I came across allnurses when searching online for some advice about my situation. I have a letter from the BON telling me I am being investigated due to a complaint. They (BON) say I can respond in writing or arrange an interview with them. I know many will tell me to hire an attorney but I was terminated and I don't have any money. The complaint is malicious and I know there is no proof so I want to know if I should respond and say I deny the allegation? Or should I do nothing?
I have looked at several attorney websites where they give some do's and don'ts when facing an investigation, and some say don't respond while some say you should never ignore the BON's letter and you should respond in a timely manner. So now I don't know what to do.
For now, all I need to know is, what could harm me the most.....responding to say I deny it? Or not respond at all?
I got a phone call today from the investigator! Yikes! Fortunately I didn't pick up as I was driving but she left me a voicemail telling me to call her. Is this normal to get a phone call? And what should I do?
You'd probably just get her voicemail anyway. :)
Seriously, send that note to arrive well before your deadline, and then let any further communication to the BoN or any minion there come only from your attorney.
Seriously, send that note to arrive well before your deadline, and then let any further communication to the BoN or any minion there come only from your attorney.
Great name. Anyway, I believe that many states have a program where lawyers are provided pro-bono (Sorry if I spelled that wrong, basically they provide free service to low income or displaced workers). Try calling your local social services center to see if they have any programs in your area similar to this.
If you cannot find one, try calling around to defense lawyers in your area and see if they are willing to provide pro-bono representation for you, or if they know someone who is. I don't know that much about law but I think sometimes lawyers are required to provide a certain amount of pro-bono work (like when they first start practicing? Not sure). I have a friend who used this service when her house was broken into to help with insurance reimbursement. Not sure if they help nurses but it's worth a look.
Anyway, I hope this helps you find someone to assist you and I wish you luck.
I got a phone call today from the investigator! Yikes! Fortunately I didn't pick up as I was driving but she left me a voicemail telling me to call her. Is this normal to get a phone call? And what should I do?
You could call her, but as others including myself already advised, explain that you are seeking legal counsel before you participate any further in the investigation.
Also, calling does not mean you don't have to mail in any response. You SHOULD mail that note and be sure you obtain tracking and signature confirmation (registered mail is ideal).
Daisy; document, document, document. Think of yourself in the legal sense when writing, talking to the BON. Dates, Names, conversation. Do not offer any information. On their end they are told not to offer information also. Just the basics. It will will help to show a timeline for yourself and your attorney. Please....make sure when you respond in writing, send it certified mail. Mistakes are made on their end too! Having proof it was sent in a timely manner, could save you allot of grief. Good Luck!
Daisy! How is your situation going? What state is it? I'm so sorry! I hope everything is working out for you. Thanking my lucky stars for my malpractice insurance right now!
nurseprnRN, BSN, RN
1 Article; 5,116 Posts
You'd probably just get her voicemail anyway. :)
Seriously, send that note to arrive well before your deadline, and then let any further communication to the BoN or any minion there come only from your attorney.