Opinion ID: 2453230
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Nguyen Decision

Text: ¶ 18 Hardee argues that our decisions in Nguyen and Ongom compel a different result. Nguyen is unlike the present case and does not stand for the general proposition that the State's revocation of any occupational credential requires clear and convincing evidence. [9] Nguyen specifically addresses the unique context of a medical doctor's property interest in his license to practice medicine. Nguyen, 144 Wash.2d at 522, 29 P.3d 689 (At its heart this case concerns the process due an accused physician by the state before it may deprive him his interest in property and liberty represented by his professional license.). ¶ 19 Disciplinary proceedings against physicians affect a greater property interest than that of a home child care provider despite the great respect we owe the latter. Physicians hold a unique role in our society. Historically, they belonged to one of the three paradigmatic professions: law, medicine, and pastoral ministry. See Samuel Haber, The Quest for Authority and Honor in the American Professions, 1750-1900, at 4-5 (1991); see also Nathan O. Hatch, Introduction: The Professions in a Democratic Culture, in The Professions in American History 3 (Nathan O. Hatch ed., 1988); William M. Sullivan, Work and Integrity: The Crisis and Promise of Professionalism In America 2 (1995). Becoming a licensed physician requires a four year undergraduate degree, a four year postgraduate degree, and additional years of residency training. Physicians must pass multiple tests and examinations before licensure and maintain continuing educational requirements thereafter. A physician's license is not limited to a particular location. Once licensed, a physician may engage in his or her craft anywhere within the jurisdiction that issued the license. The physician holds the medical licensenot the facility in which the physician administers care. Because the license is held by the individual, a disciplinary board cannot predicate a revocation of the license on the misconduct of other individuals. Upon revocation of the license, a physician can no longer engage in the practice of medicine. The physician cannot administer medical care under the guise of being a lesser type of medical provider. The unique education, investment, and personal attachment of a physician's license indicates that the physician holds a greater property interest in the license than that of a home child care provider in the provider's state-granted credential. Our decision in Nguyen is distinct from the facts presented by Hardee's case.