Is there any possible way that someone convicted of a felony can ever
become a doctor (M.D.)?

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Request for Question Clarification by andrewxmp-ga on 17 Jul 2004 22:39 PDT

Hi,

What state are you from?  Given that you graduate from medical school,
it appears that the laws about doctor's licenses are determined by
each state, and I found the answer for a number of states....and could
probably find it for yours.   Also, I can answer possible questions
about how a felony might affect the whole process of becoming a
doctor.  Thanks, and I look forward to finding your information!

-Andrew

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Clarification of Question by ron9981-ga on 18 Jul 2004 08:36 PDT

Andrew,

Thanks for your reply. I have written a screenplay about a doctor that
formerly served time in a federal prison. I have received very
positive feedback from those who have read it.

The last person to read it told me that it was impossible for someone
with a felony conviction to become a doctor. My research on the web
has been inconclusive.

What I want to know is under what conditions, if any, a person can get
an M.D. and become a surgeon after they have been convicted of a
felony.

The state to check for would be California for certain and if it's not
possible there, what states would allow it.

Thanks for your help. It's really appreciated. I've never used this
service before and it's really helpful.

Ron

Ron,

Your research has likely been inconclusive because it is very
difficult to find a law that does not exist!  However, I have a found
a few official doccuments that require doctor in california to
disclose any felony convictions, therefore proving that they may in
fact practice with a past conviction.

"23A. Have you ever been convicted of, or pled nolo contendere to, ANY
violation (include every misdemeanor or felony) of any local, state,
or federal law of any state, territory, or U.S. federal juristiction?"
[ http://www.medbd.ca.gov/L1.pdf ]
Pg. 3 - Application for Physician's and Surgeon's License, Medical
Board of California


"(e) California felony convictions reported to the board on or after
January 1, 1991, including the nature of the conviction, the date of
conviction, the sentence, if known, the court of juristiction, and an
appropriate disclaimer, including but not limited to, the accuracy of
the infomation provided"
[ http://www.medbd.ca.gov/MBC_Regulations.pdf ]
Medical Board of California, Title 16, Article 16, 1354.5:
Requirements for Information Disclosure

Clearly, physicians may hold or apply for a licence if they have been
previously convicted of a felony, however they must describe the
conviction in detail.  I am somewhat unclear as to what the January
1991 date refers to, it seems that either one does not have to report
convictions before that date, or perhaps before that date a conviction
did actually stop one from becoming a physician.  If this is relevant
(namely, if your story takes place before 1991), then I can look
furher into it if necessary.  Otherwise, I trust this information will
be sufficient.  If you need a clarification, however, please request
one before rating this answer.  Thank you for bringing your question
to Google Answers!

Regards,
Andrewxmp

Search terms used:
california medical license

This researcher did a great job as it's very hard to find the answer
to this question definitively. Instead he found indirect evidence and
provided several examples. Great work.

this thread is actually quiet interesting...I am actually from
caliornia and have a felony conviction and i am on a quest to become a
surgeon...For 10 years, i have been hesistant because no one gives me
a solid answer...I called the board in california, and they even said
that i'll have to wait until i get to that point...SO i am going to
apply to med school next year..