Why You need a Nurse License Defense Lawyer on Your Side
Challenging a complaint against your nurse license is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. If you’ve received a complaint, don’t assume it will simply disappear. It’s important to address these concerns head-on before they escalate.
Our firm works diligently to help clients protect their nursing careers, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals to offer comprehensive legal support.
If a complaint has been filed against you or your practice, we are prepared to:
- Build a strong defense for your case
- Strive to have the complaint dismissed
When you choose our firm, you will have a Texas nursing license defense attorney committed to delivering the results you are seeking for your case. Your nursing career is important, and we are here to help safeguard it.
About the Texas Board of Nursing
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is responsible for regulating the nursing profession throughout the state. Established by state statute, the BON’s primary mission is to protect the welfare of Texans by overseeing the practice of nurses, including nurse practitioners, and accrediting nursing schools.
Unlike organizations that advocate for nurses, the BON places public safety at the forefront of its priorities.
The Texas Board of Nursing:
- Sets and enforces standards for nursing practice
- Interprets nursing laws and regulations
- Investigates complaints and takes disciplinary actions when needed
- Establishes educational standards for nursing schools
- Advises the legislature on legal updates affecting nursing
If you are a nurse or nurse practitioner facing licensure issues with the Texas Board of Nursing, it is important to seek legal guidance. Our Texas nurse license defense attorneys are here to help you through this process.
Texas Nurse License Defense Lawyer Near Me (512) 476-5757
Texas Board of Nursing’s Disciplinary Actions for Nurses
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) receives over 16,000 complaints annually, but only around 100 nurses face disciplinary actions each month for violations of board regulations.
Every three months, the BON publishes a public record that includes a list of Texas registered nurses whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or subjected to other disciplinary actions.
If you are a nurse facing disciplinary action or other issues with your license, our attorneys are ready to provide professional license defense to protect your rights and career.
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Who Can Report a Nursing Complaint?
The disciplinary process for a licensed nurse in Texas may begin with a self–report or a request made by a patient, supervisor, or coworker.
In addition, a nurse’s employer can initiate an inquiry into unethical behavior or misconduct, which may stem from issues like impairment or criminal charges.
A formal complaint can be filed with the Texas BON by anyone, including:
- Patients who were under the nurse’s care
- Family members of patients cared for by the nurse
- Hospital administrators or nursing supervisors
- Other medical personnel or fellow employees
We assist licensed nurses in dealing with complaints or disciplinary actions, working to safeguard their rights and careers every step of the way.
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Don’t Leave Your Professional Nursing License to Chance
Allegations of misconduct, whether related to substance abuse or other claims, may be unsubstantiated, and your actions may align with professional standards. However, your professional nursing license, whether as a licensed vocational nurse or a registered nurse, is too valuable not to defend.
It is important to act promptly if you are facing allegations or potential disciplinary actions. We have extensive experience defending nursing licenses against a wide range of legal issues, including negligence, patient abuse, sexual misconduct, fraud, and other disciplinary concerns.
We also assist nurses through the investigation process when formal charges are filed. Some common issues we handle include:
- Lack of competence or professionalism: Patients may file complaints about unprofessional behavior or a nurse’s bedside manner. Repeated incidents can lead to disciplinary action.
- Performing experimental treatments: When nurses perform treatments that go beyond standard medical treatments, they may be required to justify their actions before a peer-review committee.
- Failure to record procedures: Inadequate patient records or improper documentation can result in sanctions.
- Substance abuse: The Texas Nursing Practice Act (NPA) includes provisions to support treatment over punishment for nurses struggling with prescription drug addictions.
Our Texas nurse license defense lawyers are ready to guide you through the legal issue and investigation process, helping you defend your nursing career from formal charges or disciplinary actions.
The Texas BON Disciplinary Process
The Texas BON follows a standardized process to address complaints and administer discipline. Here’s how the procedure typically unfolds:
Accusations are Communicated to the Nurse
The first step is to inform the nurse of any claims of misconduct. In most cases, the nurse receives a letter of investigation detailing the accusations. However, in rare situations where notifying the nurse could hinder the investigation, this step may be bypassed.
The BON’s Investigation Phase
In response to the claims, the BON may begin the investigation phase. This includes:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing the nurse’s records
- Gathering relevant evidence for the case
Once the necessary information is collected, the BON investigations team will review the evidence to determine if the nurse violated the NPA.
The most common complaints involve patient care, but other infractions that may lead to license suspension include:
- Non–disclosure of information
- Violations of the Standard of Care
- Malpractice suits
- Inappropriate relationships with patients
- Errors in medication administration
If you’re facing accusations of unprofessional conduct or any other violations, you need experienced nursing license defense. We are here to represent and protect you during interactions with nursing boards, making sure your rights and career are defended throughout the disciplinary process.
Nursing Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions
When evidence indicates that a sanction is necessary to protect the public, the Texas Board of Nursing may issue formal charges and take disciplinary action against a nurse.
These actions are intended to maintain the integrity of the practice of nursing while ensuring public safety. Even a simple mistake can lead to serious consequences if it is deemed to violate professional standards.
Possible sanctions include:
- Corrective or remedial education
- Fine
- Warning
- Reprimand
- Probation
- Suspension
- License revocation
Most BON orders are made public and become permanent designations in a nurse’s licensing record, except for deferred disciplinary orders that are successfully completed.
If you are facing formal charges related to your nursing practice, our Texas nurse license defense attorneys are here to help defend your license and protect your career.
How Long does an Investigation Take?
The process of nursing board investigations typically takes between five to 12 months to complete, depending on the specifics of the case.
Throughout this period, both the complainant and the nurse under investigation will receive periodic updates on the case’s status. Once the investigation is complete, the BON will inform the complainant of the findings unless otherwise directed.
If you are involved in a nursing board investigation, we are here to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Our Lawyers Work Tirelessly for Texas Nurses
At Bertolino LLP, we assist nurses with legal challenges in defending their licenses, including issues like rules of evidence, criminal conduct, and standard of care violations. Having an experienced attorney by your side is essential in addressing these matters.
We have represented hundreds of nurses, including RNs, LVNs, and nurse practitioners, working in diverse settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Home-care organizations like Nurses Unlimited
Our firm offers a case evaluation for potential clients. If you’ve been notified of allegations against you, it’s important to complete the evaluation form as soon as possible. This can be a critical step in achieving a favorable outcome for your case.
Steps to Protect Your Nursing License During an Investigation
If your nursing license is under investigation, having a strong defense is essential. A nursing license defense lawyer can help guide you through the complaint process and protect your professional standing. Common reasons for investigations include:
- Professional misconduct
- Criminal charges
- Failing to meet continuing education requirements
Gather education documentation, patient testimonials, and relevant evidence. At Bertolino LLP, our attorneys work with nursing boards to negotiate favorable outcomes, assist with nursing license reinstatement, and guide you through the renewal process for compliance.
At Bertolino LLP, We Take Time to Listen to the Details of Your Case
If your nursing license is in jeopardy, it’s important to seek help from a Texas nurse license defense lawyer. At Bertolino LLP, we have been fighting for medical professionals since 2007, providing the support and guidance needed to protect their careers.
We take the time to understand your unique situation and offer straightforward advice to help you defend your nursing license. Our goal is to work closely with you and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Client Relations Coordinator. Let us help you decide the best course of action for your future.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
