Emergency Suspension Orders and Hearings

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has the authority to order an emergency suspension of a medical license, nursing license or other health professional’s license. Usually, an emergency suspension is a result of actions such as gross negligence, misconduct or malpractice, health care fraud or violations of controlled substance standards.

In short, conduct that jeopardizes public health, safety or welfare may result in an emergency suspension of a health professional’s license.

Physicians, nurses and other health professionals who receive an ESO are usually entitled to or may petition the board for a hearing to present their case before final action is taken. Hearings and appeals against ESOs must be done promptly. Therefore, it is important that you contact a professional licensing attorney as soon as you become aware of an emergency suspension order against your medical, nursing or other professional license. 

While there may be validity to the complaint, the standard for achieving an emergency suspension is very high. With the right attorney, your chances of avoiding this punitive action are greatly increased. The cost of retaining counsel is often outweighed by a more favorable outcome.