How to File a Complaint against BON

Nurses Activism

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Out of curiosity, has anyone ever filed a complaint against the board of nursing or is there a way to file a complaint and with who would you file a complaint?

My thoughts are that Nurses need to unite. We need a good source, in each State, for reference including legal questions in regard to our professions. Happy we have this forum, so we can get information and insight. I've monitored the BON in Indiana for several years. Let's just say; there needs to be some tweeking. Just like medical intities, things change. For myself, in an attempt to get information thru the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency; was like hitting a brick wall. It took endurance. I can say that their internal processes cannot be revealed. Keep plugging. So, we should unite....help each other. We live by a practice act, as well as other laws. It would be wonderful to break the 'silence' code and get the information. I wonder if they have a whole other set of 'bi-laws' hidden in a back room? Not saying all is bad, great things do happen...and there is a definate need. Just wishing there could be more communication and a sense of true fairness, (being on the same playing field.) How bout listening to Nurses for a start? Even though, (in IN the Board consist of Nurses, 1 common, 1 Ex. Director hired thru a third party who works for the Govenor), it can become us and them. Wonder if a committee from all walks of Nursing who meet with these BON's, to convey the needs and thoughts of our Nursing Profession would be useful? Sound good? One that is not another State entity that is paid by the State. We have to be united, sharing information with each other. Thanks for letting me rant!

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Information about filing a complaint can be found on every board of nursing website.

If you are not sure if the behavior should be reported to the board of nursing, NCSBN has information about Filing a Complaint that may help.

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Specializes in ED RN, PEDS RN, IV NURSE.

OP where are you?

I'm confused. Why would your employer be responsible for renewing your license? What paperwork? The renewal process is your burden and your burden alone. I have never heard of a work place being the renewer on your behalf. If your licensed was revoked Bc you didn't fulfill your renewal requirements that's your fault. And if that's the only reason you no longer have your license getting it back means paying "a late fee". You should have no issues getting it back if it's been revoked d/t not submitting paperwork in a timely fashion.

This smells awry...

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Information about filing a complaint can be found on every board of nursing website.

If you are not sure if the behavior should be reported to the board of nursing, NCSBN has information about Filing a Complaint that may help.

That link refers to reporting a nurse, the OP wishes to file a complaint against the state board of nursing for being rude and not forthcoming with information (and I'm guessing more but limited what they were willing to share). A complaint would either go to the director of the BoN or the government agency that is above the BoN whether the attorney genera, department of consumer affairs, etc depending on the state

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I would think either contact your senator, or contact your governor directly.

If it a complaint about being rude then that's will be filed in the trash, if it's a legit complaint that is where I would start.

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A common issue these days, especially since the knowledge of the Nurse Trujillo case in Az., is that complaints against Nursing Boards are useless. Most regulatory agencies have governing bodies called an ombudsman group located in each county. Unless the complaint is unusually egregious these types of complaints aren't recognized as worthwhile. Typically complaints filed against Nursing Boards will get a retaliatory response in the near future of the plaintiff. Many will balk at this statement but avoiding nursing board issues is now well know in the 21st century as the first step toward a successful career. Nursing Boards are not Medical Boards and are chuck full of non-bedside, antiquated nurses who love power and do many underhanded things. If you think you need to file a complaint against a Board, move out of state as soon as you can, and start over. While you still can.

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Specializes in ER.
I have spoken to a lawyer. She is backed up with similar cases. I mostly just want to be able to file a complaint. They are very rude, for example, just hanging up when they don't know how to answer your question. Well after I asked if there was someone else there that could answer my question. I was asking for honest help and was not being rude.

Maybe ask for a supervisor? I would consider going the email route. It seems to get quicker and better responses.

As for the paperwork, I've only heard of nursing assistants needing to get paperwork filed in order to renew their CNAs. Not in every state though.

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Yes, there are people who have filed complaints against BON. You can file a complaint against anyone/ entity. You must research the law and make sure that your complaint is valid. Any entity can be sued but be aware, any entity can file a counter claim against you, for example, that your claim is frivolous and demand damages against you. Please be clear, I am not giving legal advice but am simply expressing my opinion. If you would elaborate on the basis of your complaint, you may get more responses. You can sue someone for having blue hair,...or for being too tall...or for anything but what would your damages be?

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The OP went AWOL shortly after starting this thread. Maybe she resolved her issue.

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Curious, Peary B, have YOU filed a complaint with the BON? has Trujillo?

Im talking about officially file a complaint against every member of the board and the director, ?? The BON web site has a ***** star rating, that is one area you can start. It will help the people that are reading it they are not alone and might search others out to "come to gether " not for a pity party but a useful group.

the Senator in AZ McCain is pretty much useless

and the Gov going to do anything. ?

I think people mostly just writing things, and not officially raising hell, against a board like arizona has CORRUPT.

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doubt it , they have alot of power and abuse it all the time.

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I don't think I'd put my hat in that ring. I def wouldn't for rudeness. It happens. I would move on from it. Why would you put a target on your back?

Because she is not Chicken Little and because they should not be rude.

They are paid to do a job, never to be rude. They are servants, nor royalty.

Would you be allowed to be rude at your job? I bet not. The only reason they are is because some people are terrified of them.

In the immortal words of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your Senior Drill Instructor, Sound off like you've got a pair, CaringGerinurse525.

You can't always hide from the fray. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. And if you won't stand up to rudeness, what else will you bow down for?

Will you stand up for your Constitutional rights? Will you sacrifice them for the sake of "harmony and peace"? Many people have bled and died for you to have those rights. Cherish them like nothing else.

OP, try writing to your state Senators and tell them your problem. They can contact the head of the BON on your behalf, who can figure out who was rude, when, why, and if that worker should continue to be employed by the BON.

I've done it and it felt danged good to be able to show the Senator what was going on in State government. He stood up for me and I got what I needed (timely license renewal, no loss of income; I had been trying to renew for many months - should have taken only a couple or a few weeks).

By the way - there was no retaliatory bull pucky from them, either. If there had been, I'd have gone to the Senator again, even the news media. Ain't gonna let nobody turn me around. I like peace as much as you, but sometimes we do have to engage the enemy. Yes, discretion is the better part of valor, but sometimes we have to draw that line in the sand.

All of the changes in equality for Blacks - the right to vote, the right to use any toilet, any drinking fountain, try on a pair of shoes in the store, eat where we want, live where we can afford, attend good schools, use any elevator, sit in front on the bus, and so on - people had to fight and actually die for us to have these rights. We overcame.

We are still overcoming. And it doesn't happen without courage. That applies to dealing with government bureaucracies, too.

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