California Nursing License Defense Attorney
Los Angeles firm represents Registered Nurses before the Board of Registered Nursing
Working as a nurse isn’t just a job, but a tremendous personal and professional commitment. Whether a nurse works in a hospital, a doctor’s office or a different environment, they are critical to the well-being of the patients they serve. At the Law Offices of Victor Manrique in Los Angeles, in addition to defending nurses in any job discipline or discharge I defend nurses who are in danger of losing their professional license because of an accusation made against them or a criminal conviction.
If you’re a nurse worried about losing what you worked so hard for, I can help
My firm is familiar with the disciplinary process used by the Board of Registered Nursing, including:
- Investigations – If you are contacted by an investigator to give a statement, you should immediately consult an experienced lawyer to analyze and prepare for the investigative interview. Usually, details of the allegations against a nurse are not disclosed until the investigative meeting so preparation is essential to anticipate question areas and delicate subjects in the standard of care and the delivery of patient care and documentation.
- Accusations — The accusation is a public legal document which alleges that the subject has violated the Nursing Practice Act. At this stage, the nurse must file a defense or face a default and subsequent sanctions.
- Administrative hearings — You can provide evidence at a hearing before an administrative law judge as to why the charges against you are unwarranted. The judge who presides at the administrative hearing will render a decision at some point later on, but can issue an interim suspension if he or she believes a potential risk exists.
- Judicial review and petition for reinstatement — If you believe that the decision-making process was legally flawed when your nursing license was suspended or revoked, you can seek judicial review in court.
Becoming a nurse requires an incredible investment of money, time and energy, and it can be very scary to see your ability to work put in jeopardy. No matter what led to your proceeding, I will give you the compassionate and effective legal support the situation demands.
Possible factors that can impact your nursing license
There are a wide range of allegations that can trigger a disciplinary proceeding. My firm assists nurses in all types of matters, including those involving claims of:
- Substance abuse, drunk driving and chemical dependency
- Gross negligence and breaches of care standards
- Unprofessional conduct
- Violations of the Nursing Practice Act
- Criminal misconduct substantially related to nursing qualifications or duties
Reviews of nurses not only come from the Board of Registered Nursing’s disciplinary process, but also might arise from investigations launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Board of Vocational Nursing or the Psychiatric Technician’s Disciplinary Process.
How will you know if you are being investigated?
The Board of Registered Nursing is not required to provide any notification that they have begun an investigation against you. They could interview the party who filed the complaint and other witnesses before you even know there is a potential problem. If you have been threatened with disciplinary action or believe that the BRN might be reviewing your workplace conduct, it is important to speak with an attorney who can start preparing your defense immediately.
Is getting an attorney an admission of guilt?
NurNurses are trained to heal, not to deal with administrative proceedings. A nurse who faces discipline may be hesitant about retaining legal counsel because you might think it is an admission of guilt or an unnecessary step give the fact that you did nothing wrong. However, legal and administrative processes can be complex and unpredictable. Having an experienced attorney by your side is not an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, but a way to protect your rights and avoid potentially harmful mistakes.
Contact an effective California lawyer to help protect your nursing license
The Law Offices of Victor Manrique represents Southern California nurses and other medical professiooals who face potential disciplinary action from their state licensing entities. To discuss your case, please call 213-487-4733 or contact me online to schedule a consultation. My office is on Wilshire Boulevard at Berendo Street in the historic Talmadge Building in Los Angeles.
Victor Manrique implies no special relationship with the California Board of Registered Nursing.
