Learning that you are the subject of a complaint or investigation with the Texas Board of Nursing can be stressful – and not just because you must handle the complaint. Such issues may also place your livelihood at risk. Thankfully, there are ways that you can mitigate the damage. Learn more about protecting your nursing license with help from the following information.
Complaints Are Serious Matters
Perhaps one of the biggest and most common mistakes that a nurse can make during Board investigations is to underestimate the gravity of their situation. Nursing boards like the Texas BON can suspend or even revoke your nursing license. They can restrict your right to perform certain duties, and they can require you to complete sobriety testing or additional training – even if you have not done anything wrong. Above all else, understand that this is a serious matter, and it should be handled with great care.
Contact an Attorney
Of all the steps that a nurse can take to protect their license during an investigation, contacting an attorney is probably the most crucial. More specifically, hire a lawyer that has experience in administrative law and license defense – someone that understands what you are up against. Until you have one secured, do not respond to inquiries and do not send a response letter. Doing so could complicate your case and any information you provide can be used against you.
Keep the Matter to Yourself
Unless you are required to notify your insurance company or employer of a pending investigation against you, do not discuss the complaint with anyone other than your attorney. This includes Board members, investigators, witnesses, complainants, or other vested parties. Again, your attorney should be handling these matters to mitigate any possible damage.
Meet - Better Yet BEAT – the Deadlines
Inquiries and requests from the BON are time sensitive. Unfortunately, nurses are busy people, which can make it easy to overlook or forget about a deadline. Sadly, doing so can damage your credibility and could result in serious adverse actions against you. So, as difficult as it might be to ensure you handle aspects of your complaint in a timely manner, ensure you do everything in your power to not just meet the deadlines, but BEAT them.
Schedule a Free Consult with Our Texas Nursing License Defense Attorney
If you or someone you love is facing a complaint with the Texas Board of Nursing, contact Oscar San Miguel, Attorney at Law, for assistance. Backed by nearly 30 years of experience in the medical-legal arena, our Texas nursing license defense lawyer can skillfully represent you in your BON complaint or investigation. Schedule a free and personalized consultation by calling our office at 512-228-7946 today.
Source:
http://minoritynurse.com/licensing-board-complaints-and-investigations-what-every-nurse-should-know/