In Florida, assault charges range from simple assault to more serious offenses such as aggravated assault or battery. While some of these offenses are misdemeanors, others are felonies, and the severity of any particular charges can matter greatly when it comes to licensing consequences. The Florida Department of Health and professional boards governing physicians, nurses, and other providers are authorized to discipline license holders for criminal conduct, even when that conduct occurs outside of a clinical setting.
A conviction for assault charges can impact the careers of licensed medical professionals, even if the conviction in question doesn’t result in a jail sentence and the situation in question doesn’t involve a patient or colleague. In many cases, even a conviction for a relatively minor charge can trigger a parallel process that puts a medical license at risk. In some cases, even facing assault charges can impact licensure.
The intersection of assault charges and licensure concerns can be consequential
Arrests, charges or pleas can all prompt investigation by licensing authorities. In some cases, a board may initiate action based on the underlying conduct itself, particularly if it raises concerns about violence, judgment or public safety. This means that even if an assault criminal case is pending or charges are ultimately reduced, a licensing investigation or disciplinary process may continue independently.
If a licensing board determines that discipline is warranted, potential consequences can include fines, mandatory counseling or anger management, probation, suspension or revocation of one’s medical license. In high-stakes cases, emergency suspension may be imposed if the board believes the professional poses an immediate risk to the public. These outcomes can end or severely disrupt a medical career, regardless of the final result in criminal court.
Medical professionals in Florida are also often required to report certain criminal charges or arrests to the appropriate licensing board within a specific time frame. This means that failing to report can itself become a separate violation, compounding risks to one’s license. Many professionals are unaware of these obligations until it is too late. This is just one of the many reasons why connecting with a skilled legal team as soon as possible after an arrest is so important. Seeking guidance and support can help licensed professionals to better ensure that their interests are protected as fully as possible, as soon as possible.
If you are a licensed medical professional facing assault charges in Florida, your career and reputation may be on the line. Contact Monroe Law today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect both your freedom and your professional license.
