The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) recently released a statement warning nurses throughout the state of a current telephone scam. According to the group, fraudsters who are part of this scam will contact those who hold a nursing license and demand money. The demand, the fraudster will argue, is due to an impending investigation by the BON. The fraudster may then claim the nurse is required to make the payment cover the cost of the investigation or to pay a fine.
The BON states it does not notify licensed nurses of such an investigation through a telephone call. The group also encourages nurses to call or email the BON directly to verify any correspondence that may seem suspicious.
The group has requested nurses attempt to get a phone number from the fraudster but avoid providing any of their own personal information.
What if a nurse believes they are under investigation by the BON?
Not every correspondence is fraudulent. The Texas BON reviews over 16,000 complaints about nurses every year and many of these complaints result in an investigation. Investigations can last from five to twelve months. These investigations can include correspondence through mailings or phone calls as well as on-site investigations and interviews of witnesses.
Those who are the subject of an investigation by the Texas BON are allowed to have legal representation to advocate for their rights. An attorney experienced in the niche area of nurse licensing issues can represent your interests during the investigation and better ensure a more favorable outcome.