Rivas Goldstein, LLP

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Skilled Representation For Matters Before Texas Board of Nursing

At the Austin law firm of Rivas Goldstein, LLP, our attorneys represent licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and registered nurses (RNs) in all types of licensing defense issues. A nurse whose license is threatened by a Texas Board of Nursing (BON) disciplinary proceeding should immediately seek out an attorney who understands the processes and personnel involved.

Our lawyers have decades of combined experience assisting nurses, physicians and other medical practitioners with administrative licensing concerns and use that experience to defend nurses against BON actions. In addition, one of our staff members is a licensed nurse in Texas who assists us in offering a direct, practical perspective on protecting your license.

A Strong Defense Against A Wide Range Of Alleged Misconduct

Our Austin nursing license defense attorneys advocate for clients who face disciplinary actions because of misconduct allegations such as:

  • Unprofessional conduct
  • Failing to adequately maintain patient records
  • Drug or alcohol issues
  • Alleged drug diversion
  • Failing to maintain the proper standard of care

Disciplinary actions may be undertaken in a hearing before the BON or during informal settlement conferences. In either case, having an experienced attorney who understands what is at stake can often be the difference between losing your nursing license and retaining it. Our lawyers provide a strong license defense to nurses at all stages of the complaint process, vigorously working toward positive outcomes.

Our clients are often able to keep their nursing licenses because we demonstrate that the allegations were incorrect or unfounded or that there were mitigating circumstances. We investigate the matter and identify colleagues, patients or expert witnesses whose testimony will strengthen a client’s case. We have achieved scores of successful outcomes resulting in dismissals and lesser sanctions, such as remedial education or fines.

Reasons You Could Lose Your Nursing License

Being a nurse is a difficult job. As you work to take care of patients and save lives every day, you may have concerns about losing your license. Disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) can be scary to think about. But what actually leads to investigations and license suspensions?

If you are a registered nurse and fear losing your license, you should know about some of the most common actions that may put your license at risk.

Breaching Patient Confidentiality

Your patients must have the utmost privacy to protect them. Accidental and minor breaches may occur and may not result in losing your license, but you should be careful about what you say and to whom you say it. Avoid gossiping about patients to family members, friends or colleagues.

Engaging in unprofessional conduct

According to scrubsmag.com, unprofessional conduct such as having sexual relations with a higher-up or using inappropriate language around patients can get your license revoked. You must strive to be professional at all times. Watch how you conduct yourself.

Diverting Drugs

Taking medication for yourself or someone else is a surefire way to be the subject of a BON investigation. This can easily result in losing your license and even going to jail. Do not slip yourself any drugs on the side, including narcotics, painkillers, anti-psychotics and sleeping pills.

Falsifying Patient Records

Whether you give a patient some extra morphine without recording it or fail to complete a patient record, you could get in serious trouble. Falsifying a patient record can not only lead to a license revocation, but it can also bring harm to your patient.

Neglecting Patients

Neglecting a patient, even accidentally, can have grave consequences. Even if you are overworked and have a lot of patients, make sure you do not lose track and neglect to give a patient the proper care he or she needs.

Declaratory Orders For Nursing Students

Nursing students who have a criminal conviction on their record or other difficulties in their past may face scrutiny when it comes time to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Our firm is available to assist students in seeking and obtaining a Declaratory Order from the BON, which gives the student permission to sit for the exam.

Contact Our Firm If Your Nursing License Is Threatened

If you are facing disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing, call us at 800-761-5190 to speak with an experienced nursing license defense lawyer. You may also contact our law office online.