Philadelphia Nurse License Defense Lawyers

Nurses have dedicated their lives to the care and healing of people in need. In most clinical settings, nurses are required to work very long hours and carry a heavy patient load. Unfortunately, this places nurses at an increased risk of being implicated in medical malpractice cases. Philadelphia nurses who are at risk of being disciplined may benefit from speaking with a Philadelphia Nurse license defense lawyers about their case. Failure to answer the charges in a timely fashion could result in the suspension or revocation of the nurse’s license.

Who is at Risk?

Nursing is a broad field and affects workers in a variety of clinical settings. People who work in the following jobs may be at risk of disciplinary action that could place their occupational license in danger:

• Registered Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Assisted Living Nurses
• Nursing Assistants
• Nurse Anesthetists
• E.R Nurses

Most Common Nursing Malpractice Complaints

In the nursing profession, there are several complaints that are most often the cause of nursing investigations. These include:

• Failure To Document A Patient’s Medical File
• Not Following The Appropriate Standard Of Care
• Irresponsible Use Of Medical Equipment
• Failure To Follow Doctors Orders
• Theft Of Prescription Medication

Who Can File a Complaint?

Most complaints against nurses are filed by upset family members after a surgery or hospital stay that does not have the outcome they predicted. Other complaints may come from the nurse’s place of employment such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, surgical center or dialysis unit. It is important to remember that the allegations must be investigated before the nursing board can move to revoke a nursing license.

What to do After Receiving a Formal Letter of Complaint

Nurses who receive a formal letter of an impending investigation from the Philadelphia Board Of Nursing must act quickly. This letter provides a date in which a response to the allegations must be received. Failure to respond by that date may result in an escalated inquiry. Other things nurses should do after receiving a formal letter of complaint include:

• Contact Their Malpractice Insurance Company
• Hire An Experienced Attorney
• Don’t Speak To Investigators Without An Attorney Present
• Do Not Post Information About The Case On Social Media
• Don’t Discuss The Case With Co-Workers Or Friends
• Never Attempt To Obtain The Patient’s Records On Your Own

When is a Philadelphia Nurse license defense lawyers Needed?

It is in the best interest of the nurse to consult an experienced Philadelphia Nurse license defense lawyers as soon as a complaint letter is received. This is the best way to ensure there is enough time to mount an appropriate defense against the allegations. The more time you have to prepare, the better your outcome is likely to be.

Philadelphia nurses who are in danger of having their license revoked or suspended, should contact an attorney at once to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, the attorney will examine the claim and any evidence to support the claim. He will make recommendations to the nurse as to the best way to defend the charges. Hiring an attorney can take the confusion and anxiety out of the legal process involving these claims. An attorney will respond to any correspondence from the Nursing Board and accompany the nurse to any hearings during the course of the investigation. Having an attorney to represent your interests may be the key to keeping your professional license or coming to terms for a probationary period you can live with.

FAQ: Philadelphia Nurse License Defense Lawyers

1) Why would a nurse need a license defense lawyer in Philadelphia?

A nurse may need a Philadelphia nurse license defense lawyer if they are facing a complaint, investigation, or disciplinary action that could lead to license suspension or revocation. An attorney can help protect the nurse’s rights and guide them through the nursing board process.

2) Who is at risk of nursing license discipline?

Many nursing professionals can be at risk, including:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

• Assisted Living Nurses

• Nursing Assistants

• Nurse Anesthetists

• E.R. Nurses

3) What are the most common nursing malpractice complaints?

Some of the most common complaints that may lead to investigations include:

• Failure to document a patient’s medical file

• Not following the appropriate standard of care

• Irresponsible use of medical equipment

• Failure to follow doctor’s orders

• Theft of prescription medication

4) Who can file a complaint against a nurse?

Complaints can be filed by:

• Upset family members after a surgery or hospital stay

• The nurse’s employer (hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, surgical center, or dialysis unit)

5) Does a complaint automatically mean the nurse is guilty?

No. Allegations must be investigated before the nursing board can take action such as revoking a nursing license.

6) What happens after a nurse receives a formal complaint letter?

If a nurse receives a formal letter of complaint from the Philadelphia Board of Nursing, they must respond by the deadline listed in the letter. Failing to respond on time may result in an escalated inquiry.

7) What should a nurse do after receiving a formal letter of complaint?

After receiving a complaint letter, nurses should:

• Contact their malpractice insurance company

• Hire an experienced attorney

• Avoid speaking to investigators without an attorney present

• Not post about the case on social media

• Not discuss the case with co-workers or friends

• Never attempt to obtain patient records on their own

8) Should a nurse talk to investigators without a lawyer?

No. Nurses should not speak to investigators without an attorney present, since statements can affect the outcome of the investigation.

9) Why shouldn’t a nurse discuss the case with friends or on social media?

Because sharing details may create complications and could be used against the nurse during an investigation. It’s best to keep the matter private and let the attorney handle communications.

10) When should a nurse hire a Philadelphia nurse license defense lawyer?

A nurse should consult a lawyer as soon as they receive a complaint letter. Early legal help gives more time to prepare a defense and improves the chances of a better outcome.

11) What can a nurse license defense attorney do during the investigation?

A nurse license defense attorney can:

• Review the claim and supporting evidence

• Recommend the best defense strategy

• Respond to correspondence from the Nursing Board

• Accompany the nurse to hearings

• Help reduce confusion and anxiety during the process

• Work toward keeping the license or negotiating probationary terms

12) Can a nurse avoid license suspension or revocation with legal help?

In many cases, legal representation can improve the nurse’s chances of protecting their license or reaching a disciplinary outcome that is manageable, such as probation instead of revocation.