Columbia Nursing License Defense Lawyer

An investigation of a nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing is a very serious matter that could potentially result in that nurse losing their license to practice. The complaint that starts such an investigation can be brought by a patient, another medical practitioner, a coworker, or even an employer. It is often crucial for a nurse under investigation to promptly establish a proper defense. An experienced Columbia nursing license defense lawyer could be an assertive counselor who knows the state’s professional licensing regulations and how to represent you well. Read on to learn more about how a dedicated defense attorney could make a difference in your case today.

Complaints the Board Receives Against Nurses

Generally, the most common complaints against nurses allege misconduct, unprofessional conduct, or wrongdoing. In the context of nursing, wrongdoing may entail criminal offenses such as abuse or dependence on alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs, narcotic diversion for personal use, patient abuse, or a sexual offense. Other misbehaviors may include practicing under the influence, practicing outside of a license’s scope or without a valid license, failing to properly dispose of narcotic waste, improperly documenting a patient’s chart, an inappropriate relationship with a patient, and other violations of the Nurse Practice Act.

In a drug-related case in Columbia, the nurse may be placed in the South Carolina Recovering Professional Program, also known as RPP, to tell if treatment or additional monitoring is necessary. Know that a professional Columbia nursing license defense lawyer could help to fight against these accusations through aggressive legal representation in court. Reach out to a determined defense attorney to learn more.

Potential Disciplinary Actions and Penalties

If an investigation proves an offense of the state’s criminal code or the Nurse Practice Act, certain penalties can be enforced. Violations of the Nurse Practice Act can result in a letter of caution, public reprimand, placing a nurse on probation, license suspension or revocation, and fines. In the event of criminal offenses, the Board could give its evidence to the Criminal Prosecution Division of the South Carolina Attorney General’s office, which will determine if there is sufficient evidence for a misdemeanor or felony charge.

Legal Processes Involved in Nursing License Issues

After the Board’s investigation is finished, which usually takes between 60 and 180 days, the report is sent to the South Carolina Nursing Board’s Investigative Review Committee, which can either dismiss the complaint or order a hearing. At a hearing, the evidence gathered is presented, and the nurse may present a defense and can be represented by a weathered Columbia nursing license defense lawyer.

If the nurse is sanctioned, the next step may be to appeal the Nursing Board’s decision to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court. The defense may raise legal issues stemming from the Board’s hearing, such as admitting improper evidence or testimony. If the result of the hearing is not satisfactory to the nurse, the nurse may file a Notice of Intent to Appeal to the South Carolina Court of Appeals.

Working with a Columbia Nursing License Defense Lawyer

Administrative and criminal law have their own procedures and rules, so an attorney who is well-versed in these areas of law may be necessary to achieve the best result possible in either court. It is often beneficial to have legal representation as early as possible so the attorney can advise the nurse during the investigation. The attorney may conduct an independent investigation of the complaint to build a defense, and could also challenge witness statements and other evidence at all stages of the process. Consider making an appointment with a seasoned Columbia nursing license defense lawyer today for your case review.