Step‑by‑Step Guide: How Medical License Investigations Work in Tennessee

When a Tennessee health‑care professional is notified of a complaint, it can threaten reputation, employment, and the ability to practice. Understanding the basic investigation steps helps you respond strategically rather than out of fear.​

Understanding that processes can change, we wanted to give you an overview that applies broadly to physicians, nurses, pharmacists, advanced practice providers, therapists, and other licensed medical professionals in Tennessee.​

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Who Handles Complaints?

Most complaints are routed through the Tennessee Department of Health and then to the appropriate professional licensing board, such as the Boards of Medical Examiners, Nursing, or Pharmacy. Each board enforces its own practice act and rules, which define misconduct and authorize discipline ranging from reprimand to license revocation.​

Complaints may involve clinical care, documentation, prescribing, boundaries, substance use, or criminal issues, and can be filed by patients, employers, coworkers, other licensees, or sometimes anonymously.​

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Step 1: Filing and Screening of the Complaint

A complaint is usually submitted online or in writing, identifying the licensee and describing the concern. Department staff decide whether the complaint is within a Tennessee board’s jurisdiction and, if true, could violate applicable laws or rules; clearly non‑actionable complaints may be closed at this early stage.​

For complaints that remain, a board consultant (a licensee from that profession) and a board attorney typically perform an initial review to decide whether a full investigation is warranted.​

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Step 2: Notice to the Licensee and Early Response

If the matter is opened for investigation, the licensee generally receives written notice describing the broad allegations and requesting a written response or records. An investigator may also request an interview or additional information.​

At this stage, unguarded statements or incomplete responses can create lasting problems. Working with counsel such as Hagar & Phillips allows you to submit a clear, accurate response that addresses concerns without unnecessary admissions or harmful wording.​

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Step 3: Investigation and Evidence Gathering

An investigator then collects information to evaluate the complaint, which may include:​

• Patient or medical records, pharmacy logs, or therapy notes
• Billing or prescribing data and controlled‑substance documentation
• Interviews with the complainant, coworkers, supervisors, and other witnesses
• Employer incident reports, peer‑review materials, or criminal court records​

Boards often have subpoena power and may order evaluations if there are questions about a licensee’s fitness to practice or substance use. Investigations can last several months, depending on volume and complexity.​

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Step 4: Confidentiality and Informal Outcomes

Investigations are generally confidential until formal charges or public discipline are imposed. Before any hearing, many boards use informal processes (such as screening panels or conferences) to decide whether to close the case, issue a non‑disciplinary letter, or offer a consent order that may include education, monitoring, restrictions, or other terms.​

Even “minor” discipline can affect employment, credentialing, and licensing in other states, so every proposed consent order should be reviewed carefully with counsel. Hagar & Phillips helps evaluate options, negotiate terms, and decide whether settlement or litigation makes more sense.​

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Step 5: Formal Charges and Hearing

If the board believes there is sufficient evidence, it may authorize formal charges, which are prosecuted in an administrative process that includes notice, discovery, and a hearing. At the hearing, the state presents witnesses and documents, and the licensee can cross‑examine, offer expert testimony, and present a defense.​

Outcomes range from dismissal to reprimand, probation, restrictions, suspension, or revocation, often with written findings and the possibility of appeal or judicial review. Hagar & Phillips prepares the defense, works with experts, and safeguards due‑process rights throughout the case.​

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Step 6: Reporting and Collateral Consequences

Public discipline is often posted on state websites and may be reported to national databanks and other agencies, where it can be seen by employers, hospitals, insurers, and other licensing jurisdictions. Even limited sanctions may affect hospital privileges, employment contracts, insurance participation, and multi‑state licensure.​

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Why Early Legal Help Matters

Across professions, common investigation triggers include alleged negligent care, documentation problems, boundary violations, prescribing or dispensing issues, fraud, substance use, and certain criminal charges. How a licensee responds to the first letter or phone call often shapes whether the matter is closed, informally resolved, or escalated.​

Early involvement of experienced license defense counsel helps you:

• Understand the risks and potential outcomes
• Control communications with investigators and board counsel
• Preserve evidence and defenses from the start
• Avoid self‑inflicted damage from rushed or informal responses​

If your Tennessee medical or health‑care license is under investigation (or you have received a complaint or notice that could lead to one) contacting Hagar & Phillips promptly is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your license, your reputation, and your future. Reach out to the best license defense attorneys in Lebanon, TN at 615-784-4588.