If you receive formal charges on your nursing license, then it means you may be unable to work for a period of time, or you may be facing permanent revocation of your nursing license. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), some of the grounds for formal charges on your nursing license include:
- Engaging in an act that qualifies as fraud or misrepresentation
- Being convicted of a criminal charge, especially if it is a felony
- Engaging in substandard nursing care
These are just a few of the reasons why you may find yourself facing formal charges. Whether you are facing charges that you may not be guilty of or are hoping to overcome a mistake and engage in nursing activities again, a lawyer may be able to assist you.
Nursing Boards Have the Right to Suspend or Revoke Your License
Various nursing boards, including the Florida Board of Nursing, have the power to issue formal charges on your license that could directly impact your ability to engage in your role as a nurse. Some of the actions that the Board may take to restrict the status of your license include:
- Suspending your license
- Denying your request to renew your license
- Censuring your license or issuing a reprimand, which may exist on your nursing record either temporarily or permanently
- Fining you
- Revoking your license permanently
- Ordering you to pay restitution to a third party
You may be required to fulfill the conditions of any sanctions a nursing board levies in order to work as a registered nurse again. The severity of the punishment you receive may depend on the allegations against you. Some possible reasons for discipline include allegations of:
- Overseeing the unlicensed practice of medicine
- Being convicted of a crime
- Engaging in a level of nursing care deemed substandard
- Abusing patients
- Committing other forms of patient mistreatment
- Violating patient privacy laws
If you believe that the allegations against you are unfounded, then retaining the services of a lawyer may be in your interest. A lawyer may also fight for leniency during any hearing process to determine whether you will face formal charges on your nursing license, and what those charges may be.
You May Be Able to Avoid Formal Charges
If you are facing an inquiry or the prospect of formal charges, you may be able to preserve active status of your license by:
- Filing an application for exemption, per the Florida Board of Nursing
- Responding to a complaint against you by filing an Election of Rights (EOR)
- Filing a request for a formal or informal hearing, as is your right under Florida Statute § 120.569
- Either admitting fault and asking for leniency or fighting the charges against you (with assistance from an attorney, if you choose)
A lawyer may assist you by:
- Honoring your wishes to either admit to wrongdoing and request leniency or request a formal hearing to contest the charges against you
- Representing you in any hearings or interviews where they are permitted to
- Fighting for maintenance or reinstatement of your nursing license
- Defending your rights
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Wants to Help You
If you have any other questions on what formal charges mean on a nursing license, feel free to call our team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation. We want to provide you with responsive legal care.
