As a registered and licensed nurse in California, several things could put your practicing license in danger and derail your nursing career. Usually, the California Board of Registered Nursing is tasked with ensuring that nurses uphold professional standards. It does so by receiving and investigating complaints of misconduct among licensed nurses.
Anyone can file a complaint to the board, from employers, patients, colleagues and relatives, among others. The board will then verify these claims by looking into them and, depending on the outcome of the investigations, take appropriate action.
What can trigger an investigation?
Sometimes, false reports or allegations may be behind it all, and it is crucial to understand why you are under investigation. Some of the common nursing law violations include:
- Substance abuse
- Drug diversion
- Failing to cooperate with a board investigation
- Violating a patient’s confidentiality
- Sexual contact with a patient
- Gross negligence or incompetence when discharging your duties
- Fraud when applying for a license
- Falsifying medical records
- Conviction of certain crimes
All these and more can instigate an investigation from the board. If you are found to have violated nursing laws, you could be placed on probation or your license could be revoked or suspended. It could mean the end of your career as a nurse.
Protecting your rights during an investigation
You should not take such investigations lightly, even if you think the accusations against you are false or minor. There is so much at stake, and the outcome of your case could have far-reaching consequences that may affect you even for years to come.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek qualified assistance to respond to a notice of a complaint and safeguard your legal rights throughout the entire process. Doing so will also increase your chances of things going your way at the end of it all.
