Physician Defense Lawyer
At the Horowitz Physician Law Group, we specialize in providing comprehensive physician defense for doctors facing a variety of challenges:
- License Defense: Led by renowned trial lawyer Daniel Horowitz, our expert team offers robust defense to ensure your professional credentials remain intact.
- Peer Review: We excel in peer review cases, protecting your reputation and career during critical evaluations.
- Medical Board Representation: With extensive experience dealing with the Medical Board, we effectively navigate complex regulatory issues on your behalf.
- Healthcare Fraud Defense: Our adept handling of healthcare fraud allegations safeguards your practice and livelihood.
- General Criminal Defense: For physicians facing general criminal defense matters, our skilled attorneys provide vigorous representation to protect your rights and future.
Trust Horowitz Physician Law Group to be your steadfast advocate in all medical-legal matters.
Why Choose Our Physician Lawyers?
- Expertise: With decades of experience, our team understands the intricacies of medical license defense.
- Comprehensive Defense: We handle all aspects of your case, from initial investigations to appeals.
- Proven Success: Our track record speaks for itself, with numerous successful defenses for physicians across California.
- Dr. Mark Ravis: Physician and Lawyer
- Michael Yates, D.C., Chiropractor and law school graduate
- Daniel Horowitz, A Top 100 Trial Lawyer; Board Certified Specialist
Our Services:
- Medical Board Defense: We represent physicians in front of the MBC and OMBC, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Peer Review: Prevention and active defense.
- Appeals: If you face disciplinary actions, we navigate the appeals process to challenge adverse rulings.
- Legal Guidance: We provide ongoing legal support to help you maintain compliance and avoid future issues.
- Criminal Defense: A simple DUI is an inconvenience except if you are a physician. License implications from any criminal offense will impact your license.
Office Location
Located in Lafayette, California (Contra Costa County), we serve doctors throughout the state. Our associated physician lawyer Dr. Mark Ravis has his office in the Los Angeles area. Attorney Brookes Hammock is licensed in Pennsylvania. We represent medical doctors anywhere in California and in most locations nationwide. We are licensed to practice in the United States Supreme Court, California Supreme Court, federal courts, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Courts of Appeal.
Call Our Physician Lawyers Today! 925-291-5388
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What is the Governance Structure of a Hospital?
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What are the Broad Outlines of the Medical Peer Review Process?
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What is an FPPE as Defined by the Joint Commission?
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What are the key elements of an Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE)?
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What Patient Records Must Be Maintained Under California Law?
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What is the “Governing Body” of a Hospital in California & What are Its Responsibilities? (CCR 22 § 70701)
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What is the Role of the Tissue Review Committee of Medical Staff?
Healthcare License Defense
Healthcare license defense is a highly specialized area of law. At the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, our team, including Daniel Horowitz, Mark Ravis (MD & JD), and Michael Yates, D.C., focuses on proactive medical license defense.
Our Approach:
- Pre-Peer Review Intervention: We engage in pre-peer review intervention and negotiation, aiming to defuse situations and cooperate when possible.
- Strategic Documentation: We document and advance your interests strategically, much like a chess game.
Forward-Looking Defense:
- Sophisticated Analysis: We use a sophisticated analysis of internal communications, trends in healthcare license prosecutions, and our extensive experience to anticipate and confront challenges to your license.
- Proactive Measures: Our approach is never reactive. We are forward-looking, ensuring that our defense strategies are prepared well in advance.
Experience and Expertise:
- Peer Review Investigations: With years of experience, we intervene in peer review investigations and challenge sham peer reviews.
- Understanding Standards: We are well-versed in the dangers of non-standard FPPE, OPPE, PIPs, and other pre-charging, pre-peer review actions.
By leveraging our expertise and proactive approach, we help healthcare professionals protect their licenses and maintain their professional standing
What is Sham Peer Review & What are Your Options?
Our approach is strong and proactive but always balanced and tactical. We focus on quashing and resolving investigations so that you never reach the point of license suspension, privilege suspension or Accusation.
