Defending Your Nursing License in Florida
It takes a significant amount of education and training to earn a nursing license. Once licensed, you can look forward to long hours and an extraordinary amount of responsibility. Unfortunately, there are countless opportunities for missteps in the nursing profession. What is seen as a simple mistake in other professions may result in serious injuries to a patient and lead to the possible suspension or revocation of your license.
According to the nursing website, Nursing Link, nurses can face license suspension or revocation for a number of reasons:
- Addiction – Addiction is a common problem within the nursing profession and the relatively easy accessibility of prescription medications can exacerbate the situation. When addiction issues are discovered, an experienced lawyer may advocate for rehabilitation. The licensing boards may be persuaded to temporarily suspend the nursing license and offer a treatment option. If the nurse successfully completes the rehabilitation program, reinstatement of the professional license is granted. If the program is not completed, the suspension may become a permanent revocation.
- Diversion of Drugs – While some nurses are accused of keeping controlled substances for themselves, others face accusations of diverting medications to others. An lawyer may argue that the nurse was under extreme emotional pressure and perhaps the diversion was done to medically assist a close family member or friend. If the nurse is accused of selling the medications, criminal charges may also accompany the license revocation proceeding.
- Falsification of Patient Records – Nurses work extremely long hours, and they are expected to regularly record information into patient charts. Most nurses agree that charting can prove tedious and time consuming. Whether forgetfulness is the cause or the nurse intentionally refuses to chart, failure to adequately maintain accurate patient records may result in license revocation.
- Patient Abuse – Burnout is a common problem within the nursing community and it can unfortunately manifest itself in the mistreatment of patients. Abuse can take many forms, including:
- ignoring patient needs
- purposely causing pain to a patient; or
- simple mistakes that lead to pain and suffering
- Unprofessional Conduct – Nurses must carry themselves in a professional manner. The problem with this mandate is that it’s incredibly subjective. What the Licensing Board considers unprofessional may altogether differ from the perspective of the nurse. This leaves a lot of room for legal interpretation by the judicial officer.
Legal Representation During a Disciplinary Action
When facing allegations of professional misconduct, it is vital to secure legal representation from your first knowledge of the situation. Most license revocations involve a series of procedures and communications. Every response you provide the Licensing Board can be used against you later in the process. Experienced lawyers can assist you throughout every step, not just during the final hearing.
If you or a loved one is facing allegations of professional misconduct, Attorneys Mycki Ratzan and Jude Faccidomo can provide you with an aggressive and comprehensive defense. Contact Miami based Ratzan & Faccidomo, LLC today at (305) 330-3905 for a confidential and free consultation.
