By: Lori L. Poe, MS, RD, LDN - Outgoing Licensure Chair PADA
Posted August 2006
- Contact the licensure board to see what the problem is and how to resolve.
- If your license is lapsed (meaning you did not renew before expiration) do not hold yourself out as an LDN, use the credentials or sign your name using the LDN as part of your signature. If you do, you may be in violation of the law.
- The longer your license is lapsed the more potential fines you may face. You can be fined for each month (for example: $100 per month) you practice with a lapsed license. Therefore, do not wait to reactive.
- Pay your reactivation fee of $50 but do not pay any fines until you know what and why you are being fined. If you pay a fine you are admitting guilt for that violation. Therefore, you will have trouble fighting the violation later if you want to plead not guilty.
- Make sure you understand your rights, what you are being fined for and the ramifications.
- Hire or consult a lawyer familiar with licensure regulations and laws for guidance. Tip, contact a lawyer in the Harrisburg area. You should have someone familiar with the process and someone who is close to where the hearing will be held to avoid extra lawyer fees, like travel.
- If you receive a letter from a prosecuting attorney stating you are in violation of the law you must respond to the letter in the specified time frame given in the letter. If you feel you are not guilty your response should explain your situation and state you are pleading not guilty.
- If a hearing is scheduled be prepared to fight for your innocence.
- Contact your State Senator or Representative for assistance and guidance.
- Hearings for violations are typically scheduled during a block of time, for example 9AM-Noon. You can be called at any time during that time frame. Be aware if you have a lawyer you may have to pay them for the entire time even if your case is not called.
- Once your case is heard the judge will determine if you are guilty, not guilty, need further review, etc. Then the judge may find the individual guilty, innocent or send the complaint with recommendations to the licensure board for review. The Licensure Board will then review and vote on the outcome.
- If an individual is unhappy with the outcome of a hearing they can appeal the decision to the Commonwealth Court.
- If you are found guilty of a violation it will follow you throughout your professional life. Disciplinary action is listed in the state website under each individual license as part of public record.
- Be aware, if any disciplinary action is taken on your license you will have to appropriately acknowledge the action. For example, a job application may ask if you have ever been in violation of your professional license.
|
|
