What Is Privileging and Why Does It Matter?

Privileging is the process that grants professionals—such as service members, medical practitioners, and federal employees—the authority to perform specific duties within their organizations. For medical providers, it allows them to practice within military or federal hospitals, while for public health professionals, it ensures their ability to work in federal facilities. Losing this privilege can mean being unable to work, losing income, and potentially forfeiting years of service toward retirement.

Key Areas Where Privileges Can Be Revoked

1. Clinical and Professional Misconduct

Medical and psychological practitioners can lose their privileges due to accusations of clinical negligence, malpractice, or ethical violations. These accusations may stem from patient complaints, workplace conflicts, or administrative errors. Without due process, these allegations can lead to the loss of credentials, barring them from practice.

2. Administrative and Credentialing Issues

Failure to maintain updated certifications, licensure, or comply with training requirements can trigger a privileging review. Federal and military medical facilities impose strict compliance guidelines, and any lapse can result in revocation.

3. Behavioral and Psychological Evaluations

Military personnel and healthcare workers may undergo fitness-for-duty evaluations. A determination of impairment—whether due to stress, mental health concerns, or substance use—can lead to suspension or permanent loss of privileging.

4. Security Clearance and Allegations of Misconduct

Service members and federal healthcare providers working in secure facilities must maintain security clearances. Any accusations of misconduct, including financial irresponsibility, substance abuse, or workplace conflicts, can impact their ability to continue working in their respective fields.

5. Adverse Employment Actions and Political Retaliation

For federal employees, adverse privileging actions can be tied to workplace disputes, whistleblowing, or political retaliation. Losing privileges due to an employer’s allegations—whether substantiated or not—can jeopardize not just their career but also their pension and federal employment benefits.

The Far-Reaching Consequences of Losing Privileges

Losing privileges impacts service members, public health professionals, and medical practitioners in multiple ways:

• Loss of Income – Without clinical or operational privileges, professionals can be removed from patient care and duty assignments, significantly reducing their earnings.
• Denial of Access to Facilities – Revoked privileging bars individuals from using government or military medical facilities, limiting their ability to practice.
• Retirement and Benefits at Risk – Federal employees and military personnel facing privileging actions may lose their ability to accrue time toward retirement, potentially forfeiting pensions and benefits.
• Career Stagnation and Reputational Damage – A privileging revocation can be career-ending, making it difficult to secure employment elsewhere, especially in federal or military sectors.

How the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon Fights for Your Rights

When professionals face adverse privileging actions, they need a strong legal defense to challenge allegations and restore their rights. The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, located in Washington, D.C., specializes in representing military service members, public health professionals, and federal employees who are at risk of losing their privileges.

Our Proven Track Record

• Successfully challenging privileging revocations in military and federal healthcare facilities.
• Representing professionals in administrative hearings and appeals.
• Advocating for reinstatement of security clearances and credentials.
• Protecting federal employees from wrongful termination and benefits loss.

If you are facing a privileging issue, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon today to defend your career and secure your future.