Dr. William Russell Greenfield's certificate to practice medicine was revoked by the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners when the Board received a copy of Greenfield's conviction in federal court for unlawful distribution of controlled substances. The Board gave Greenfield no notice or an opportunity to be heard prior to revoking his certificate. He claims this procedure denied him due process of law. We agree.

The Board seeks to sustain its action on two theories. First, it contends that Greenfield's due process rights were not violated because he was accorded a full, fair and impartial hearing in the trial court. The Board also contends that Title 46, § 277, Code, 1940,¹ authorizes it to revoke or suspend *Page 137 a certificate based on the receipt of a certified copy of a judgment of conviction of crime. We disagree with the Board in both instances.

We hold that § 277, insofar as it authorizes a revocation or suspension without notice and an opportunity to be heard, is unconstitutional.

Act No. 161, § 6, May 2, 1975, which amended Title 46, § 271, Code, establishes a procedure which comports with due process requirements. It should be followed.

The order of the Board of Medical Examiners is reversed and set aside. Title 46, § 278, Code 1940, Recomp. 1958, as amended.

REVERSED AND RENDERED.

FAULKNER, SHORES and BEATTY, JJ., and SIMMONS, BOWEN, Retired Circuit Judge, sitting by designation of the Chief Justice, concur.