Physician & Medical Board Defense
You spent a decade earning
your medical license. Defend it with the same commitment.
A Medical Board investigation can move faster than a criminal prosecution. An accusation, a hearing, and a license suspension can occur while a criminal case is still in early stages. Physicians facing either proceeding — or both — need coordinated defense from an attorney who understands both systems completely.
Confidential Physician Defense ConsultationThe Medical Board Process
How a Medical Board investigation
actually unfolds in California
A complaint is filed with the Medical Board by a patient, employer, insurer, law enforcement, or another physician. The Board conducts an initial screening to determine whether to investigate.
Investigators review medical records, interview witnesses, and may contact you directly. This is the stage at which representation is most critical — before you make any statements.
If the Board determines cause exists, a formal Accusation is filed — the administrative equivalent of criminal charges. This initiates an Administrative Hearing process.
The case is heard before an Administrative Law Judge. Evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and expert opinions are submitted. The outcome — including license revocation — depends on the strength of your defense.
The Board adopts, modifies, or rejects the ALJ's proposed decision. Options include dismissal, probation, suspension, or revocation. Petition for reconsideration and writ review are available.
Criminal charges and the Medical Board
When a physician is criminally charged, the Medical Board is often notified automatically — by law enforcement, by courts, or through public records. Under California Business and Professions Code § 490, a licensing board may impose discipline for a conviction that is substantially related to the profession. The result depends on the statute, the record, the board, and the individual circumstances; revocation is not automatic in every case.
The intersection of criminal and administrative proceedings creates the greatest risk — and the greatest strategic opportunity. How a criminal plea is structured, what admissions are made in what forum, and the timing of disclosures can dramatically affect the licensing outcome.
Sam Ahmadpour has defended physicians in both proceedings simultaneously — understanding that every decision in the criminal case has a licensing consequence, and every statement in the administrative proceeding has evidentiary implications in the criminal matter.
What we defend
Prescribing violations and controlled substance charges. Healthcare fraud and billing irregularities. Alcohol and drug impairment allegations. Sexual misconduct accusations. Quality of care complaints. Criminal charges in any category where Medical Board reporting is triggered.
Learn more about all professional licensing defense →Primary Sources
Legal references
These sources provide general statutory or agency information. Application to an individual matter requires analysis of the facts and current law.
Speak With Sam Ahmadpour
Your medical license is not
just your career — it's your identity.
Sam Ahmadpour has defended physicians facing Medical Board investigations and criminal charges simultaneously. Call now for a confidential consultation.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Or call directly: 424-226-7810