Dual Agency" printed on a blackboard easel.

October 31, 2023 License Defense

Can You Be a Dual Agent in Texas without Modifying Your License?

Dual agency refers to a real estate agent representing the buyer and the seller in a single transaction. While this approach might seem financially beneficial for the agent due to double commission, it brings inherent challenges and potential conflicts of interest. Representing both parties can make it difficult for an agent to equally advocate for the interests of each party. Recognizing these challenges, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) does not permit dual agency. Therefore,...

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What is a Fitness Determination Request from the Texas Real Estate Commission

September 30, 2023 Professional License Defense

What is a Fitness Determination Request from the Texas Real Estate Commission?

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) licenses real estate professionals and ensures that they follow the TREC rules and Texas laws that pertain to them. Exhibiting the qualities of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity are all essential to obtaining a license from TREC. Therefore, you may have difficulty getting a license from TREC if you have a criminal record, prior disciplinary history with other professional or occupational licenses, unpaid judgments, or unlicensed activity. Fortunately, you can...

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How NOT to Respond to a Disciplinary Complaint

September 29, 2023 Professional License Defense

How Not to Respond to a Disciplinary Complaint

When you are a licensed professional in Texas, receiving a complaint from your professional or occupational licensing board can be an intimidating and disturbing experience. The consequences of disciplinary actions can be significant because they can threaten your license and career. Failure to properly handle such complaints can lead to poor outcomes.  In this situation, you need an experienced occupational license defense lawyer to protect your license. Strong legal representation helps you avoid making mistakes...

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Can I Contact My Students on Social Media if I Am a Teacher

September 28, 2023 License Defense

Can I Contact My Students on Social Media if I Am a Teacher?

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), a Texas Education Agency (TEA) division, certifies and monitors educational professionals for compliance with applicable rules and laws. If someone files a complaint against an educator, the SBEC will investigate the complaint and file disciplinary proceedings as needed. Due to the pervasive social media usage today, contact between teachers, other educators, and students via social media can lead to disciplinary proceedings that result in severe sanctions.  Teachers and...

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Disciplinary Consequences for Non-Compliance and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

September 27, 2023 Professional License Defense

Disciplinary Consequences for Noncompliance and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licenses and regulates law enforcement personnel, including peace officers, county jailers, and telecommunicators. As a result, TCOLE can discipline law enforcement professionals for violations of Chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code, TCOLE Rules, or other applicable laws or rules. Disciplinary proceedings by TCOLE that arise from a complaint can lead to dire consequences that may endanger your career. Therefore, securing legal representation by an experienced law enforcement defense lawyer at Bertolino...

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Minimizing Your Risk of Allegations of Healthcare Fraud

September 26, 2023 Articles

Minimizing Your Risk of Allegations of Healthcare Fraud

Doctors and other healthcare facilities that submit health insurance claims have recently experienced increased scrutiny by insurance companies and the federal government. As a result, allegations of Medicaid and Medicare fraud have become particularly common, often leading to civil liability, criminal charges, and an accompanying loss of one's medical license. Given the severity of the potential consequences of a finding of healthcare fraud, medical professionals should take all steps necessary to minimize the risk of...

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Communicating with Your Licensing Agency When You Are Facing a Complaint

September 25, 2023 Professional License Defense

Communicating with Your Licensing Agency When You Are Facing a Complaint

All occupations and professionals that require some license or certification through the state of Texas are subject to licensing board rules and laws that govern them. Any violations of those rules or laws can lead to investigations and disciplinary action against your license by the relevant licensing board or agency. These allegations have the potential to ruin your career and your livelihood.  If you are facing a disciplinary complaint, you should not directly communicate with...

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