Nursing License Defense: Surviving a Formal Board Complaint in Minnesota

In some cases, nursing professionals may have a formal complaint filed against them, but it’s possible to survive this complaint and avoid losing their professional licenses. Depending on the circumstances, there are ways to contest the complaint and retain a license.

The following are some steps to take to lessen the impact of a formal board complaint in Minnesota.

Things to Do Before the Investigation

After discovering that someone has filed a formal board complaint, it’s important to check to see if malpractice insurance coverage includes board investigations. Some insurers such as CPH & Associates and APA Insurance Trust offer this type of coverage. Otherwise, it may be best to change carriers to obtain this added protection.

Consulting with a  nursing license defense attorney and other professionals regarding record keeping, treatment plans, and other aspects of the case can help individuals prepare for when the board begins to investigate.

Above all, it’s important to keep good records, including those for treatment plans along with other documentation around ethical and clinical situations.

Taking Board Complaints Seriously

It’s important to take a formal board complaint seriously from the start to protect a medical license. This entails considering the deadline listed in the complaint. It is necessary to respond before the deadline to avoid potential issues. Failure to respond to a complaint before the deadline could lead to disciplinary action or sanctions in addition to decreased credibility.

If an individual is worried about exceeding the listed deadline, it may be possible to have the deadline extended with a formal request.

Developing an Effective Defense

One of the biggest mistakes nurses can make when presented with a formal board complaint in Minnesota is failing to contact a nursing license defense attorney. Before and during the investigation, it’s important to prepare a solid professional license defense to resolve the complaint. Attorneys who are experienced in this area can help protect individuals from losing their licenses by reviewing every aspect of the case and obtaining expert testimonies and reports.

Regardless of the situation, it’s possible to survive a formal board complaint by taking the proper steps to build a defense. By taking the complaint seriously and working to counter the complaint’s claims, individuals may be able to protect their licenses and reputations.

He has won jury trial cases in misdemeanor and felony cases and in DWI’s and non-DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. He is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Involve a criminal appeal attorney soon after you learn the prosecution is appealing your sentence. Your attorney will walk you through the involving and confusing sentencing guidelines. An attorney's involvement will also help you develop a defense strategy for the appeal.