Highly Rated Torrance Nursing License Defense Attorney
A Torrance nursing license defense lawyer helps registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), nurse practitioners, and other nursing professionals who have been subject to complaints, investigations, or nursing discipline actions that threaten their ability to work. Many nursing license issues involve complex clinical records, employer policies, and professional standards that should be reviewed by a lawyer.
A Torrance professional license defense lawyer can explain how the administrative process works and the laws that apply to nursing in California.
About Century Law Group, LLP
Century Law Group, LLP, handles professional licensing, business, and regulatory matters for professionals throughout California. If you have been the subject of an investigation or any type of inquiry that might affect your ability to work, you need a lawyer who can work with you to develop a strategy specific to your situation.
Edward Lear, founding partner of Century Law Group, LLP, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates®. The ABLA® is a professional organization that requires members to meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. They must also demonstrate superior skills in complex litigation.
Although this membership does not guarantee any specific case result, it indicates the knowledge and care our firm takes with our clients’ cases.
Understanding Nursing License Defense
Registered nurses and other licensed vocational nurses work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers. As part of their job, nurses provide direct patient care, follow established care plans, and communicate with patients and healthcare providers. Nurses are licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing, and they are held to high standards of care and professional conduct.
A patient, coworker, employer, or other individual may file a complaint against a nurse for any number of reasons. Examples include issues with patient care, documentation, medications, and professional conduct.
When a nursing complaint is received, the Board of Registered Nursing may evaluate the allegations through a formal investigation process. If the board decides to investigate further, the nurse will likely need to participate in an investigation and provide additional documentation. In some cases, even if the board does not decide to discipline a nurse for the allegations, a response to the board must be submitted.
Nursing License Defense Laws
In California, registered nurses are regulated by both statutes and regulations. The California Business and Professions Code is the law that governs licensure requirements and professional disciplinary action for violations of the profession’s codes of conduct. This law allows the state to punish professional misconduct.
The California Nursing Practice Act is another law that registered nurses and LVNs should know. This defines the practice of nursing and lays out professional conduct standards for nurses. The Nursing Practice Act outlines patient care, medication administration, supervision protocols, and professional duties.
Common Reasons for Nursing License Issues
The Board of Registered Nursing received 4,674 public complaints in Fiscal Year 2023-2024. There were 1,816 applicant complaints and 1,215 arrest/conviction complaints. Patients, coworkers, and supervisors can file complaints against nurses for many reasons, such as:
- Errors with medications or related documentation
- Patient care or perceived negligence
- Documentation or charting mistakes
- Violations of professional boundaries
- Substance abuse or being under the influence at work
- Allegations of workplace bullying or similar conduct
- Failure to adhere to hospital policies
- Dishonesty or falsifying information
It is important to remember that not all complaints result in discipline by the Board of Registered Nursing. The board investigates every complaint, but it may close cases if there is not enough information to discipline a nurse.
Hire a Nursing License Defense Lawyer
Many nurses wonder if they should hire a nursing license defense lawyer when dealing with an investigation or disciplinary action. If your nursing license is threatened or at risk of being suspended or revoked, which can result from serious violations of professional conduct standards, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. When your nursing license is endangered, you need someone on your side who can advocate for you throughout the process.
A Torrance nursing license defense attorney can represent your interests when dealing with the nursing board and any related legal matters. A lawyer can build strong nursing license defense strategies in your favor.
Your legal matter may also involve Torrance-area courts, including the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Torrance Courthouse at 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503. However, keep in mind that most matters related to nursing discipline are typically handled by the administrative agency that issued the nurse’s license.
FAQs
Can a Nursing License Issue Affect Future Job Prospects?
Yes. Employers might uncover past disciplinary issues or ongoing investigations when they do their credentialing and background checks. This may be required, even if you do not receive formal discipline. How this affects your job prospects hinges on the employer’s rules, what the accusation is about, and if it’s something already public or still being looked into.
Do Nurses Have to Disclose Investigations When Applying for New Licenses?
Depending on the state where you are applying to be licensed or renewing your credentials, you may have to disclose pending or prior disciplinary actions. Most state licensing boards inquire about investigations, arrests, and/or professional actions taken by other states. Omitting information you are required to disclose can cause more problems than what you are currently facing, and it can influence the decision.
Can Coworkers or Supervisors File Anonymous Reports?
Yes. Complaints can come from anonymous sources, such as coworkers, supervisors, or third parties. Boards look into anonymous complaints that provide sufficient information or have enough evidence to warrant an investigation. Generally, whether you are investigated depends on how credible the information is and whether your ability to comply with nursing standards is called into question.
Are Nursing Students or Trainees Subject to Discipline?
It depends. If they are in a nursing program or doing clinicals and their behavior jeopardizes patient care, nursing students may be disciplined by either their licensing board or their nursing school. The repercussions aren’t the same as they are for licensed RN’s, but your actions during your training may be held against you when you become eligible for licensing.
Contact Century Law Group, LLP
Nurses need their licenses to keep doing their jobs and caring for patients. If you are a nurse, it is important to know the nursing license defense laws and what options you have if your license is threatened. Century Law Group, LLP, can explain the relevant laws and work hard in your defense. Contact us today for more information.
