DUI convictions can have serious ramifications for licensed medical professionals. Here is an overview of what you may face if you’re a doctor, dentist, nurse, or EMT and you’ve been convicted.
Doctors
A doctor convicted of a DUI is subject to a hearing before the State Medical Board to evaluate his or her character and fitness to practice medicine. You may have to report any criminal charge, regardless of whether a conviction actually took place, or you may simply lose your ability to practice medicine.
A DUI conviction can also impact your ability to obtain malpractice insurance, or cause your insurance rates to increase dramatically.
Dentists
If you are a dentist convicted of a DUI, you are required to report the conviction on your license renewal application. If you are a first-time applicant, you are also required to disclose this information on your initial license application. A conviction can impact your ability to obtain malpractice insurance, or cause your insurance rates to skyrocket.
Nurses
A nurse convicted of a DUI will be required to report the conviction, plea, or ARD program participation or reciprocal discpline to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing at biennial renewal.
EMT’s
If you have been convicted in the last four years of a DUI in Pennsylvania, it is unlikely you will be able to receive EMT certification. If you are currently an EMT facing DUI conviction, you will be required to report it to the PA Department of Health within 30 days, and will probably receive an automatic license suspension.
If you are a licensed professional, or will be seeking a Professional License in the state of Pennsylvania, and you are facing a PA DUI charge, it is imperative to seek help from an experienced DUI attorney who works with Professional Licenses.