Defending Your Nursing License
Last updated on February 19, 2025
After years of tirelessly working and studying to earn your nursing license, the last thing you want is to lose it. When your license is at risk of suspension or revocation, representing yourself can put your license and future at unnecessary risk. Instead of going through it alone, let a skilled and experienced legal team stand up for you.
At Clary | Suba | Neale, our lawyers proudly represent clients throughout the Baton Rouge and southern Louisiana area. As experienced attorneys, they know what a professional license is worth to a person, and they will do everything in their power to protect yours. If you are facing professional disciplinary issues, you can rest easy knowing that our team is fighting for you.
Strong Legal Representation Throughout The Disciplinary Process
Our Louisiana lawyers have more than 75 combined years of legal experience and have encountered all manner of professional license defense cases. In the decades that they have been practicing law, they have helped clients overcome license threats such as:
- Accusations of unprofessional conduct or misconduct
- Violations of the Nurse Practice Act
- Dereliction of duty
- Incompetence complaints
Our attorneys never make assumptions when representing a client, and they take the time to review the unique details of each case before developing a custom-tailored strategy to defend the client. While they represent you, our lawyers will remain in constant contact with you to keep you informed about your case, what they are doing for you, how they expect your situation to resolve and what options you have available.
What To Expect At A Nurse Board Hearing
When a nurse is accused of violating the Nursing Practice Act, the Louisiana State Board of Nursing takes disciplinary action. The process is less formal than a courtroom trial but still follows a structured procedure. Nurses facing allegations should understand what to expect:
- Board staff files a complaint: If an investigation finds evidence of a violation, the board files formal charges against the nurse.
- Nurse is notified of the complaint: The board sends an official notice, usually by certified mail, detailing the charges and the scheduled hearing date.
- On the day of the hearing, the nurse must appear: If the nurse fails to attend, the board may proceed in their absence and reach a decision without their input.
- Board legal counsel presents evidence of wrongdoing: The board introduces documents, testimony and records to support its claims. The nurse has the opportunity to present their own evidence in defense.
- The board deliberates and moves to resolution: After reviewing all evidence, the board determines whether a violation occurred and, if so, what disciplinary action is warranted.
This hearing is a critical moment in a nurse’s career. Having legal representation during this process can help build a strong defense, present evidence effectively and challenge the board’s claims. A well-prepared defense can be the difference between keeping a license and facing suspension or revocation.
Common Reasons Nurses Face Disciplinary Action
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing holds nurses to high professional standards, and any breach of those standards can lead to disciplinary action. Some of the most common reasons nurses face investigations and penalties include:
- Alcohol abuse: Consuming alcohol while on duty or arriving at work under the influence can jeopardize patient safety and lead to immediate disciplinary measures.
- Substance abuse: The misuse of prescription medications or illegal drugs, whether on or off duty, raises concerns about a nurse’s ability to provide safe and competent care.
- Failure to monitor a patient: Neglecting a patient’s condition, failing to document changes or not responding to critical symptoms can have life-threatening consequences.
- Lapse in moral character: Criminal charges, fraud, theft or unethical behavior, whether in or outside the workplace, can call a nurse’s integrity and fitness to practice into question.
Each of these infractions carries serious consequences, including suspension, revocation, fines or mandatory rehabilitation programs. For nurses under investigation, early legal intervention is key to protecting their license and career.
Let Our Team Defend Your Career
When your future as a nurse is on the line, let our lawyers’ experience be your advantage in your defense. Call us at 225-228-3694 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today. Now is the best time to reach out to us. Whether your license is at risk or you think it soon will be, do not wait another moment to begin developing your defense strategy.
