About Kenneth J. Metzger
Administrative actions are routinely initiated based upon some criminal, civil, and/or administrative action taken against the healthcare practitioner licensee or licensed facility. This requires legal experience in these areas of the law beyond simply administrative practice. Attorney Metzger has criminal law experience as a Navy JAG prosecutor and defense counsel as well as a federal prosecutor.
With civil trial proceedings and “closed claim” settlements, he has experience as a Civil Trial Attorney. With federal and state administrative actions, Attorney Metzger has experience handling such matters on behalf of governmental entities as well as various healthcare facilities in Florida and throughout the southeast United States. As a Navy Captain O-6, he is also well versed in federal, including military, administrative proceedings.
Accolades
- Founding Partner of Metzger & Associates, LLC, specializing in administrative health care regulatory law and professional licensing defense.
- Board Certified by the Florida Bar in State & Federal Government & Administrative Practice.
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, signifying the highest level of professional excellence.
- Selected by Florida Super Lawyers, recognizing his exceptional legal skills.
- Staff Judge Advocate for the Naval Medical Command, Southeast Region, directing legal matters for healthcare facilities across nine southeastern states.
- Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, handling federal malpractice litigation and criminal prosecutions for U.S. Naval bases in Jacksonville, Florida.
- Authorized legal counsel for numerous professional liability insurance carriers, representing their insureds as well as healthcare employers.
- Frequently consulted by criminal defense and civil litigation attorneys statewide for complex healthcare provider defense cases.
- Admitted to practice in all Florida State Courts, the U.S. District Court (Northern and Middle Districts of Florida), the U.S. Court of Appeals (Eleventh Circuit), and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
- Member of:
- The Florida Bar, including Health Law, Administrative Law, and Trial Lawyers sections.
- The Florida Academy of Healthcare Attorneys.
- The Florida Hospital Association.
- The Florida Pharmacy Association.
- Guest Speaker and Author on various healthcare legal topics.
Expert Guidance for Professionals in Florida
- Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities
- Protect Your License and Professional Reputation
- Get Clear Answers to Complex Legal Challenges
Yes, a lawyer can help if you face obstacles in obtaining your professional license. An experienced attorney can identify potential issues during an initial consultation and assist in explaining your circumstances to licensing authorities. This helps streamline the process and avoid delays or additional hearings.
If you’re facing challenges with your medical license application, an experienced attorney can help. They can provide detailed explanations of your background to licensing authorities, particularly for issues from prior jurisdictions, and work directly with officials to address obstacles and expedite the process.
Yes, DUI convictions must be reported to the Florida Department of Health, regardless of adjudication or plea type. However, arrests alone do not need to be reported. Reporting a DUI doesn’t necessarily lead to disciplinary action unless it directly impacts your ability to practice. An attorney can help explain your specific circumstances to the department.
Take the letter seriously, as it concerns your professional license and livelihood. Avoid contacting the investigator directly. Instead, consult an experienced attorney for guidance. Many attorneys offer free consultations to help you understand the best course of action. Even if you handle it yourself, professional advice is invaluable.
Start by consulting an experienced attorney to level the playing field. Investigators are trained professionals, so legal guidance is essential. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to advise on how to handle the investigation, including whether and how to respond, often recommending a written response. Professional advice is key to protecting your license and reputation.
An administrative hearing is essentially a full legal trial with trained prosecutors representing the department. While you can defend yourself, the stakes are high—your license and livelihood are on the line. An experienced attorney can provide strong representation, potentially convincing prosecutors to drop charges and ensuring your defense is handled professionally.