DUI Blog Posts | Spital & Associates

IS REPORTING MANDATORY?

Posted on February 21, 2021 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

Our communications are not intended to deal exclusively with mandatory reporting requirements, whether applicable or not. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is found in the California Government Code, section 11340 et seq. This statute establishes “rulemaking” procedures and standards for California state agencies. Additionally, California regulations must be in compliance with regulations adopted by OAL (see California Code of Regulations, title 1, sections 1-280). The California Code of Regulations is the official publication of regulations adopted, amended or repealed by California state agencies. Reporting requirements vary from state to state and may be different from one California Regulatory Agency to another. The mandated reporting can be found in the particular license “Practice Act” as well as the rules and regulations that apply to the profession or occupation.

Example for a Pharmacist: ANY controlled substance loss, small or large, must be reported to the California Board of Pharmacy (BOP) within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of loss when it was a result of the theft by a licensed employee, or when it is from any other type of loss, within thirty (30) calendar days.

Example for an RN: is the reporting of convictions by Applicants for an RN license issued by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). All prior convictions substantially related to the duties, functions and/or qualifications of a registered nurse are reviewed by the BRN on a case by case basis. Since July 1, 2020, applicants are not asked about their prior criminal conviction history, but they will be discovered upon the Board’s receipt of an individual’s fingerprint results.The Board will not generally take action on convictions older than seven years, however, there are several exceptions, such as a serious felony that includes approximately 42 different crimes. Upon renewal of a nurse’s license, the BRN requires nurses to disclose whether they have had ANY license disciplined by a government agency or other disciplinary body; or if they have been convicted of any crime in any state, U.S. territory, military court or other country since their last renewal. Failing to disclose ANY conviction may be grounds for disciplinary action as the government will contend you falsified information required on your renewal form; this is mandatory even when a conviction is expunged. As stated earlier in this paragraph, any felony or misdemeanor conviction substantially related to the duties, functions and/or qualifications of a registered nurse can be the basis for disciplinary action.

Example for a Physician, who is licensed in California is required to notify the Medical Board (MBC) of certain specific occurrences. Reporting forms and links are set forth below. Pursuant to California Business & Professions Code:

§ 801.01(b)(2), a licensee must report malpractice settlements over $30,000 and judgments or arbitration awards of any amount, if the licensee does not possess professional liability insurance. (See Report of Settlement, Judgment or Arbitration Award)
§ 802.1, a licensee must report:
An indictment or information charging a felony against the licensee.
A conviction, including any verdict of guilty, or plea of guilty or no contest, of any felony or misdemeanor. (See Physician Reporting – Criminal Actions)
§2240, a licensee who performs a medical procedure outside of a general acute care hospital, that results in the death of any patient on whom that medical treatment was performed by the licensee, or by a person acting under the licensee’s orders or supervision, shall report, in writing, on a form prescribed by the board, that occurrence to the board within 15 days after the occurrence. (See Outpatient Surgery – Patient Death Reporting Form)
§ 2021, each licensee shall report to the board each and every change of address within 30 days after each change. (See Notification of Name Change and Address of Record )

In nearly every case, a major part of the focus of SPITAL AND ASSOCIATES is to utilize an approach that is fully transparent, and to build a defense and “offense.” For example, we seek to distinguish the facts and issues underlying a criminal case. This comprehensive approach is intended to refute and/or marginalize the negative allegations, inferences and conclusions in the underlying law enforcement report. At times, an individual is charged with &/or there are accusations that do not on the surface appear problematic. Yet, a Regulatory Agency may choose to open an investigation.

We begin with a laser focused analysis of all of the facts and circumstances, and a pivotal strategy to develop a lengthy and comprehensive written presentation, 60 to 75 pages, so that our client is not defined by the actual and perceived conclusions regarding an underlying case. In addition, we pursue and underscore exculpatory evidence and other proof by initiating steps that minimize the risk our client is charged with unprofessional conduct &/or other grounds for disciplinary action. We do not gamble on the Regulatory Agency claiming the underlying situation is substantially related to the duties, functions and qualifications of a licensed professional or occupation. We also do not want to gamble the governmental agency may not perceive there is a basis to conclude a possible threat to the health and safety of the public; nor do we want to risk by assuming that unequivocally the underlying matter does not evince unfitness, lack of good judgment, etc.

