Beyond the Board Order: Understanding the Broader Impact of Regulatory Decisions

Regulatory decisions rarely end with a board order. Whether disciplinary or non-disciplinary, licensing actions can trigger a series of downstream consequences that extend well beyond a professional's authority to practice. Employment status, specialty certifications, malpractice or professional liability insurance, hospital privileges, government program participation, and other credentials may all be affected by regulatory actions in ways that licensees—and sometimes regulators themselves—do not fully anticipate.

This session will explore how licensing decisions interact with the broader professional ecosystem. A panel representing regulatory bodies, credentialing or certification organizations, legal counsel, and other stakeholders will examine how information is shared between organizations, how external entities evaluate regulatory actions, and where misunderstandings commonly arise. The discussion will also consider how regulators can better communicate potential collateral consequences to licensees while maintaining their primary responsibility of public protection.

Participants will gain a broader understanding of the interconnected nature of professional regulation and identify practical strategies to improve transparency, communication, and collaboration across the regulatory landscape.

The session concludes with an off-the-record (i.e., not being recorded) Q&A and open discussion, offering attendees a candid forum to ask questions and exchange ideas.

Learning Objectives: 

• Describe common collateral consequences that may result from licensing actions beyond the regulatory process.
• Explain how employers, certification bodies, insurers, and other organizations use regulatory information when making independent decisions. 
• Identify opportunities for regulators to improve communication with licensees regarding potential downstream impacts. 
• Recognize the importance of collaboration and information sharing among regulators and related organizations while maintaining each entity's distinct responsibilities. 

Speakers:
Ruth Hafer, Senior Credentials and Licensure Manager, American Board of Internal Medicine
Sarah Bradley, Deputy Executive Director, Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners
Jennifer Garrett, Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Jon Pellett, Attorney, Pennington P.A.