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.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and 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. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

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

Students with juvenile convictions in their records and intending to apply for college may wonder, “Do juvenile crimes impact college admissions?” A juvenile crime in Minnesota can lower the odds of your child’s college application getting approved. A conviction of a serious juvenile crime may result in an automatic rejection of college applications. A minor with a criminal record may be disqualified from accessing student loans or grants.
Defendants convicted of a crime may ask, “What is the post-conviction process, and how long does it take?” A petition for post-conviction relief allows you to contest the legality of a criminal conviction or sentence following an unsuccessful direct appeal process or passing the appeal deadline. This petition involves legal issues not addressed at trial or direct appeal. These issues include a constitutional rights violation, newly discovered evidence, and inadequate or ineffective lawyer representation.
Knowing how long the sentencing phase takes in Minneapolis, MN, can help you ease worries and work towards receiving a fair sentence. The sentencing phase of the criminal justice process usually takes only minutes, especially when the judge approves the sentence negotiated in a plea bargain. Sentencing can sometimes be lengthy, particularly when you get convicted at trial, and the judge schedules a hearing to a later date to decide on appropriate legal penalties. The nature and seriousness of the criminal conviction, whether your sentence is negotiated or determined by a judge, and continuance motions are some factors that may affect the length of the sentencing phase.