Vermont licensees across dozens of professions, including nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, veterinarians, optometrists, cosmetologists, and nursing home administrators, are regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation (“OPR”). A complaint from a patient, client, coworker, or employer can be a serious matter for any licensed professional.
Many licensees don’t realize that the OPR process typically begins quietly. Before any formal charges are filed, a licensee is usually contacted by an OPR investigator gathering information about the complaint. That early conversation matters. It is often the best opportunity to tell your side of the story clearly and persuasively, before the matter escalates further. Handled well, an early response can be the difference between a complaint that is closed with no action and one that turns into formal disciplinary proceedings. That is why the moment you learn of a complaint, even before an investigator reaches out, is the right time to talk to counsel.
Sheehey’s professional regulation defense attorneys have extensive experience guiding professionals through every stage of this process, from that first investigative contact through hearings before a licensing board and, where necessary, summary suspension proceedings. Because OPR’s prosecutors work across many different regulated professions, Sheehey attorneys who regularly appear before OPR have built familiarity with those prosecutors that can help move a case toward a fair and efficient resolution. Ian Carleton, Kevin Lumpkin, Hannah Waite, Devin McKnight, Justin Brown, and Alex Nelson all regularly represent licensees in front of OPR and are well known to the prosecutors who staff it.
Our attorneys have represented physicians, dentists, nurses, midwives, accountants, social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists, veterinarians, pharmacists, cosmetologists, optometrists, nursing home administrators, and other licensed professionals in matters before OPR and other regulatory bodies. Ian, Kevin, and Hannah have also served as special disciplinary counsel for the Professional Responsibility Board, investigating and prosecuting attorneys accused of wrongdoing. That experience seeing the process from both sides helps them better advocate for Sheehey clients.
If you have received notice of a complaint, or have been contacted by an OPR investigator, do not wait to get the right advice. Contact Sheehey Furlong & Behm to discuss how our team can help.
