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Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer / Denver Medical License DUI Lawyer

Denver Medical License DUI Lawyer

What Physicians and Nurses Need to Know

If you’re a physician or nurse in Colorado and have been charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), it’s essential to understand how this can impact your medical license. While Colorado’s medical statutes do not explicitly address alcohol-related driving convictions as a direct cause for license suspension or revocation, there are serious implications if it leads to concerns over substance abuse or unprofessional conduct.

How DUI Convictions Affect Medical Licenses in Colorado

Under C.R.S. §§ 12-240-120 et seq., the Colorado Medical Board and State Board of Nursing can take disciplinary action against physicians and nurses due to alcohol or drug addictions. Although there is no direct provision that links a DUI conviction to medical license suspension, alcohol-related driving offenses may be seen as part of a larger pattern of unprofessional conduct.

Unprofessional Conduct and Substance Abuse Issues

For physicians, C.R.S. § 12-240-120(1)(b) allows for license denial, suspension, or revocation due to unprofessional conduct, which can include the habitual abuse of alcohol or drugs. Under C.R.S. § 12-240-121(1)(e), habitual or excessive use of alcohol, which refers to repeated, uncontrolled drinking, can lead to sanctions. This includes:

  • Letter of admonition
  • Suspension for a definite or indefinite period
  • Revocation of your medical license
  • Fines of up to $5,000 (C.R.S. § 12-240-125(5)(c)(III))

Similarly, for nurses, alcohol and drug addictions can lead to license discipline. The Board of Nursing is primarily concerned with whether a DUI conviction is indicative of substance abuse. If so, this could lead to an investigation, which may include a requirement for a psychological or substance abuse evaluation.

Reporting DUI Convictions and Administrative Actions

While C.R.S. § 12-240-121 doesn’t mandate self-reporting for a DUI conviction, physicians and nurses must report any alcohol-related driving convictions on their annual license renewal applications. Hospitals may also require the disclosure of such events when applying for privileges to admit patients. Failure to report a DUI or drug-related driving offense could be grounds for disciplinary action.

Board Investigation and Required Evaluations

When a DUI or drug-related driving offense is reported, the Colorado Medical Board or State Board of Nursing may investigate whether the incident is part of a broader substance abuse issue. This may involve:

  • A thorough review of the facts surrounding the offense
  • A psychological evaluation or substance abuse evaluation to determine whether you have a problem that could impact your ability to safely practice medicine or nursing

Nurse or Physician Facing DUI Charge? Contact Us Today!

For physicians and nurses in Colorado, a DUI conviction or alcohol-related driver’s license action can have serious consequences, especially if it points to a substance abuse issue. While these convictions are not automatically grounds for license suspension or revocation, they must be reported, and an investigation could follow if the Board suspects a pattern of unprofessional conduct. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s crucial to work with a legal expert familiar with the regulations governing medical licenses to ensure you protect both your career and your reputation. Contact us today at DeChant Law for aggressive representation to set you up for the best possible outcome by calling 303-409-7500.