I Appeared before the Board without counsel and signed a Nursing Board Agreement without counsel: What Can I Do Now?

I spoke with a nurse today who was upset that she wasn't told that she could have had attorney representation before the Board.

1. Why didn't the State Nursing Board tell me I could have an attorney to represent me before the State Nursing Board?

ANSWER: You can hire an attorney to represent you in any legal proceeding. As a professional, you need to be informed of what your rights and obligations are in any matter involving your license, career, and professional nursing practice. Some State Nursing Boards will indicate in correspondence to a licensee in a pending investigation or matter "You have a right to retain an Attorney." Some State Nursing Board don't indicate this in correspondence to a licensee. Therefore as professional you need to have an awareness of what your rights, obligations, duties, and responsibilities are in any investigation, appearance, complaint, or other formal/informal matter related to your nursing practice.

2. Why didn't the Board tell me that I could have an attorney to represent me when I appeared before the State Nursing Board?

ANSWER: SEE ABOVE.

3. Why didn't the Board or/and Board Staff tell me that I could have an attorney counsel and advise me before I signed a State Nursing Board Agreement, Agreed Order, Consent Agreement, or Board Contract?

ANSWER: SEE ABOVE.