When you surrender your nursing license (or are merely faced with the issue when you are accused of wrongdoing), you will likely be reasonably concerned. If you choose not to fight the allegations against you and surrender your nursing license, then you may:
- Be without your license for a defined period of time
- Be unable to work while your license is suspended or revoked
- Be able to apply for reinstatement of your license once the punitive period expires
You do not necessarily have to surrender your license when faced with allegations of misconduct.
Reasons Why You May Face Discipline
According to Article 7, Sec. 3 of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)’s Model Act (2012), you may face a possible suspension or revocation of your nursing license if:
- There is probable cause to believe that you have engaged in illicit drug use, or you have been convicted of a drug-related offense
- You have been convicted of another criminal offense that subjects you to disciplinary action
- You participated in somebody practicing medicine in an unlicensed setting
- You are accused of abusing or otherwise mistreating a patient
- You are accused of violating a patient’s rights to confidentiality or privacy
- You engaged in activities characterized as fraudulent or deceptive
- You are accused of perpetrating an unsafe or substandard level of nursing
You will likely receive a notice of allegations from the Florida Department of Health, which is tasked with investigating and enforcing allegations of nursing misconduct. Once you receive this notice, you may have a few different options for how you will proceed (including when you surrender your nursing license—if your circumstances call for it).
How You May Respond to Allegations of Wrongdoing
You may have a few general options when you are formally accused of wrongdoing as a nurse. They may include:
- Accepting the allegations against you and requesting an informal hearing to ask for leniency
- Contesting the charges by requesting a formal hearing, as is your right under § 120.569 of the Florida Statutes
- Neither contesting the allegations nor requesting an informal hearing, which ultimately means accepting the sanctions and punishments as is
If you accept the allegations against you, then you have the right to voluntarily surrender your license, per NCSBN. This action could be viewed as you showing contrition, and could help your case if and when you apply to have your license reinstated.
If you are uncertain about the route that you want to take, speaking with a lawyer may help you better understand your options and the ramifications of the course of action that you ultimately choose.
A Lawyer May Assist You With Your Nursing License Issue
Whether you decide to surrender your license, accept other penalties levied against you, or fight the allegations against you, a lawyer may be able to assist you by:
- Explaining the language and ramifications of any paperwork you have received
- Representing you in hearings or other proceedings related to your nursing license
- Protecting you from those who would violate your rights
The prospect of sanctions on your nursing license can be daunting, and a professional regulation lawyer may provide tangible services and advice as you navigate this difficult time. Explain your case in detail and provide them with all the documents and evidence sustaining your case. Your attorney will help you make the best decision and explore the best legal options that benefit you.
How the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Could Assist You
We will go the extra mile for you as we aim to minimize any harm to your personal and professional futures. Call our team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation. We can help you when you surrender your nursing license (or are thinking about doing so in your specific circumstances).