Physician Defense Attorneys:
We defend California Physicians in licensing hearings, criminal investigations and against criminal charges, summary suspensions and NPDB filings.
What Malpractice Actions Must Be Reported to the NPDB (and are there Exceptions?)
Drug Issues & the Medical Board
Our Lawyers Let Doctors Be Doctors
“I Never Signed Up for This!”
We hear words to that effect almost every time a doctor faces unfair challenges to their medical license. On the other hand, as attorneys, this is exactly what we signed up for when we took our oath.
Daniel’s Commitment to Physician Defense
Daniel’s work in providing physician defense in California is driven by a fundamental belief: medical doctors and the medical profession need protection from excessive governmental and insurance company intrusion.
A Personal Connection
When Daniel was a child, Dr. Bernie Rosenberg came to his apartment when Dan had measles. With his black leather bag and long coat, just like in a movie, Dr. Rosenberg practiced until he died in his 80s, having a fulfilling life and wonderful career.
The Noble Profession
While those days are gone, the medical profession remains the most noble profession. You are entitled to support, appreciation, and protection This is how Dan Horowitz and lawyer / Dr. Mark Ravis approach their physician representation.
Dangers of Inadequate Physician Practice Management (PPM)
Experience
Daniel is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Health Law Association, American Bar Association Health Law division and the Contra Costa County Trial Lawyers Association (among others). He is a veteran of hundreds of jury trials, administrative hearings and physician based legal proceedings.
In Contra Costa County his trial victory for Dr. Judson Brandeis led to a $ 1.7 million dollar award and control of his intellectual property.
A physician facing criminal charges for insurance fraud in Los Angeles hired Horowitz and they turned the tables and successfully prosecuted a civil lawsuit against the insurance company.
What if Criminal Charges are Pending - Can the Board Delay Approving My License?
His defense in the Stockton MUA trials was successful and cut short the planned prosecution of over a hundred chiropractors and anesthesiologists. In a recent case, Horowitz settled a physician peer review case in just months taking it over from an attorney who had litigated it for over four years.
Physician Representation Nationwide
Daniel Horowitz works nationwide with the best medical lawyers in the country. We have established relationships with medical attorneys with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington State, Washington D.C., Rhode Island and Texas.
Fair hearings, peer review, NPDB and other license protection cases can be handled quickly and effectively with Daniel Horowitz and Dr. Mark Ravis representing you. In California we work regularly with specific attorneys in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, San Joaquin County, and Stanislaus County. Daniel Horowitz and Dr. Mark Ravis are directly licensed to appear in all courts in California.
Contact our California physician defense attorney at 925-291-5388 to defend you against allegations of misconduct.
Physician Defense Practice
1. Medical Board, Medical License Defense & Hospital & Medical Group Discipline
A. Sometimes a Doctor Needs a Doctor (who is a lawyer)
Our medical license defense group includes Dr. Mark Ravis who is a currently licensed physician and active lawyer. Whether the challenge to your medical license is in credentialing, privilege restrictions, MEC investigation or active discipline - our physician lawyers will fight for you.
B. Physician Advocates with Extensive Courtroom Expertise
Peer review, medical board cases are trial cases. We are hearing saavy with experience far beyond that of most physician lawyers. We combine vast technical experience with seasoned trial lawyers to provide you with the very best medical license defense. Our hearing and litigation experience is unmatched when you need a lawyer for peer review, MEC investigations, direct involvement by the medical board and National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports/prevention. If a Medical Board Accusation goes to trial, we believe no physician advocate in California can match the 200 jury trials and thousands of evidentiary hearings conducted by Daniel Horowitz.
2. Medical Board Accusations
A Medical Board Accusation is a public event. Unless it is withdrawn it stays with you for years. The Accusation process starts with the investigation. We are expert in preventing filings, negotiating resolutions and anticipating the weaknesses in the medical board's case. If a hearing is necessary to protect your license we have exceptional trial lawyers with skills forged by thousands of hours in a courtroom.
