The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is the state agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and monitoring more than 350,000 nurses across Texas. Dedicated to protecting public health and welfare, the BON enforces rigorous standards for education, professional conduct, and ethical practice. In addition to issuing licenses and approving nursing programs, the board oversees the administration of the NCLEX exam, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action when necessary. When a nurse’s license is at risk due to a complaint or ongoing investigation, partnering with an experienced Texas Nursing License Defense Lawyer can be essential to protecting their career and reputation.
Understanding the Role of the Texas Board of Nursing
Established in 1909 to formalize and regulate the nursing profession, the BON has evolved into a powerful regulatory body with broad authority. Its early years were marked by challenges such as vague definitions of professional nursing and limited oversight. Our article on the brief history of the Texas Board of Nursing explains how key legislative reforms helped shape the board’s modern role. Today, the BON continues to play a critical role in ensuring that nurses across Texas provide safe, ethical, and competent care.
Facing a Texas Board of Nursing Investigation
When the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) receives a complaint, it opens an investigation to assess whether a nurse may have violated the Nursing Practice Act or failed to meet professional standards. These investigations are often triggered by concerns such as inadequate patient care, improper documentation, or issues involving controlled substances. The identity of the complainant is usually kept confidential, and the process can take several months. During this time, the Board gathers information to decide whether formal disciplinary action is warranted. Nurses must respond carefully, as even small inaccuracies in a written statement can harm their case.
If the Board chooses to pursue disciplinary action, the nurse may receive a notice titled “Formal Complaint,” signaling that formal charges have been filed. These complaints often come with strict deadlines and serious implications for a nurse’s license and career. While nurses are legally allowed to handle the response themselves, doing so without professional guidance can be a costly mistake. A qualified Texas Nursing License Defense Lawyer can provide critical support by crafting accurate responses, protecting the nurse’s rights, and guiding them through each step of the process.
Nursing Board Defense Lawyer
When a complaint is filed against your nursing license, the stakes are high. Your ability to practice, your reputation, and your future in the profession are all on the line. At Bertolino LLP, our team has spent more than 16 years helping licensed professionals across Texas navigate investigations and disciplinary actions. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face the Texas Board of Nursing, and we’re here to stand by you every step of the way.
A complaint should never be ignored or assumed to be a misunderstanding that will resolve itself. Whether you’re at the start of an investigation or have received a formal complaint, having an experienced Texas Nursing Board Defense Lawyer can make all the difference. Our legal team works to:
- Develop a strategic defense tailored to your specific case
- Respond promptly and professionally to Board inquiries
- Represent you at informal settlement conferences and formal hearings
- Advocate for the dismissal or reduction of disciplinary actions
From the first notice to the resolution of your case, we are committed to safeguarding the career you’ve worked so hard to build.
Who the Texas Board of Nursing Regulates
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) oversees licensing, regulation, and disciplinary actions for several categories of nursing professionals across the state, including:
- Registered Nurses (RNs): Provide direct patient care, coordinate treatment plans, and educate patients and families.
- Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs): Offer basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): Include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives who hold advanced degrees and expanded practice authority.
Each group must meet strict requirements to maintain licensure and deliver safe, competent care.
Common Reasons for Disciplinary Action by the Texas Board of Nursing
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has the authority to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against nurses who violate the Nursing Practice Act or board regulations. These actions help protect patients and maintain high professional standards. Common grounds for discipline include:
- Practicing nursing under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Convictions for felonies or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude
- Failing to provide adequate patient care or meet accepted nursing standards
- Physical or mental conditions that impair safe practice
- Assisting unlicensed individuals in nursing practice
- Engaging in unprofessional or dishonest conduct that harms patients or the public
When a complaint is filed and falls under the BON’s jurisdiction, an investigation begins, which may result in penalties ranging from warnings and fines to license suspension or revocation. If your nursing license is under review, it is important to respond promptly and seek experienced legal guidance to protect your career and reputation.
What should I do if I receive a formal complaint letter from the Texas Board of Nursing?
Receiving a formal complaint letter from the Texas Board of Nursing means you are under investigation for alleged misconduct that could affect your nursing license. You must respond by specific deadlines, and your initial reply is crucial to your case.
While you can respond on your own, it’s risky without legal help. An experienced nursing license defense attorney can help you craft a clear, accurate response that may lead to the complaint being dismissed early.
Your attorney will also guide you through the Board’s process and represent you at every stage. Acting quickly with legal support is key to protecting your license and career.
Helpful Links and Resources for Texas Nurses
- Texas Board of Nursing Resources: Access a collection of helpful guides, FAQs, and articles specifically designed for nurses regulated by the Texas Board of Nursing.
- Can I Negotiate a Settlement with the Board of Nursing in Texas?: Learn about your options for negotiating settlements with the Texas Board of Nursing to resolve complaints efficiently.
- What is the Texas Board of Nursing Complaint Process?: Understand the step-by-step process the Texas Board of Nursing follows when handling complaints against nurses.
- Texas Board of Nursing (BON) License Defense FAQs: Find answers to common questions about defending your nursing license before the Texas Board of Nursing.
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Appearing Before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON): Prepare for your board hearing with practical tips on what to do, and what to avoid, when appearing before the BON.
- What Should I Do if the Board of Nursing Refuses to Renew My Nursing License?: Explore your rights and possible next steps if the Texas Board of Nursing denies your license renewal.
- Investigatory Process of the Texas Board of Nursing (BON): Learn what to expect during an investigation conducted by the Texas Board of Nursing.
- Overview of the Texas Board of Nursing’s Complaint Process: Get a comprehensive overview of how the BON handles and resolves nursing complaints.
- Petitioning The Texas Board of Nursing For Reinstatement of License: Understand the process and requirements for petitioning the Board to reinstate a revoked or suspended nursing license.
- Understanding Board Orders from the Texas Board of Nursing: Discover what board orders mean and how they can impact your nursing license and practice.
Work with a Nursing Board Defense Lawyer to Protect Your License
If you are facing an investigation or disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing, it is crucial to take the matter seriously and act promptly. The consequences of a complaint can significantly impact your nursing license and professional future. Partnering with an experienced Texas Nursing License Defense Lawyer can provide the guidance and advocacy needed to navigate the complex complaint process, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait to address the challenges surrounding your Texas Board of Nursing case. We are here to provide the legal support you need. Call (512) 476-5757 today to schedule a consultation.
