WHO MONITORS LICENSED NURSES?
California nurses are licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. The California Board of Registered Nursing and the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians are authorized by California law to monitor nurses. California nurses must follow all relevant local and state laws in their practice and the Nurse Practicing Act. Complaints against nurses are sent to the Board of Nursing where the board will investigate to determine if a violation of law or rule occurred. They will also determine what level of violation the incident is.
If the Board of Nursing determines that there are no facts to substantiate the complaint, they will dismiss the complaint against the nurse. Also, some violations are considered minor and should be treated as such and may not require reporting to the Board of Nursing.
If you are a licensed nurse that is facing a complaint to the California Board of Nursing, it is critical to speak to an experienced nursing license defense lawyer. It’s important to do all you can to defend your case and nursing license.
WHAT ARE MINOR INCIDENTS?
Minor incidents related to conduct that are considered violations of nurse responsibilities and requirements. However, this doesn’t always mean disciplinary measures. The decision can be assessed by the Board of Nursing. Minor incidents are violations committed by a nurse where the potential of physical, emotional, or financial harm to a patient is low. A minor incident is also a one-time thing that does not show a pattern of poor practice by the nurse. The nurse must recognize the mistake and duly report it to a superior and physician caring for the patient.
If there are appropriate recording and disciplinary measures in place, the incident may not need to be reported to the Board of Nursing for further action. Violations of criminal law must always be reported to the Board of Nursing for investigation and assessment, whether disciplinary actions should be imposed. If an incident or violation is considered more than a minor incident, it can result in the sanction, suspension, or revocation of a nurse’s license to practice. If there are allegations of substance abuse, then the nurse can be entered into an intervention program to help treat a chemical dependency or mental illness.
The intervention program is meant as an alternative to regular disciplinary actions and to prevent public harm by the nurse.
If you have legal questions, call us today at the S.J. Harris Law Office!
SJ HARRIS LAW FREE CONSULTATION
The S.J. Harris Law Office is proud to offer FREE 30-minute consultations to all prospective clients. We understand that licensed nurses are professionals who require representation that values discretion and privacy. Anything discussed during a consultation will be protected by the attorney-client privilege. At S.J. Harris Law, we focus on preserving three things; your license, reputation, and future. Let our experience go to work for you today. Call us at (310) 361-8585 or contact us online for a free consultation.
