The practice of medicine is a tightly regulated profession because it involves such a high risk of potential harm to the public. All states require that anyone wishing to practice medicine as a physician must first obtain a state license to do so. Without such a license, anyone practicing medicine in the state commits a crime.

Practicing Medicine

Each state has its own definition of what it means to practice medicine, though these definitions involved the same general type of activity. A person practices medicine whenever he or she attempts to diagnose a patient, treat medical conditions, prescribe medications or treatments, or perform surgery. The unauthorized practice of medicine also includes advertising your services as a physician, or holding yourself out to the public as a physician, doctor, surgeon, or someone licensed to practice medicine. If you actually perform medical treatments, it is not necessary for you to receive any kind of compensation to be convicted of this crime, nor do your actions have to result in harm to the patient.

Exceptions

There are some actions that are specifically excluded from the crime of practicing medicine without a license. For example, applying home remedies, offering advice, and writing about nutrition or medical conditions are not considered practicing medicine. Also, performing other types of healthcare related activities, such as acting as a pharmacist, nurse, or dentist is also not considered practicing medicine, though states also require people practicing those professions to be properly licensed.

Injury, Death, or Additional Harm

While any instance of practicing medicine without a license is a crime, some actions are more dangerous or harmful than others and states have laws that provide additional penalties for such acts. For example, a state may prohibit anyone from advertising his or her services as a physician as the illegal practice of medicine. That state may also have a law that provides for a harsher penalty if the illegal practice of medicine resulted in someone's financial, physical, or psychological harm. If someone dies as a result of the illegal practice of medicine, more serious charges, such as manslaughter, can apply.

Penalties

Depending on the circumstances of the case and the state in which the crime occurred, practicing medicine without a license can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony offense. Because of this, the severity of the potential penalties associated with this crime differ significantly among states, and even among cases in the same state.

• Jail or prison. A person convicted of a misdemeanor practicing medicine without a license crime faces a maximum jail sentence of up to one year. Felony offenses have more significant penalties associated with them, and anyone convicted of a felony offense can face eight years or more in a state prison.
• Fines. Illegally practicing medicine will also result in a potential fine. As with incarceration sentences, the amount of the fine differs among states and depends on whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanor fines will typically be no more than $1,000, though larger fines are sometimes possible. Felony fines arm much higher, and can exceed $10,000.
• Probation. If you are convicted of practicing medicine without a license, you may also face a probation sentence. Probation is designed to allow someone convicted of a crime to serve his or her punishment outside of a jail or prison setting. Probation is not a “get out of jail free” sentence, and it imposes significant limitations on what a convicted person is allowed to do. Probation sentences will last at least one year, but multiyear sentences are very common. During that time, a probationer must comply with court imposed restrictions. These commonly include making regular reports to a probation officer, allowing the officer to search your home at will, asking the officer's permission before you leave the jurisdiction or move, paying all required fines or restitution, and not committing any more crimes.
• Restitution. Any time someone illegally practices medicine and charges someone else for those services, or the illegal actions result in a victim suffering a loss, the court will also order restitution. Restitution payments go to victims to compensate them for any losses they have suffered, and amounts differ from case to case.

Find a Lawyer Near You

Even being charged with a practicing medicine without a license crime can permanently affect the rest of your life. These kinds of criminal charges are very serious, and any time you are facing an investigation or charge you need to consult a local criminal defense attorney at the first opportunity. You can be sure to protect all of your rights only if you speak to a local lawyer before making any decisions about your case or speaking with investigators. Local attorneys who understand how the local laws operate, and who have experience with area police, judges, and prosecutors are the only people who can provide you legal advice if you are facing a practicing medicine without a license criminal charge.

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