Despite their best efforts, any healthcare provider can make an error. A nurse working in a high-pressure environment might administer the wrong dosage, give a medication too soon, or fail to document medications properly.
These mistakes can have serious implications for your nursing license and professional future. The next step may be a formal investigation by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
If you’ve been notified of an investigation related to a medication error allegation, it’s critical to respond with care and legal guidance. Working with an attorney for nurses can make all the difference in protecting your future. Here’s what happens during a nursing license investigation.
Investigating a Nursing Complaint
When the BRN receives a complaint involving a medication error, it opens an investigation to determine whether the mistake violated the Nursing Practice Act. As part of its investigation, the BRN may:
- Review patient records
- Interview colleagues, supervisors, or patients
- Evaluate your past conduct or disciplinary history
- Assess whether anyone violated protocols or policies
An investigator may reach out to you directly or request a formal statement. Remember that anything you can say can be used against you. Before responding, consult with an attorney for nurses who understands the investigatory process.
Common Medication Errors That Trigger a Nursing Board Investigation
Even minor and unintentional medication errors can trigger nursing board scrutiny. Some of the most common incidents are:
- Failing to chart or record administration correctly
- Administering the wrong medication to a patient
- Miscalculating dosages
- Giving medication via the wrong route (e.g., IV vs. oral)
Two of the key factors at play are whether appropriate safeguards existed and whether your actions meet the “reasonable nurse” standard. The nursing board will also consider whether the patient suffered harm as a result of the medication error.
Consequences of Med Errors
If the BRN finds a violation, it may impose the following:
- Fines
- Mandatory remedial education
- A probationary period on your license
- Suspension or revocation of your license
Even minor reprimands can hurt your career prospects and impact your ability to work. However, disciplinary actions can’t always be avoided. In that case, your goal is to minimize the severity of any penalties.
The key is to act fast, as the BRN strives to resolve investigations as efficiently as possible. From the moment you are notified of the complaint, the clock to exercise your rights begins counting down.
How a License Defense Attorney for Nurses Can Help
Finding out that you are the subject of a medication error investigation can be incredibly stressful. The good news is that you have rights during the investigation process.
To request a hearing and protect your license, you must follow the proper procedures. A legal professional can help you enforce your rights and respond to the BRN’s inquiries within set deadlines. The earlier you involve a qualified attorney for nurses, the more options you have.
A nursing license attorney will help you by:
- Communicating directly with board investigators on your behalf
- Drafting or reviewing your written statement
- Gathering supporting documentation and witness statements
- Identifying gaps in the evidence that may favor your position
Your attorney will attempt to prevent formal discipline from being issued or to encourage the board to offer a lesser penalty, such as retraining instead of license suspension.
Take Steps to Protect Your Nursing License Now
As soon as you are notified that you are being investigated for a medication error, you should:
- Talk to an attorney
- Review the notification and take note of any deadlines
- Write down as much as you can remember about the incident
- Avoid making any spontaneous statements to the board
Remember, the BRN’s investigator is not on your side. They may seem friendly and professional, but their goals are not the same as your goals. While you are required to cooperate with the investigation, you do not have to make any broad statements that can be used against you.
Book a Consultation With an Attorney for Nurses
The California Board of Registered Nursing’s investigation process can be intimidating. But you don’t have to face it alone. An attorney for nurses will stand up for your rights and work to protect your license.
At S J Harris Law, our professional license defense attorney is committed to protecting your career and your future. We have the experience and skill needed to defend you against medication error claims.
You’ve worked hard to earn your nursing license and build a strong professional reputation. Let S J Harris Law protect it. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation.
