Practicing medicine in Florida comes with a set of strict professional and ethical standards enforced by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Board of Medicine. If a physician fails to meet these standards, they risk serious consequences, including disciplinary action that can impact their medical license, reputation, and ability to practice. While most physicians are familiar with the basic rules of patient care, many don’t realize that disciplinary action can also stem from business-related issues and supervision failures. For those holding medical licenses in multiple states, the stakes are even higher because discipline in Florida can have a ripple effect, triggering consequences elsewhere.

Common Reasons Physicians Face Discipline

One of the most frequent reasons physicians find themselves in trouble is failing to meet the standard of care. This can happen in several ways, such as misdiagnosing a patient, delaying treatment, or not following up on critical test results. Mistakes in performing procedures or prescribing medications improperly can also lead to an investigation by the DOH. When patients suffer harm due to these errors, the physician may face fines, probation, or even suspension of their license.

Another major issue is improper prescribing of controlled substances. Florida has some of the toughest opioid regulations in the country, and physicians who overprescribe or fail to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) can quickly find themselves under scrutiny. Some physicians have unknowingly become part of “pill mills,” where large amounts of controlled substances are prescribed without medical necessity. Those caught in these situations have not only lost their licenses but, in some cases, have faced criminal charges.

Medical record violations are another common source of disciplinary action. Physicians are required to keep accurate and complete records, and failing to do so—whether through poor documentation, altering records, or refusing to release them when required—can result in an investigation. These documentation errors often overlap with billing violations, leading to allegations of healthcare fraud. Many physicians have been disciplined for billing for services that were never provided, charging for more expensive procedures than what was actually performed, or splitting fees improperly. Even if these fraudulent billing practices are initiated by an office administrator or billing manager, the physician is still held accountable. Florida law makes it clear that physicians are responsible for ensuring that their billing practices comply with the law, and ignorance about what’s happening in their own back office is not a valid excuse.

Ethical and professional misconduct is another area where physicians face serious consequences. Engaging in sexual misconduct, harassment, or inappropriate relationships with patients can lead to immediate disciplinary action and, in some cases, criminal charges. Even behavior that occurs outside the medical office, such as a DUI or domestic violence charge, can impact a physician’s license if it is deemed unprofessional.

Substance abuse and mental health issues also put a physician’s license at risk. Florida offers the Professionals Resource Network (PRN), a program that allows impaired physicians to seek treatment while keeping their licenses. However, those who refuse treatment or relapse may find themselves facing license suspension or revocation.

With the rise of telemedicine, disciplinary action is also becoming more common for virtual care violations. Physicians must follow strict guidelines when treating patients online. Prescribing medications without a proper evaluation, failing to comply with telehealth documentation requirements, or providing care across state lines without the correct licensure can all lead to significant penalties.

How Business Decisions Can Put a Physician’s License at Risk

Physicians are often so focused on patient care that they overlook how business-related decisions in their practice can affect their medical license. Even when they aren’t directly involved in administrative decisions, they are still responsible for ensuring their practice operates legally and ethically.

One major issue is corporate practice of medicine (CPOM) violations. In Florida, non-physicians are not allowed to own, operate, or control medical decisions. This means that if an investor, administrator, or business owner is calling the shots on medical treatment, the physician’s license is on the line. Some doctors have unknowingly worked in clinics that were controlled by non-physicians, only to later face disciplinary action when the DOH determined the practice was violating CPOM laws.

Financial arrangements can also be a legal minefield. Many physicians don’t realize that kickbacks —such as receiving money for referring patients to a lab, imaging center, or pharmacy—are strictly illegal under both Florida and federal laws. Similarly, fee-splitting, where a physician shares a portion of medical fees with a non-physician, is another major violation. Even if the physician is not the one setting up these financial agreements, they can still be held responsible if they benefit from the arrangement. One Florida physician was disciplined after he referred patients for unnecessary genetic testing in exchange for cash payments. Even though others may have orchestrated the scheme, the physician’s involvement led to severe penalties.

Supervision of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) is another area where business decisions can put a physician’s license at risk. Some practice managers hire and assign tasks to NPs and PAs without proper oversight, but the supervising physician is still responsible for their actions. If an NP or PA prescribes controlled substances improperly, performs procedures they aren’t licensed for, or practices outside their scope, the physician can be disciplined—even if they were unaware of what was happening.

What Happens if a Physician Holds Medical Licenses in Multiple States?

For physicians licensed in multiple states, a disciplinary action in Florida can have serious consequences elsewhere. Many state medical boards share information, so when Florida imposes discipline, other states may initiate their own investigations or take reciprocal action.

If a physician is facing discipline in Florida, it’s important to notify an attorney immediately. Different states have different reporting requirements, and failing to self-report an issue can lead to additional penalties. Each state’s medical board will decide independently whether to impose discipline, so physicians should be prepared to respond to multiple investigations. Additionally, disciplinary actions are often reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), which can affect credentialing, hospital privileges, and malpractice insurance rates.

Consequences of Disciplinary Action and How to Protect Your License

The severity of discipline depends on the nature of the violation, but penalties can range from fines and mandatory training to license probation, suspension, or permanent revocation. In the most serious cases, physicians may also face criminal charges or exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs, making it nearly impossible to continue practicing medicine.

To avoid these risks, physicians must stay actively involved in both the medical and business aspects of their practice. This means monitoring billing and financial agreements, ensuring proper supervision of NPs and PAs, and following controlled substance prescribing laws. And, before entering into any business arrangement, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare attorney to ensure compliance with Florida and federal laws.

Key Takeaways

Physicians have enough on their plates without worrying about the legal complexities of business operations, supervision rules, and compliance laws. However, failing to stay informed can put their medical license, career, and reputation at risk. Whether it’s ensuring that patient care meets state standards, avoiding financial violations, or properly supervising mid-level providers, physicians who take a proactive approach can protect themselves from disciplinary action. And for those who hold licenses in multiple states, staying ahead of potential issues is even more critical. In today’s complex healthcare environment, awareness and compliance are the keys to maintaining a successful medical career.