Dental Board of California Dental License Discipline for Diversion of Narcotics

Dental Board of California Dentist Diversion of Controlled Substances Defense Attorney

The Dental Board of California, known as the DBC, vigorously investigates and disciplines Dentists accused of Diversion of Narcotics.  An allegation of Diverting Narcotics against Dentists in California can have profound consequences. Consequences can include Dentist License revocation by the Dental Board of California. The following types of Narcotics are often diverted by Dentists:

Thus, even Diversion of Narcotics incidents that do not result in criminal prosecution are grounds for disciplinary action against the Dentist by the Dental Board of California. California Dentists facing Narcotics Diversion allegations should contact an experienced Dental Board of California License Defense Attorney for representation.

Dental Board of California Diversion of Narcotics Conviction Investigation Defense Lawyer

The majority of Dental Board of California Diverting Narcotics Investigations begin with the filing of a consumer Complaint. However, Dental Board of California Diversion of Narcotics Investigations also occur through sting operations, criminal conviction referrals and criminal investigations. The Dental Board of California utilizes non sworn civilian investigators to conduct non criminal investigations. The California Department of Consumer Affairs employs sworn Peace Officer Investigators to conduct criminal Diversion of Narcotics Investigations against Dentists. These employees investigate criminal and administrative law violations related to alcohol abuse and drug abuse committed by Dentists against patients. Administrative Law Due Process Rights differ substantially from the Due Process Rights accorded in criminal law.

It is important to have an attorney that understands issues faced by Dentists facing disciplinary action for Diverting Narcotics. At the conclusion of a Dental Board of California investigation, the Board has several options. The Board can choose to close the Complaint. The Board can choose to issue a Citation. The Board can also choose to refer the matter to the California Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office will determine whether cause exists to file a formal disciplinary Accusation. In substance abuse cases involving criminal conduct, the Board may refer the case to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution. If you are a Dentist facing a Dental Board of California Investigation for Diversion of Narcotics Investigations, contact a California Dental License Defense Attorney for representation.

When a Dental Board of California Investigation occurs due to a criminal conviction, the Dental Board of California assigns the matter to an Investigator. A Dental Board of California Investigator will contact the Dentist to conduct either an in person interview, or obtain a written statement. The Dental Board of California will also conduct a review of the police and Court records. Discipline may vary according to whether or not the following factors were present (not an all inclusive list):

• Alcohol Abuse
• CURES Violations
• Drug Abuse
• Excessive Treatments
• Forging Prescriptions
• Operation of a Pill Mill
• Overprescribing to Patients
• Past history of Diversion of Narcotics
• Patient Harm
• Substance Abuse
• Use of Fraudulent Prescriptions
• Working Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs/Narcotics

If you are a Dentist facing a Dental Board of California Investigation for Diversion of Controlled Substances, contact a California Dentist License Defense Attorney for representation.

California Dental License Diverting Narcotics Accusation Defense Attorney

A formal Accusation served on a California Dentist serves as notice to a Dentist that the Dental Board of California intends to revoke the Dental License. A substantiated allegation of Diverting Narcotics by a Dentist almost always results in the filing of a disciplinary Accusation.

An Accusation is a serious matter that can result in the suspension or revocation of a Dental License in California. In many cases, it is possible for Dentists to reach a Stipulated Agreement with the Attorney General’s Office and Dental Board of California. A Stipulated Agreement is a formal term for a settlement agreement. If a Stipulated Agreement cannot be reached, the parties will proceed to a formal Hearing before the California Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Disciplinary Accusations involving Diversion of Narcotics can result in revocation of a Dental License by the Dental Board of California. Dentists facing a Dental Board of California Accusation should contact an experienced California Dental License Defense Attorney for representation.

California Dental License Hearing For Diversion of Narcotics

The California Office of Administrative Hearings, also known as OAH, maintains several Court Hearing locations. These Court locations are in Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego. In some instances, Hearings may be held offsite in Bakersfield, Fresno, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Jose or Ventura. The Administrative Law Hearing is a formal Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

The Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ, will issue a written Proposed Decision approximately 30 days after the Hearing. The Dental Board of California can adopt, modify or reject the ALJ’s Proposed Decision. The Dental Board of California’s action is called the Final Decision and Order. There are two main rights of Appeal of a Final Decision and Order. California Government Code § 11521 allows a Dentist to file a Petition for Reconsideration prior to the effective date of the Final Decision and Order. Pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.5, the Dentist can also file a Petition for Writ of Mandamus in Superior Court. A Writ must be filed within 30 days of the effective date of the Final Decision and Order. California Dentists facing a Dental Board of California Administrative Law Hearing need effective representation from a Dental Board of California License Defense Lawyer.

California Dentist Narcotics Diversion and Dental Board of California Discipline

The Dental Board of California can discipline Dentists for Diversion of Narcotics allegations that rise to the level of criminal activity, but violates an Administrative Law regulation. The Dental Board of California disciplinary process is separate from the Criminal Law process. The Dental Board of California can discipline Dentists for certain criminal convictions. Dental Board of California Dentist discipline occurs for criminal convictions that are substantially related to the duties, functions and qualifications of a Dentist. All Diverting Narcotics crimes patients are substantially related to the duties, functions and qualifications of a Dentist.

The Dental Board of California and other law enforcement agencies often conduct criminal investigations against Dentists for Diverting Narcotics. In serious criminal cases against Dentists pending in Criminal Court, the Dental Board of California and the California Attorney General’s Office may seek a California Penal Code § 23 Order against the Dentist. A California Penal Code § 23 Order seeks to suspend a Dental License in Criminal Court. Dentists facing criminal charges and Dentists who are convicted of criminal offenses need an experienced California Dental License Defense Attorney for representation in disciplinary proceedings before the Dental Board of California.