Are you a nurse? Has your license been called into question? Boards of Nursing (BON) in any state have the right to investigate all claims brought by individuals who suspect licensees of engaging in illegal activities, such as negligence of patients, nursing malpractice, incompetence, substance abuse, sexual misconduct, falsifying documents, etc.
License defense attorneys help nurses compose a formal response to the inquiries of BONs in the hope of preventing further investigation. Make sure you go now online and learn more about nurse license defense.
The information below will introduce you to the reasons for license loss and the protection provided by law firms.
Reasons for losing such a license
Registered nurses might put their licenses at risk by violating the codes and regulations of the Boards of Nursing in every state. Breaching patient confidentiality is one of the most common actions that might lead to such suspension. Patients must be protected by not having their privacy violated through gossip shared by health workers with friends, family members, and coworkers. Therefore, nurses should be cautious when it comes to sharing confidential information.
Another common cause for losing a nursing license is sexual misconduct. Such misconduct might include violations of boundaries between nurses and other healthcare professionals or even patients. Even though these violations depend on the policies of different hospital facilities, nurses are required to abide by a professional code of conduct.
In the largest number of states, nurse-patient relationships are considered a serious violation and call for disciplinary actions. Additionally, sexual misconduct that occurs outside the workplace and involves a conviction might also lead to disciplinary action.
Moreover, substance and alcohol abuse is another reason why nurses lose their licenses. Research shows that approximately ten to fifteen percent of these health workers are either impaired or actively coping with substance or alcohol abuse. Such abuse restricts their abilities to perform their job tasks, as well as jeopardizes the health of their patients.
Additionally, these professionals aren’t supposed to take drugs themselves or distribute them to patients without any authorization. Such drugs include painkillers, narcotics, sleeping pills, and anti-psychotic medications. Follow this link, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007489.htm, to see a list of pain medications-narcotics.
Falsifying patent records and other documentation comprises three percent of all disciplinary sanctions against the members of this profession. By giving extra morphine or other drugs to patients without recording it, one can get into serious trouble. Some nurses tend to leave criminal convictions out of their paperwork for applications, which is also a major reason for license revocation.
Furthermore, common crimes that lead to such revocation of license denial include driving under the influence, assault, theft, and drug offenses. Character evidence is used for proving that the charges aren’t related to the qualifications and duties of nursing. Reference letters from supervisors and probation officers serve to demonstrate a change in behavior. Certificates of rehabilitation can be used as additional evidence.
Patient neglect and abuse usually result in a revoked nursing license. These are especially common in elderly people. Most cases of such abuse include financial mistreatment, emotional mistreatment, neglect, sexual abuse, and physical abuse.
What is the job of license defense attorneys?
Whenever a nurse ends up charged with any of the above-mentioned violations of law, he/she can hire a licensed defense attorney to prepare the best defense case. These professionals specialize in medical malpractice suits and use their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible defense. They offer free consultations to potential clients to familiarize them with their services before signing a contract.
Nurses require professional assistance due to their lack of legal knowledge and understanding of how the legal system works. In contrast, legal advocates are knowledgeable about all procedures involved in such cases. Disciplinary actions from the nursing board might eventually lead to a criminal conviction. The stress of being legally pursued can trigger symptoms like chest pain, headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, etc.
Instead of worrying about their cases, nurses are advised to focus on their well-being and leave the legal work in the hands of professionals. These experts will do their best to prepare for their cases and provide the best outcome for their clients.
When to hire such a lawyer?
Nurses are recommended to hire such lawyers when their medical licenses are denied, being investigated, or they are currently on probation. The worst nightmare for these health workers is to face a licensing denial from the Board of Nursing. Their applications can be denied due to several reasons, such as including misleading information on their application, a warrant out for their arrest, a felony conviction associated with their duties and functions, no disclosure of pending disciplinary actions, and criminal convictions.
Following a denial, these workers have sixty days to appeal it, which is why contacting a lawyer is recommended as soon as possible. In contrast, licensing boards can issue a notice of investigation and cause obstructions to one’s medical career. While nurses are alerted of an investigation, they are usually not informed about the accusations made against them.
Board investigators get in touch with these health workers to request different documentation and schedule in-person interviews. By hiring a lawyer, you can get legal support in the course of this process. This professional will determine the exact reason for the investigation and teach you what to say during the interview.
Professionals who are currently on probation with their momentary licensing board should eliminate certain obstacles before applying for a new industry. They must comply with the expectations of their existing board but also adhere to medical licensing board requirements. Nurses should attend the meetings with their probation officers and come clean on all tests.
No mistakes should be made during the probation period to avoid serious consequences for their profession in the future. Medical license attorneys ensure their clients are in compliance with both boards and pave their new career paths.
Final thoughts
Legal representation is imperative for health workers on the verge of losing their licenses!