Nursing License Defense Options In Alaska
For nurses, a license is the key to their career. Without it, they cannot work in their chosen industry, despite all of their training, experience and time they have put into their education. Anything that threatens their ability to keep this license must be addressed.
Our attorneys can help at Clapp, Peterson, Tiemessen, Thorsness LLC. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of experience. We’re also proud to have the top possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which reflects on our professionalism and the quality of our legal services. We have offices in Fairbanks and Anchorage, where we can help nurses defend their license when necessary. Call today to get started.
Common Reasons For Nursing License Investigations In Alaska
A nurse’s license could be in jeopardy for a wide range of reasons:
- Criminal convictions
- Accusations of substance abuse
- Negligence in a medical setting
- Patient care errors
- Boundary violations
- Documentation issues
If there is anything that causes concern about the nurse’s ability to provide the expected level of care to patients, the Alaska Board of Nursing may consider either suspending or revoking the nurse’s license.
Alaska Board Of Nursing: Understanding The Disciplinary Process
The Alaska Board of Nursing is in charge of the disciplinary process, so the board will review the allegations against the nurse and determine what the outcome should be. The results of these cases are then posted online so that others can see the disciplinary actions that have been taken.
However, nurses have a right to defend themselves against such allegations. After all, a nurse may feel that they haven’t actually done anything wrong, or that the ramifications are far greater than the alleged offense. Because their career hangs in the balance, they have a chance to tell their side of the story, provide evidence and explain the situation to the board. This is when it can help to work with an experienced attorney.
Our lawyers can help determine the best defense strategy for each specific case. For instance, perhaps a patient has alleged medical malpractice, but the nurse believes that they didn’t actually violate any regulations and provided the expected standard of care. They may also be able to claim that the patient didn’t suffer harm. The nurse and their defense team can provide evidence that demonstrates that the allegations are unfounded.
Another strategy may be to argue that the revocation of a nursing license is not the applicable response. Perhaps the nurse admits to some sort of wrongdoing, such as being convicted for driving under the influence, but also claims that this activity has not impacted their ability to provide care for their patients.
Exploring Your Options
Are you worried about losing your Alaska nursing license? If so, call us today at 907-885-3467 or contact us online to set up your initial consultation.