Please note the CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, 16 CCR § 1444 states: [§ 1444. Substantial Relationship Criteria]. “A conviction or act shall be considered to be substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a registered nurse if to a substantial degree it evidences the present or potential unfitness of a registered nurse to practice in a manner consistent with the public health, safety, or welfare Such convictions or acts shall include but not be limited to the following: [Emphasis Added; we prefer to error on the side of caution and, therefore, have provided the information herein]: (a) Assaultive or abusive conduct including, but not limited to, those violations listed in subdivision (d) of Penal Code Section 11160. (b) Failure to comply with any mandatory reporting requirements. (c) Theft, dishonesty, fraud, or deceit. (d) Any conviction or act subject to an order of registration pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code (Emphasis Added).

We understand a previous case may be unsettling; however, our role is to level the playing field and we do so by underscoring in a long written argument both a defense and offense. If you have a situation you would like us to be of assistance, do not hesitate to send an email [or call us at 1.619.583.0350] during our regular hours of 8:30 am to 8:30 pm seven (7) days a week.

2016 New California Laws

Posted on January 2, 2016 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

There are about 800 new California laws that went into effect on January 1, 2016. Here are a few noted by the following topics:

Driving Under the Influence – drivers convicted of a DUI (whether alcohol or drugs) in four California counties [Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento & Turlare], under an existing program that will remain in effect until July 1, 2017 will be required to install an ignition-interlock device (IID) on their cars. The IID registers alcohol on the driver’s breath, and is designed to prevent the vehicle from starting based on a pre-determined level of blood alcohol.

Earbuds – earphones, headsets or earbuds in both ears cannot be used while driving a vehicle or bicycle

Electronic Surveillance – the police, sheriff and law enforcement must first obtain a search warrant before accessing your e-mail, text, social media, data and other electronic information, unless it is determined to be an emergency situation.

Gun ban – those who have a CCW permit (individual who may legally carry a concealed weapon) will not be allowed to bring their guns on school and/or college campuses without advance permission from the school or campus authority.

Gun-violence restraining order – individuals who fear a family member could hurt their self or others can apply to the court for a gun-violence restraining order to limit the person’s access to firearms for up to one year

Medical marijuana rules – a statewide agency will now license and regulate all aspects of the cultivation, manufacture, transportation, storage, distribution and sale of medical marijuana.

Motor-voter registration – adults who apply for or renew a California driver’s license will automatically be registered to vote, although one can opt out if you do not want to be registered.

School Children – must be vaccinated to go to public school

Toy guns – are outlawed (can’t be displayed) in public unless brightly colored such as red, pink or yellow

Work Pay – equal pay is required for men & women. It is not less burdensome for a female employee to challenge her employer if there appears to be a disparity in the pay women receive in contrast to men performing similar work. Employers are also barred from prohibiting workers from talking about their &/or their co-workers’ pay in order to determine wage fairness. The minimum wage in California is now $10/hr. However, fewer minimum wage earners now work a full 40 hour work week as a result of the expanded wage, health, and benefit laws involved in operating a business.

This is a summary only and not intended to constitute legal advice. For the official webpage and guide of the Bills the California Legislature enacted in 2015, click: Bills Enacted in 2015

Intoxicated Passenger Unable to Collect from Taxi Service

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

A taxi company and its driver were sued for wrongful death (negligence) when a passenger who was intoxicated exited the cab, and then within a half an hour walked into heavy traffic and was killed by a drunk driver.

On March 11, 2015, a Santa Barbara Court jury concluded the decedent’s mother could not collect even though the municipal law required a taxi driver to allow a passenger to exit only at a curb.

The Plaintiff’s lawyer argued the taxi cab was a common carrier and owed a higher standard (duty) of care to ensure the safety of its customers. The outcome was not based upon a lack of negligence by the defendants, and/or any one of them, however, but their neglect was deemed not the proximate cause of the death of the passenger. In other words, the conduct was not a substantial factor causing the death of the passenger in both time and location.

It is noteworthy that the 78 year old driver of the vehicle that struck and killed the victim was arrested and charged with felony hit and run. His blood alcohol was three times the legal limit, he entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to one year in the County Jail and three years’ probation. His insurance carrier paid the family who settled for policy limits of $30,000.

The case is: Quintanar v. Absolute Cab LLC., et al. (Santa Barbara Super. Ct., originally filed May 13, 2014).