A. What Does a Physician Lawyer Seek in a Medical Board Case?
Of course, total victory and vindication. But realistically “a fair trial is no trial at all” and we focus on preventing a filing in the 1st place. If an Accusation is filed we look to have it withdrawn. If the Accusation stays we look to have it modified, negotiated and resolved with the least amount of damage.
B. What Happens if the Accusation is Not Resolved?
Daniel Horowitz is one of California's most experienced trial lawyers. He is legendary for his blistering cross examinations of opposing medical experts. His medical expert and lawyer, Dr. Mark Ravis is a currently licensed physician and trial lawyer in his own right. If your case has to be fought in the courtroom, the Horowitz trial team is your 1st and best choice.
Contact a physician license defense lawyer near you at 925-291-5388 to defend you against allegations of misconduct.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Medical Board Accusation?
Medical Board Accusation Defense
3. National Practitioner Data Bank
National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reporting tags a physician for life. We can challenge initial reports, seek modifications, appeal adverse judgments and document your file.
Learn About the NPDB Reporting Rules
We Practice Medical Board Preventive Medicine
There is no vaccination to protect you from the Medical Board but we can discuss danger areas with you and act to preempt any board action. Our medical lawyers and paralegals regularly review filed board cases. We track the hot button discipline areas for the medical board. We can evaluate your practice and help push you out of harms' way.
If you are involved in a medical malpractice case beware! Even a completely innocent physician can be subject to mandatory reporting when a malpractice case settles.
Medical Board Reporting of a Medical Malpractice Settlement or Malpractice Award
4. Judicial Review of Hospital, Medical Staff/MEC Decisions
California has a judicial review statute that allows a physician to obtain judicial review of many types of adverse licensing, credentialing and disciplinary decisions. We can review your situation and make a determination as to whether CCP 1094.5 or other statute will protect your rights.
Can You Sue Organized Medical Staff?
What is the Role of a Hospital Board of Directors
HOROWITZ WARNS DOCTORS - “DON'T YELP!”
Contact medical license defense lawyers near you at 925-291-5388 to defend you against allegations of misconduct.
Stanford-affiliated medical center banned from treating some of state’s sickest children
Are Insurance Companies Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Investigate Doctors?
Horowitz in Ukraine - Questions Minister of Economy (white collar case)
Link to California Osteopathic Medical Board Enforcement Actions
Link to California Medical Board of California Enforcement Actions
Criminals have More Due Process Rights than Doctors
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Public Service and Community
Daniel Horowitz turned down many offers to join large law firms in their trial departments. Staying in the Lafayette Community, participating in school activities, local music programs and local athletics was more important to him. Dan is a long serving member of the Lafayette Crime Prevention Commission and a strong supporter of LPIE, Generations in Jazz, the Chamber of Commerce, Acalanes sports and many other Lafayette and Contra Costa County charities and community organizations.
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Lawyers in Lafayette, Contra Costa County, New York, & Washington State
Martin Garbus: Legendary First Amendment Attorney
Based in New York, Martin Garbus has collaborated with us on cases spanning from Ukraine to New York. Currently, we’re defending two journalists in Washington D.C. who were sued for “trespass” after going undercover to uncover a major news story. His extensive work includes over 30 articles in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times. His life and career are also the subject of the documentary film “Shouting Fire.” Garbus received the Fulbright Award for his contributions to International Human Rights in 2010.
Dan Russo: Seasoned Criminal Defense Specialist
From Vallejo, California, Dan Russo has an impressive track record of over 300 jury trials. His expertise in criminal defense is unmatched.
Brookes Hammock: Dedicated Medical Profession Attorney
Licensed in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Brookes Hammock is committed to protecting the vibrancy and independence of the medical profession.
Anne Bremner: Powerhouse Attorney in Washington State
Anne Bremner leads our physician defense group in Washington State. Her expertise and dedication make her a formidable advocate for our clients.
Dr. Mark Ravis: Physician Lawyer
Headquartered in Calabasas, California, Dr. Mark Ravis is our physician lawyer. Recently, he and Daniel Horowitz secured a significant victory in a worker’s compensation fraud criminal case in Orange County. All charges against their clients were dismissed based on demurrer and Fifth Amendment due process grounds.
