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It appears as though the number of nursing board complaints is on the rise. Please seek legal representation anytime you must face a board of nursing inquiry. You wouldn’t represent yourself in a major criminal case or civil lawsuit, so don’t make that mistake because it’s “just the board of nursing.” The things that happen as a result of a board action will affect your ability to practice your profession for a long time.

The board of nursing’s primary function is to protect the public from unsafe nurses. While they will hopefully try to advocate for the nurse as well, don’t expect that they will. Because of the lack of understanding the profession has regarding substance abuse and addiction, many boards of nursing take a primarily punitive approach to a nurse afflicted with this disease. This may even happen in states that have an alternative to discipline program in place.

NEVER, EVER SPEAK WITH A BOARD INVESTIGATOR OR THE BOARD MEMBERS WITHOUT CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY!

You have rights, be sure they are protected. Anything you say during the investigation can be used against you in a court of law and in the boards decision.

Your attorney for the board investigation should be familiar with administrative law AND dealing with the board. That’s why I recommend an attorney who is also a nurse. For criminal charges, get a criminal attorney familiar with drug related issues and laws.

Professional Liability Insurance

Many nurses don’t have their own malpractice/liability insurance, relying on the insurance coverage of their employer. While many employers (not all) will provide some professional liability coverage, chances are that coverage may have some serious gaps, including:

Professional Liability Insurance protects you against covered claims arising from real or alleged errors or omissions, including negligence, in the course of your professional duties. Remember, legal defense and settlement costs are paid in addition to your limits of liability.

In the event of a lawsuit, your own Professional Liability Insurance policy would:

Consult with a licensed insurance provider regarding the type of policies they offer for nurses. Follow the links to the left for more information.

Legal Concerns

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys

Referral Hotline:

866-807-7133

 

 

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

 

 

Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Malpractice

 

 

E-Book

Negligence to Malpractice: the Professional Practice of Nursing is Evolving

 

 

The Nurse Friendly

Medical Legal Resources

 

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LaTonia Denise Wright, LLC

Greg Stocks, CRNA, EJD

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Read the latest blog post LaTonia Wright, RN, BSN, JD, titled:

Kimberly Hiatt, R.N. and the Tragedy of her Suicide: Is it Just Culture, "Just" Culture, or "Just" Termed & State Nursing Boarded?

Please read this story about a nurse who committed suicide after committing a medical error resulting in a patient death. The nurse admitted to making the mistake and subsequent events reportedly pushed her over the edge: being fired from the hospital and a State Nursing Board investigation.

(Read the entire post)

Nursing Liability Insurance

(Article)

 

ANA Nursing Liability Insurance

 

Should I Carry Malpractice (Liability) Insurance?

 

Don't Make These Mistakes

When Buying Your Malpractice Insurance

Nurse Practitioner Central

 

 

Nursing Professional Malpractice & Liability Insurance

From the “Nurse Friendly” Web Site

 

 

Questions and Answers on Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

Carolyn Buppert, NP, JD

 

 

Malpractice Insurance: Myths That Harm Nurses

Nurse Together

 

 

Disclaimer: A link does not imply I endorse the service or product. The links are for informational and educational purposes only.

To the Addicted Nurse