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I am a physician. I received a letter from the Department of Health (DOH) containing an administrative complaint. Should I agree to an informal hearing?

Speaker 1: This means that an investigation of a complaint against your medical license has proceeded significantly, and there are formal charges pending against you. Often physicians and other licensed health care professionals who receive such paperwork in the mail are confused by the terms “formal hearing” and “informal hearing.” An informal hearing means that you’re going to plead guilty to the charges, and just argue over what discipline should be awarded to you. We usually do not recommend this without your consultation in-depth with a health care attorney over the consequences of this for your license. Whenever you are in doubt, you should request a formal hearing at which all your due process rights are honored, and you will have a fair and objective administrative law judge appointed to hear your case. Consult an experienced health care attorney immediately.