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.
