Nursing Discipline- Board of Nursing

caliotter3 · Jul 26, 2012

I've read that it is considered wise to have legal counsel accompany one when summoned before the Board. That is supposed to be what that clause in your malpractice insurance is for. I certainly wouldn't go before the Board without my attorney tagging along.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 26, 2012

I second that. The BON is NOT the nurses' friend. They're out to protect the public first and foremost; the nurse's interests are considered second if considered at all.

You could be as innocent as a newborn baby, and I'd still tell you to take an attorney with you if you have to stand in front of the BON.

Best of luck with this.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Jul 26, 2012

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the complaint won't be so anonymous once you get there. You have a right to know who is accusing you and of what...it's the only way you can defend yourself.

The Board is also going to look at why it took so long for someone to come forward.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jul 26, 2012

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys can provide you with information on those attorneys who specialize in malpractice to represent you and protect your rights before board of nursing.

nancynurse227 · Jul 27, 2012

I have to meet with the Board of Nursing regarding an anonymous complaint back from 2 years ago. All HR records from all my employers were requested. Not sure what to expect.

Did I mention I am a single one income family with no funds for an attorney? They said it is an informal meeting set to decide if a hearing will be necessary.

nancynurse227 · Jul 27, 2012

Would taking an attorney make me look guilty?!

caliotter3 · Jul 27, 2012

No, taking an attorney would show the Board that you are not about to be pushed out of your livelihood so easily. Look around on this website and you can find instances of people posting that they wished they had an attorney with them when they went before the Board. Go to the nso dot com website and read the case reports presented there. Why won't they tell you what the problems are if there is nothing to it? There is nothing from the Board that is a small matter. The only legal advice we can give here is to advise you to seek the help of an attorney. Check with your local Bar Association, (in the yellow pages), and get hooked up with their Modest Means Panel. The initial visit should cost $20 or $25. TAANA might be able to provide an attorney who will assist within your means to pay. Use the legal benefits from your malpractice insurance; as stated before, that is what that coverage is for. Good luck.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 27, 2012

Agreed. If the BON is actively getting involved, then it's not "nothing." And the fact that it's informal doesn't mean that lawyers aren't welcome.

Yes, having to pay for an attorney can suck especially when you don't have the money to spare for it. But having disciplinary actions on or possibly losing your license sucks even more because your future career and income are affected.

Again, good luck whatever you decide.

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2012

I have to meet with the Board of Nursing regarding an anonymous complaint back from 2 years ago. All HR records from all my employers were requested. Not sure what to expect.

I've had the displeasure of dealing with the BON in this capacity. I found them to be very professional and concerned about my well being as well as doing what they needed to to ensure that I was safe to practice. Maybe I just got lucky, but it didn't seem like they were out to "get" me. And if the complaint is two years old, I can't imagine that it would be THAT serious, or they would have gotten to it a little sooner.

nancynurse227 · Jul 28, 2012

was yours to do with an anonymous complaint? I heard the board only has 2 years to take action on a complaint. I actually told them whom I felt made the complaint. I wonder if they would have tried to make contact with them. Im sick over this.

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2012

Mine was d/t complaint that was not anonymous. I knew who and why. I had the right to know exactly what the complainer said, the investigator read the person's statement to me. I don't know how anonymous complaints work. I imagine there'd be less credibility to them.