When you’re a nurse, getting a complaint about the care you provide your patients can be devastating. Without proper legal help, you could lose your license and face financial consequences.
But our team of Texas nurse license defense lawyers at Bertolino LLP can help. Since 2007, we’ve been defending professional licenses to help hardworking people protect their livelihood. Read on to learn more about the reasons nurses often face disciplinary actions and how we can help.
Common Reasons You May Face Disciplinary Action as a Nurse
There are many reasons you could face disciplinary action in your nursing career. Here are the most common reasons:
- Failure to follow the legal standards for practicing as a nurse: Nurses are expected to adhere to the Nursing Practice Act, which includes ethical guidelines and standards of care. Failure to follow this code, such as neglecting patient safety protocols or violating patient privacy rights, can result in disciplinary actions.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse, including the misuse of drugs or alcohol, can significantly impair a nurse’s ability to provide safe and effective care. If a nurse is found to be abusing substances, disciplinary action may be taken to protect patients and maintain professional standards.
- Sexual misconduct: Any sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior towards patients is a serious violation of professional boundaries and patient trust. Nurses must maintain a professional and respectful relationship with their patients at all times, and engaging in sexual misconduct can lead to disciplinary action and other potential legal consequences.
- Physical or verbal abuse toward patients: Nurses have a duty to provide compassionate and supportive care. Any form of physical or verbal abuse, including actions such as physical assault, harsh verbal exchanges, or other intentional harm, is unacceptable. Disciplinary action can be taken to address such misconduct and safeguard patient welfare.
- Criminal background: Nurses are held to high standards of integrity and trust. A criminal background involving convictions related to violence, theft, fraud, or drug offenses can raise concerns about a nurse’s fitness to practice safely. Disciplinary action may be taken to ensure nursing professionals have the ability to provide care and to protect the well-being of patients.
What Should You Do After You Receive a Complaint From the Texas Board of Nursing?
When you receive a complaint from the Texas Board of Nursing, it is essential to take immediate action to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. The first step is to review the complaint letter you have received carefully. This will allow you to gain a thorough understanding of the allegations that have been made against you.
Pay close attention to any deadlines or required responses mentioned in the letter, as timely action is important. To understand the disciplinary process effectively, it is highly recommended that you seek the guidance of a Texas nursing license defense lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney with experience in nursing license defense will be well-versed in the complaint process and rules of the Texas Board of Nursing.
We can provide you with personalized advice and representation tailored to the specifics of your case. Working closely with an attorney will significantly enhance your ability to protect your rights and achieve a favorable outcome that protects your license and professional reputation.
Collaborate closely with your nursing license defense attorney to craft a thoughtful and comprehensive response to the complaint. Each allegation should be addressed individually, providing factual explanations, legal arguments, supporting evidence, and any mitigating circumstances that may apply to your case. Ensuring that your response is professional, concise, and adheres to the required format and content expected by the Texas Board of Nursing is essential.
How Can a Nurse License Defense Lawyer Help if You’re Being Investigated?
It’s a stressful time when you’re facing an investigation from the Texas Board of Nursing. A Texas license defense lawyer from Bertolino LLP can help you through the process. We understand that the whole process may be confusing.
We can be there to answer your questions and clarify the process. We can also identify expert witnesses who can help strengthen your case and increase your chances of maintaining your license. Our team has connections with a network of professionals who can advocate for your side of the story.
We can collect evidence in addition to witness testimony to show that you’ve corrected the issue or that you were wrongly accused of misconduct. Some of the evidence our Texas nursing license defense attorneys can collect include:
- Medical records: Reviewing the relevant medical records can provide important information about the patient’s condition, treatment, and any potential factors contributing to the alleged misconduct. This can help establish a comprehensive understanding of the situation and support the defense’s arguments.
- Documentation and policies: Collecting and reviewing relevant documentation, such as hospital policies, protocols, or nursing guidelines, can help establish whether you followed appropriate procedures or acted consistent with professional standards. This evidence can demonstrate that your actions are aligned with accepted practices and refute any misconduct claims.
- Training records: If the allegations involve a lack of training or competence, our license defense attorney can gather records demonstrating your completion of relevant training programs, certifications, and continuing education courses. This evidence can support the argument that you had the necessary knowledge and skills to perform your duties appropriately.
- Surveillance footage: In cases where the allegations involve specific actions or behaviors, our Texas license defense attorney may seek relevant surveillance footage or documentation to challenge the accuracy of the claims. This evidence can provide an alternative perspective or highlight inconsistencies in the allegations.
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Contact Our Firm to Learn What Steps You Need to Take After Receiving a Complaint
If the Texas Board of Nursing has contacted you about allegations of improper conduct, our team of Texas nurse license defense attorneys at Bertolino LLP can help you build a strong defense strategy. Contact our team to learn more about the investigation process and how our team can help you protect your license, career and professional reputation.
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