I received an email from a nurse who was very upset because her nursing license was suspended and she was seeking answers.
1. I cannot provide legal advice on this blog. This is not the purpose of the blog. The blog is for informational and educational purposes only.
2. I will always suggest as I always have that nurses who are involved in State Nursing Board investigations consider legal representation. Its not just the representation that is important, its the counseling and advising on attending issues.
3. I will always suggest as I always have that nurses who have suspended license, consider legal representation to assist with the reinstatement process. Some State Nursing Boards have detailed requirements for reinstatement and having legal representation may be beneficial.
4. I will always suggest as I always have that nurses who are on probation with the State Nursing Board, consider having legal representation during the probationary process. State Nursing Board probation may be a few months to 6-7 years in some cases. You may need legal advice and counseling during this process and this is the role of an attorney, not your State Nursing Board monitor.
5. I will always suggest as I always have that nurses who are enrolling in a State Nursing Board Alternative Program for Discipline for a Chemical Dependency or Addiction consider having legal representation during this process. Most programs have a 3-5 year Agreement and you may need legal counseling and advising during this period.
6. You can contact your American Nurses Association affiliated State Nursing Association for assistance.
7. If you are a member of a nursing union, contact your union rep or labor relations specialist for assistance.
8. If you are a member of a pre-paid legal plan, contact the administrator to determine what services are available.
9. If you have professional liability insurance with a license defense benefit; contact your insurance company when you are notified a complaint is filed against your license. The insurance company may pay for your attorney representation before the State Nursing Board.
10. If you are a APRN, self-employed, or you think you may need on-going legal counseling and advice, consider retaining a nursing law attorney to counsel and advise you.
11. If you cannot afford to retain an attorney to assist you with the State Nursing Board, then you can do your own research on State Nursing Board disciplinary investigations and adjudications, discipline, and other issues and represent, counsel, and advise yourself.
There is nothing wrong with self-representation in licensure matters but if you do represent yourself (the majority of nurses do represent themselves in these matters) please don't blame others (including me because you don't like what I said on MY blog) for your actions or inactions. You decide how you want to handle your legal matters, whether you want to go solo or whether or not to seek legal counsel.
You are an adult, you are a professional and you are responsible and accountability for your actions and inactions in your personal and professional life. This includes whether or not you decide to hire a nurse license defense attorney or administrative law attorney to assist you in a State Nursing Board or professional nursing practice matter.
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