Nurses devote their careers to helping people, but nurses in Arizona also bear scrutiny from multiple sources, including doctors, patients, patient's families, and the Arizona State Board of Nursing. While the board is certainly there to protect patients, the board is generally not on the side of nurses when allegations of professional misconduct arise. That is why it is important to retain a lawyer if your professional license is ever at risk.
Where do complaints come from?
Allegations of misconduct, regardless of whether they are true or false, can put a lot of strain on you and your career. Complaints can come from virtually anyone, including coworkers, doctors, patients, patients’ family members, and law enforcement.
Common allegations against nurses include:
- Improper management of medication
- Inappropriate patient care
- Unprofessional relationship with a patient
- Appearing physically or mentally unable to perform basic duties
- DUI arrest
- Speculation of substance abuse
Addiction to opioids or other prescription medications is a problem for some nurses — and may be grounds for license suspension or revocation. In such a case, the nurse may need help and guidance in a number of ways. The surest way to guard against the negative consequences of opioid abuse allegations is to seek counsel as soon as possible from a professional license defense attorney.
Why you need legal representation
In some cases, nurses take on the Board of Nursing alone, and there is a common misconception that the board is on the nurse’s side. However, this is not always the case. The board’s top priority is to protect patients from medical harm – not necessarily to ensure that a nurse is treated fairly during administrative proceedings.
It is not advisable to speak to any board investigators until after you’ve consulted with your attorney. Let a lawyer sort out the details so you can focus on your career and helping people. A lawyer with experience in this area of law can prepare your case, present your side of the story, and defend you and ultimately your career.
For more on these matters, please see Weiler Law PLLC’s overview of Arizona Board of Nursing investigations.