Contra Costa County Physician Impairment Lawyer
Physician Impairment - A Disciplinary Focus Issue
The Medical Board of California focuses a great deal of energy on physician impairment. A large number of Accusations are filed against physicians who are impaired and then fail to attend treatment programs. November 14, 2023 was finally the end of the comment period as the Medical Board develops its “Regulations for the MBC Physician Health and Wellness Program”. But discipline is not the only issue for an impaired physician.
Criminal Statutes Affecting an Impaired Physician
Understanding Business and Professions Code § 2239: Physician Impairment and Unprofessional Conduct
Business and Professions Code § 2239 addresses the misuse of controlled substances, dangerous drugs, or alcohol by physicians, categorizing such actions as unprofessional conduct. The main section states:
(a) The use, prescribing, or self-administration of any controlled substance, or the use of any dangerous drugs specified in Section 4022, or alcoholic beverages, to the extent or in a manner that is dangerous or injurious to the licensee, others, or the public, or that impairs the licensee’s ability to practice medicine safely, or multiple misdemeanors or any felony involving these substances, constitutes unprofessional conduct. The record of the conviction is conclusive evidence of such unprofessional conduct.
The final sentence, “The record of the conviction is conclusive evidence of such unprofessional conduct,” ties the crime and discipline together. A pertinent medical-legal question arises: If the Medical Board of California (MBC) establishes diversion programs for impaired physicians, does this protect the doctor from criminal prosecution under Section 2239?
According to criminal defense specialist Daniel Horowitz, the short answer is “no.” The longer answer is that it might, but only through negotiation which is an inexact process that creates significant stress for the accused doctor.
Business and Professions Code § 2280
A related section is Business & Professions Code section 2280. This law prohibits a physician from practicing medicine while under the influence of any narcotic drug or alcohol if it
impairs their ability to conduct the practice of medicine safely.
Grey Areas in Physician Criminal Law & License Law
Interpreting these statutes is not always straightforward. For example, B&P 2239 precludes using alcohol or drugs in a “dangerous or injurious” manner, or “to the extent that such use impairs the ability of the licensee to practice medicine safely”. A smart attorney tried to argue that his client only violated one of these two criteria. He lost. The court in Watson v. Superior Court (App. 3 Dist. 2009) 98 Cal.Rptr.3d 715 ruled that the impairment was “either or” and not “both”.
In another Physical Therapy board case there was a four-year delay between the alcohol involved car accident and the imposition of discipline by Physical Therapy Board of California. This seems unfair. The therapist may well have been a completely changed person living a new and wonderful life. The board didn’t care. Discipline was fully imposed even though the therapist had no further documented incidents of alcohol-related misconduct during interim period. That case is Walker v. Physical Therapy Bd. of California (App. 4 Dist. 2017) 225 Cal.Rptr.3d 70,
Why Choose Daniel Horowitz as Your “Impairment Case Lawyer?”
Just like physicians, lawyers can earn board certifications. Daniel Horowitz is one of the few physician defense lawyers who is a board-certified criminal defense specialist. Certified for 30 years by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, Daniel’s expertise in criminal defense perfectly complements his practice in defending physicians.
If you need help, please call Daniel Horowitz for expert legal support.
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.