An Unrestricted Golden Ticket

I was interviewed several months ago by the Center for American Nurses, see www.centerforamericannurses.org about board of nursing disciplinary investigations and whether or not nurses need legal representation. Attached is the article. Download centerarticleBOARDofNursinginvestigations.pdf .

Please answer the following:

1. If you were charged with a felony in the criminal justice system; would you retain an attorney? Of course you would.

2. If you were named as defendant in a nursing negligence case; would you retain an attorney? Of course you would.

3. If you were being sued for defamation or libel by a coworker related to a workplace incident; would you retain an attorney? Of course you.

Why is it then that we as nurses question whether or not we need legal representation, counseling, and advising when your "golden ticket" (this is the term used by an Assistant Ohio Attorney General at an Administrative Law Seminar last week to describe a healthcare professional's license) is being investigated by the state board of nursing or attorney general's office? 

I traveled to Indianapolis this weekend to meet with a prospective client, who was concerned about "making the Board mad" if he retained an attorney to represent him before the Board. If I had $39.95 for each time I was asked this, I could.... Oh, I discussed this in a previous post, so I won't go there. See http://advocatefornurses.typepad.com/my2cents/2007/11/angry-nurses-an.html

The general lack of education, training, appreciation, and awareness that we as a profession have regarding professional associations standards of practice, state nursing law and regulations, and employer-specific workplace policies and procedures which ALL impact the ability and suitability of a nurse to carry an unrestricted golden ticket is unacceptable.

Are you concerned about your golden ticket?