Nurse License Defense

Protecting Your License and Your Career

When you’re a nurse, your license is everything. It is more than your credential. It’s your livelihood, reputation, and future. If you’re facing an investigation, complaint, or disciplinary action from your state’s board of nursing, it’s critical to act quickly and get experienced legal representation. A strong nurse license defense is essential, and you shouldn’t build it alone.

Comprehensive Defense and Support With Boesen & Snow Law

At Boesen & Snow Law, we represent nurses in all stages of board of nursing matters—from initial investigations to administrative hearings and appeals. Our firm has decades of experience in both healthcare and business law, as well as experience managing healthcare businesses.

It can be incredibly stressful to deal with the board and complaints made by patients, coworkers, or employers. Whether the issue involves alleged misconduct, documentation errors, substance use, or scope-of-practice concerns, we can fight to protect your license and help you move forward with confidence.

When to Call Us for Legal Defense

Many nurses make the mistake of believing they can handle a letter or notice alone, as it seems like it isn’t a big issue. However, if a letter or notice isn’t answered the right way or in the right timeframe, it can become a much bigger problem. You should seek legal representation as soon as you:

• Receive a letter of investigation or notice of complaint
• Are contacted by a board of nursing investigator
• Are asked to provide a written statement or attend an interview
• Are notified of a potential disciplinary hearing
• Have been placed on probation, suspended, or denied license renewal

In 2024, there were nearly 19,000 adverse actions taken against nurses in the U.S., and there were almost 900 medical malpractice payment reports. This included licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice nurses (APRNs). It is important that you protect your future and your licenses by hiring an attorney to defend you against these issues, if they arise.

Common Allegations We Defend

Complaints and allegations cover many types of misconduct and negligence. We represent nurses facing a broad range of allegations, including:

• Medication errors or improper charting
• Allegations of substance abuse or diversion
• Unprofessional conduct or patient boundary issues
• Criminal charges (DUI, felony theft, assault, etc.) impacting licensure
• Failure to follow protocols or physician orders
• Issues with continuing education or license renewal
• Practicing outside one’s scope or without proper supervision

Our Services

The team at Boesen & Snow Law can help nurses like you with many aspects of license defense, including:

Early Case Evaluation and Strategy

We begin with a comprehensive review of the facts, allegations, and licensing history. From there, we can develop a tailored strategy to protect your license and minimize penalties.

Representation During Investigations

We can communicate directly with the board on your behalf, help you prepare statements, and protect your rights during interviews and proceedings.

Administrative Hearings and Appeals

If the matter proceeds to a formal hearing, we can represent you before the board. We can challenge the evidence, present mitigating information and, if needed, appeal any adverse decisions.

License Applications and Disclosures

If you’re applying for a nursing license and have a criminal or disciplinary history, we can help you disclose it properly and present your case in the most favorable manner.

Monitoring, Probation, and Reinstatement Support

We assist nurses who are placed on probation or under monitoring agreements. We can ensure compliance with board requirements and guide you through license reinstatement if you are eligible.

Why Choose Us

At Boesen & Snow Law, we understand the emotional and professional toll a licensing investigation can take. The process can be long and stressful, and the outcome significantly affects your employment. You’ve worked hard for your nursing career, and our goal is to protect it. Our firm has extensive experience in healthcare law and professional board defense, and we provide strategic, compassionate, and results-driven representation tailored to the realities nurses face.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Reason for Disciplinary Action Taken Against a Nurse’s License?

A: There are many potential reasons for disciplinary actions taken against a nurse’s license, including:

• Failure to provide acceptable treatment
• Violation of scope of practice
• Substance misuse
• Solicitation of gifts
• Fraud
• Sexual misconduct
• Physical or verbal patient abuse

The most common adverse action taken against nurses, according to the National Practitioner Data Bank, was against their state licensure and certification, which resulted in over 14,000 actions.

Q: On What Grounds Can a Nurse Lose Their License?

A: The grounds on which a nurse can lose their license may depend on the specific regulations imposed by the state board of nursing and other regulatory bodies. These grounds may include:

• Gross negligence or incompetence that puts patients at risk
• Falsifying patient records or drug prescriptions
• Breach of patient boundaries, such as sexual conduct
• Practicing while under the influence
• Criminal convictions for abuse, violent crimes, or most felonies

Q: Can You Lose Your Nursing License for Being Sued?

A: Being sued does not automatically mean you will lose your nursing license. However, depending on the type of claim being filed against you and the result of the case, you could lose your license. Depending on the regulations of your state’s board of nursing, you could lose your licenses for gross negligence, misconduct, or ethical violations. You could also lose your license if you are considered a danger to patients for another reason.

Q: How Can You See If Your Nursing License Is Under Investigation?

A: You can look up your nursing license with your board of nursing to determine its standing and whether there are any investigations against your license. If your license is being investigated, it is likely that the board will send you a letter requesting a response to the complaint being made against you. You have the right to defend yourself, and the support of an attorney can help you uphold this and other rights.

Get in Touch With Boesen & Snow Law Today

If you’re facing an investigation or complaint with the board of nursing, don’t handle it alone. We can stand by your side, defend your rights, and help you safeguard your career and future.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation.