Discovering that someone has filed a false complaint against you with your professional organization can be shocking, scary and even infuriating. You may feel tempted to dismiss it as ridiculous or assume the truth will speak for itself, but even baseless and retaliatory complaints require action.
Professional licensing boards in North Carolina are charged with taking all complaints seriously, regardless of whether or not they turn out to have merit. Because of this, even unfounded allegations have the potential to lead to formal investigations and reputational damage.
If you are the victim of a false complaint, it’s essential to respond strategically from the very beginning.
Even if you’re confident the complaint will be found to be unsubstantiated, it’s still important to promptly and thoroughly address the allegations.
Most licensing board investigations are still time-sensitive, and your letter of complaint should include a deadline for you to submit a response. If you fail to do so, the board could decide to treat the complaint as valid by default.
Preserve your right to defend yourself by reviewing the complaint carefully and following the board’s instructions for responding.
The moment you become aware of a complaint, gather and secure anything that could support your case:
Acting quickly can prevent evidence from getting lost and memories from fading, but be careful to stick to the facts. Boards take documentation integrity very seriously, so avoid doing anything that could be misconstrued as altering records.
It may be tempting to contact the complainant directly to set the record straight, but doing so will likely make your situation worse and weaken your position. Don’t risk escalating the conflict or giving the complainant grounds to claim you violated their boundaries or acted unprofessionally.
It’s also wise to avoid venting about the matter online or to other clients or patients. Use the proper channels to clear your name and try to remain calm, strategic, and focused on the facts. Keep the matter private and continue delivering excellent service while the issue is resolved.
Getting a lawyer to refute a false complaint may feel like overkill, but it’s important to consider the potential harm to your reputation if the allegations were to stand.
Involving an experienced professional license defense attorney early can be the difference between a quick dismissal and a drawn-out disciplinary process. Taking decisive action as soon as you become aware of the complaint is your best strategy for making sure that a false or retaliatory claim doesn’t have a chance to drain your time and energy or disrupt your career.
Not only can your attorney assist you in getting a baseless complaint dismissed, but they can also help ensure that the allegations don’t interfere with future opportunities.
In some cases, it may be possible to have the record of the unfounded complaint removed from public view altogether. A savvy attorney will also be able to point out opportunities to refine your documentation and business practices so you are less vulnerable to false allegations in the future.
Don’t let a bad-faith complaint harm your career. At Landon White Law, we have the experience necessary to keep false complaints from escalating into threats to your reputation.
