At Lype, Dest & Smith, we bring over 30 years of focused experience safeguarding the licenses, reputations, and futures of physicians across Texas.
When your license is on the line, your entire future is at risk. As San Antonio medical license defense lawyers, we understand what’s at stake when the Texas Medical Board sends that dreaded letter. At Lype, Dest & Smith, we’ve seen how fast a thriving medical career can be jeopardized by a complaint, misunderstanding, or administrative misstep. If you’ve been contacted by the Board, now is the time to act before the case takes a direction you can’t control.
Even one complaint, well-founded or not, can threaten your entire career. At Lype, Dest & Smith, we step in early, assess the risk, and respond with a strong legal strategy. Our focus as San Antonio medical license defense lawyers is to defend your license while maintaining the professional reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
Your license is more than a credential—it represents your livelihood, your education, and the trust you’ve built with your patients. An investigation or disciplinary action can lead to public records, restrictions, financial penalties, or even the loss of your ability to practice.
We treat every case with urgency because we know damage can begin long before a final decision is made. From the moment you’re notified, your professional standing and reputation are at risk.
According to the Texas Medical Board, every complaint received is subject to a preliminary evaluation. In the first 45 days, the Board assesses whether the allegation could amount to a violation of the Medical Practice Act. If it’s deemed jurisdictional, an investigation will be initiated, and your professional life will be placed under a microscope.
Many of the Board’s inquiries stem from allegations that a provider failed to meet the standard of care. This doesn’t always mean an intentional mistake—patients often report negative outcomes even if it is not the result of substandard of care. In some cases, care that is clinically sound may still be challenged if documentation lacks clarity or detail. We help clarify these situations early before the Board draws damaging conclusions.
Medical professionals are held to high standards of conduct on and off the job. The Board may investigate:
When such issues are present, professionals may be referred to or voluntarily enroll in the Texas Physician Health Program (TXPHP), which offers confidential support and monitoring for those with substance use disorders, mental illness, or physical impairments that affect practice.
Medical license investigations frequently arise from what start as administrative problems. These situations can spiral quickly, even if the original issue was unintentional. Common administrative triggers include:
These types of complaints are often filed by insurers and other payors.
One of the fastest-growing areas of investigation involves telehealth platforms, where prescriptions may be issued in large volumes without appropriate physician oversight. These platforms sometimes use provider credentials improperly, issuing prescriptions in the provider’s name without direct approval or involvement.
In some cases, a physician’s DEA number or license is misused by others within an organization, and the physician only becomes aware after the TMB contacts them. Our experience in these complex scenarios helps separate you from bad actors and shows the Board that you acted responsibly once aware of the issue.
Facing a notice from the Texas Medical Board can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. Every step that follows can carry significant legal weight, and the decisions you make in the first few days can heavily influence the outcome of your case. The clock starts ticking the moment that notice arrives.
At this stage, you need more than information; you need a defense strategy built on insight, speed, and precision. That’s where our legal team begins: by helping you regain control and chart a path forward before your reputation and practice suffer permanent damage.
The TMB follows a structured process outlined in its laws and process overview. First, a complaint is screened to see whether the allegation falls within the Board’s jurisdiction. If the claim is deemed to fall within the Board’s authority, it is assigned to an investigator. This could be a physician reviewer or an attorney depending on the type of complaint. Investigations may involve requesting charts, interviewing staff, reviewing the provider’s prescribing history, or even unannounced practice visits.
If the evidence supports the complaint, the case moves forward to an Informal Settlement Conference (ISC) and, in more severe instances, to a contested hearing before an administrative law judge.
Licensees often overlook how little time they have to respond. Once a complaint is filed and an investigation begins, the Texas Medical Board formally notifies the licensee and requests a detailed response. This response is time-sensitive and should be submitted promptly to avoid escalation. This early communication isn’t just procedural—it frames your side of the story.
Inadequate responses, especially those written without legal assistance, can unintentionally admit fault, fail to address allegations with the right evidence, or trigger more aggressive action by the Board. When defending clients, we begin by clarifying the legal basis of the complaint, collecting supporting documents, and helping you tell your story in a way that highlights both clinical soundness and ethical integrity.
Failing to respond in time, responding emotionally, or ignoring the letter altogether can permanently change the trajectory of your case. We’ve seen cases where physicians attempted to resolve the matter themselves, only to receive restrictions on their license or public reprimands because they misunderstood the allegations. Common early missteps include:
Without skilled legal advice, your defense may be compromised from the start. This is why so many professionals turn to our San Antonio medical license defense lawyers before taking their first step.