Lawyers in Lafayette is not a law firm. It is a group of lawyers with independent practices. Offices are in Lafayette, Napa, Vallejo and Calabasas. Each lawyer on this website is an independent lawyer with a separate practice.
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Introducing Dr. Mark Ravis Physician - Lawyer / Medical Doctor
Comprehensive Medical Defense Team: Protecting
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Deeply Involved in Community Service
Daniel Horowitz: A Dedicated Community Advocate
City of Lafayette, Crime Prevention Commission
For over eight years, Daniel Horowitz has served on the City of Lafayette’s Crime Prevention Commission. His dedication to safety and community well-being drives his active participation, making Lafayette a safer place for all residents.
Chamber of Commerce Membership
As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Daniel supports local businesses and fosters economic growth. His engagement strengthens Lafayette’s business community, contributing to a thriving local economy.
Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE)
Daniel is a major contributor to Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE), an organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for Lafayette students. His investment in education positively impacts the community’s future, ensuring that students have access to quality learning experiences.
Support for Acalanes High School Sports
Recognizing the importance of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and community spirit, Daniel champions Acalanes High School sports. His support helps nurture young athletes and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.
Generations In Jazz and Artistic Community
Daniel Horowitz actively supports Generations In Jazz and the vibrant Lafayette artistic community. His passion for the arts enriches the local cultural landscape, providing residents with diverse cultural experiences.
Physician Lawyers - California
Your career is dedicated to patient care – Let our Physician Lawyers take care of you!
Our practice is headquartered in Lafayette, California. Lafayette is a suburb of San Francisco and next door to Walnut Creek (Contra Costa County). Dr. Mark Ravis' office is in Calabasas, California an hour from Los Angeles. We represent doctors throughout California and we are Zoom and tech friendly. (Dan Horowitz was one of the first attorneys to bring a computer into the courtroom. In 1983 he brought a Gnat System 10 to a preliminary hearing. [We are trying to confirm whether this was the first use of a computer in a courtroom.]
For out of state cases we have established relationships with top trial lawyers in Texas, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In Washington state we work with powerhouse Anne Bremner. In New York we partner with a truly legendary lawyer, Martin Garbus.
Recent Successes
Our legal teams have had many recent successful defenses of medical professionals. In 2022 we had a filed Accusation dismissed and all records of the filing removed.
We prevented numerous license suspensions and negotiated multiple cases to treatment and diversion rather than public sanction. Our lawsuits on behalf of physicians and patients have made the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle twice in 2022.
Our victories include the complete vindication of doctor Rebecca Parish as we proved that only the severely ill and elderly received vaccinations at her FREE COVID clinic. We argued for FDA emergency exceptions for vaccine clinic doctors that got extra doses from overfilled vials and gave them without cost to persons in need. Dr. Judson Brandeis received over $ 1.5 million dollars from Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology and Pacific Urology as the judge found intentional wrongdoing on the part of one of the Pacific Urology doctors and a staff member. In another case a doctor whose legal matters had gone on for over 6 years resolved these matters within months of hiring Daniel Horowitz.
Team Formation
Medical license defense requires a team of lawyers led by a trial lawyer. The peer review process or medical board are not places for the general practitioner. You need a lawyer and a legal team that is honed to that specific area of representation. For contested hearings in courtrooms, at administrative hearings or in board or peer review matters we can provide you with lawyers who have spent years of their lives physically in courtrooms.
Our team is deep. We bring to your case a physician lawyer, an MBA, former U.S. Attorney investigator, former top prosecutors and other team members with special expertise. We form teams where each member contributes a unique skill set. Beware the contract lawyer who “also” handles medical board matters. He/she is usually not the best lawyer for a case requiring years of experience and specialized skills. Likewise, we will honestly tell you when we are not the best lawyer for your needs. We can often refer you to someone who is a better fit.
