1453 Market Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32312 Pay Your Bill help@swordandshield.com (850) 815-0256

Florida Department of Health License Defense Attorney

A Department of Health complaint threatens more than a license. It can affect employment, hospital privileges, insurance panels, and your reputation. We represent health care practitioners from the first investigator letter through final hearing.

Practitioners we represent

  • Physicians and physician assistants (Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine)
  • Registered nurses, LPNs, APRNs, and CNAs (Board of Nursing)
  • Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
  • Dentists and dental hygienists
  • Mental health counselors, social workers, and psychologists
  • Physical therapists, massage therapists, and chiropractors
  • EMTs and paramedics

Matters we handle

  • Department of Health investigations and responses to investigators
  • Probable cause panel proceedings and administrative complaints
  • Emergency suspension and emergency restriction orders
  • Informal board hearings and formal hearings before DOAH
  • Settlement agreements and board appearances
  • Impairment-related referrals and monitoring program issues
  • Applications with criminal, disciplinary, or health history
  • Standard of care, documentation, prescribing, and boundary allegations

The stakes of responding alone

Practitioners often want to explain themselves to the investigator right away. That instinct is understandable, but statements made without counsel are regularly used to support charges. We review the allegations, gather records, and prepare a response designed to resolve the case as early and as favorably as possible.

Frequently asked questions

I received a notice of investigation from the Department of Health. What should I do first?

Note the response deadline in the letter and contact a lawyer before responding or speaking with the investigator. Do not alter or add to any patient records.

Will a complaint show up on my public license profile?

Complaints and investigations are generally confidential unless and until probable cause is found. After that, the administrative complaint and any discipline become public.

Can the Department suspend my license before a hearing?

Yes. In cases it considers an immediate danger to the public, the Department can issue an emergency suspension or restriction order. Those orders can be challenged, and time is critical.

This page is general information about Florida law, not legal advice for your situation. Deadlines and procedures vary by case and change over time.

Case inquiry

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