“Your legal challenges deserve precise attention and dedicated advocacy. We’re committed to navigating the complexities of law, ensuring your rights are safeguarded and your objectives achieved. Trust our experienced team to stand by you every step of the way.”
Dan Lype
Founding Attorney
Protecting your license isn’t just about knowing the law; it’s about understanding the unique challenges you face as a healthcare provider and having the skill to respond decisively at every phase. At Lype, Dest & Smith, we provide focused legal representation specifically for licensed professionals under investigation in San Antonio. We know the policies, procedures, and tendencies of the Texas licensing Medical Board, and we use that knowledge to position our clients for the best possible outcomes. Whether you’re early in the process or preparing for a formal hearing, having a skilled attorney in your corner can make all the difference in preserving your career and reputation.
We move fast. When a client hires us, we:
Any delay gives investigators an advantage while reducing your opportunity to control the direction and timing of your defense strategy.
If your case progresses to a hearing, we are trial-ready. Our team handles:
We fight with strength, clarity, and conviction not just to resolve the case but to maintain your professional reputation.
In some instances, negotiation is the smartest path. Our attorneys:
Our goal is not only defense, but preservation of your career.
San Antonio’s medical community is large, but it’s tightly connected. One complaint can spread through professional networks, employers, and credentialing staff. We’ve been here before—and we’ve helped others walk away with their licenses and careers intact.
Our firm’s reputation is built on a long record of defending Texas healthcare providers. We know the Board’s protocols, the procedural traps, and how to position your case for success. We’ve represented hundreds of professionals across specialties, and we apply that insight to every client. This depth of experience reflects the kind of advanced legal knowledge and track record that inspires trust when facing the Texas Medical Board and other regulatory agencies.
Every case is different, and so is every professional we represent. We take time to understand the context behind the complaint and tailor our defense accordingly. If your priorities include avoiding public discipline, keeping your credentials, or minimizing disruption to your practice, we make those our goals too. We fight hard, but always with strategy.
Our mission is not just to help you get through the investigation—it’s to ensure you emerge with your career intact. That includes helping you prepare for post-case credentialing, Board disclosures, and even internal employer reviews. The ripple effect of a Board complaint can reach insurance panels, hospital committees, and beyond. We stay with you for the entire process, offering strategic support every step of the way.
Whether you’re facing an initial complaint or a formal Board proceeding, time is of the essence. At Lype, Dest & Smith, we act fast to defend what matters most. Let our team of dedicated San Antonio medical license defense lawyers help you fight back—contact our office now at 512-881-3558 to speak with someone who understands exactly what you’re going through.
Not afraid to go to court when necessary, Dan has successfully litigated cases all the way to the Supreme Court of Texas. Dan also prides himself on being readily available to clients throughout their cases. He strongly believes effective representation should be a collaborative effort between a client and their attorney.
Years of experience: 15 years
Justia Profile: Dan Lype
Bar number: 24065658
Location: Austin, TX
If you or a loved one needs legal help, please fill out the form below for your consultation or call us at 512-881-3556
“ Wonderful Administrative Lawyer. Mr. Lype represented me at a hearing before the Texas Board of Law Examiners. After substantial preparation, I was well prepared for the hearing. Dan has relationships with the staff members and was able to help me understand exactly what to expect. With Dan’s assistance I was ab...”
“ Great Attorneys in Texas. This attorney is very diligent ,calm ,professional who will listen to you and very aggressive in his pursuit for justice for his clients.His main goal is exoneration for which he effortfully seeks.Plea deal would be his lost resort. Recently successfully represented me before the Texas Me...”
“ Worth every penny. Mr Lype is a bulldog when it comes to defending his client. He is diligent, agreesive and great listener. He provides timely updates on your case. Mr Lype is very verse in the healthcare laws of Texas and is worth having on your team. I would use him every time. ”
“ Highly recommend. I had pretty serious allegations resulting in an investigation. Dan helped guide me perfectly And gave me reassurance that I really needed.. He knew exactly how much information to provide at each step along the way. During my hearing, he pleaded my case very effectively. Due to his expertise, my...”
If you or a loved one needs legal help, please fill out the form below for your consultation or call us at 512-881-3556