Doctors Charged with Crimes or Facing a Messy Divorce
For criminal cases, high conflict divorce or other matters that can spill over to threaten your license, our team is well suited. We can move between the state courts and the medical board or hospital to mitigate the harms from DUI arrests, DV claims and other allegations of misconduct. In all instances we custom select lawyers, investigators and paralegals with a depth of experience in your area. We have excellent relationships with experts and expert witnesses who respect our work and often preferentially agree to work on cases with us.
Karina Johnson has represented physicians in divorce actions for many years and she is expert in protecting your practice and professional growth. Karina Johnson worked with Physicians Advocates in Walnut Creek, California (Attorney Charles Bond) and now has her own practice.
WHAT CASES DOES THE MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA HANDLE?
The Medical Board of California (Board) investigates complaints involving:
- Medical doctors (M.D.s) not O.D.'s who have a separate board. (Osteopathic Medical Board)
- Midwives
- Polysomnographic trainees, technicians and technologists
- Research psychoanalysts
How the Horowitz Medical Group Approaches a Case
We can work quickly. We understand that a completely unfounded – 15 day summary suspension can lead to medical board investigation(s) that last for months. The medical board investigations can continue even if the suspension is reversed. As physician lawyers we understand your needs and your vulnerabilities. We truly understand.
Remember, the Medical Board is controlled by a group of political appointees and the DCA. To negotiate with these groups it is critical to understand their interests and priorities. Our expertise covers trial law, medicine and the nuances of medical legal practice.
The Horowitz Medical Law group is rare in having expertise in all three areas. We are always tactical. We are always strategically oriented. We look many moves ahead. We balance what can be achieved with a combative approach and what is in your best long term interest.
For a fast response call our office at 925-291-5388. You will reach a real person who is physically in our office. Or fill out our confidential physician contact form below and we will contact you very quickly.
Client Testimonials
Contra Costa County Location - National Reputation for Excellence
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I can not say enough about Mr. Horowitz and his staff. Brook was amazing to myself and my family. My case was very unique. He believed in me and listened to what I had to say. I highly recommend him and his staff. Yvett Bline- Yvett Bline
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Dan Horowitz handled my complex business issue with magnanimity, compassion, care, promptness, and utmost professionalism. I'm an Attorney and would highly recommend him to other professionals (and others alike) because he's the very BEST at what he does and has an uncanny knack at finding unique resolutions with unparalleled speed and efficiency. What is quite outatanding is that he treats each client with kindness and compassion as if a family member- Lovely K.
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I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Daniel Horowitz. He not only possesses an in-depth understanding of the law but also demonstrated a genuine commitment to me. He took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, providing clear and concise explanations of the legal processes involved in my case. He made me feel heard and supported during this tumultuous time. What impressed me most was his unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for me. The attention to detail and strategic approach to my case were evident at every stage. I am eternally grateful towards Daniel for what he has done for me and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you Dan- Kento T.
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Daniel and his team did an excellent job. He was always readily available to take my call and provided peace of mind through a stressful situation.- Reid V.
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My experience with Dan was great. I appreciate the knowledge Dan has and the professionalism they exhibit. I would highly recommend the Law Office Of Daniel Horowitz. My family and I are truly grateful we worked with him.- Brandon D.
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There are lawyers and then there are real lawyers. Dan Horowitz is a real lawyer in every since of the word. Dan is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. You will not find very many attorneys having such recognition especially one that hits on all cylinders as Dan. In addition to his knowledge of the law and his experience, which I found to be unmatched, i appreciated the fact that he at all times is genuine, which for me says it all. Thank you Dan.- Cory N.
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“The Best Attorney I Could Have Asked For.”- Katherine Ryken
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Dan Horowitz was the best attorney I could have asked for during a difficult time in my career. From the moment I met him, I felt believed, respected, and safe. He and his team were endlessly responsive and empathetic to me and my family. He fought for my case day and night, always keeping my best interests at the forefront of his mind. As I learned from Dan, it is never a good time in one’s life to need legal representation - but if you need it, Dan is your person, your advocate, and your best friend. We are forever grateful for his tireless commitment to justice for the people.- Katherine R.