Representing Nurses Facing the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and Board of Nursing
As a nurse and lawyer, I understand how precious a nursing license is to someone who has dedicated their life to helping others. Reaching this elite healthcare professional level takes years of study, training, and experience. I know you’ve faced challenges along the way, and also that you are human and might make a mistake even with the best of professional intentions.
Having an unrestricted nursing license is crucial to your reputation and professional livelihood. If you are a nurse facing a patient complaint, a substance abuse challenge, a professional ethics violation, or other allegation by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Board of Nursing, you need an experienced Illinois nursing license defense lawyer to help protect your future.
Why Lorie Brown is Uniquely Qualified to Help Defend Your Nursing License
As the founder of Brown Law Office, P.C., I have the unique qualifications and skills needed to provide top-notch legal representation to Illinois nurses facing the Illinois Board of Nursing and IDFPR. I started my professional career as a nurse and loved many aspects of my work. However, when I saw the legal problems nurses can face, I knew I needed to find a way to help.
After graduating from law school, I decided to devote my practice to helping nurses overcome legal situations. My goal is to protect nurses’ professional licenses so they can continue to provide the best patient care possible. With the assistance of my compassionate and caring legal staff, we focus on helping nurses face legal challenges and achieve the best results possible.
If your right to maintain your nursing license is being questioned, your professional career may be on the line. You simply cannot risk facing the Board of Nursing unrepresented.
I am familiar with Illinois’s administrative process and legal procedures, and I’m ready to guide you through the steps needed to address your unique circumstances. Together we’ll work to reach the most favorable outcome in a timely fashion.
Why Working With a Knowledgeable Illinois Nursing License Defense Attorney is Essential
Nurses may face many different professional challenges during their careers. Since your livelihood and income depend on your professional license, any accusations of wrongdoing must be taken seriously. You don’t have time to learn the Illinois administrative system—you need someone who can quickly explain your options and take action on your behalf.
I have successfully represented more than 1,000 healthcare professionals nationwide and helped defend them against a variety of complaints investigated by state licensing boards. There’s a good chance I have already dealt with the situation you are facing, and I know how to work through it.
When I work with a nurse facing a Board of Nursing, I can:
- Gather evidence to build a solid defense
- Present evidence to show the nurse’s qualifications, skills, and work history
- Object to the Board’s arguments and evidence where appropriate, and
- Craft a strong argument for the lightest penalty or complete dismissal of charges, depending on the circumstances
To learn more about the high-quality legal services you will receive when you partner with me, be sure to read what some of my former clients have to say.
When is the Best Time to Find a Nursing License Defense Lawyer in Illinois?
The short answer is… whenever your license may be in jeopardy. In fact, the sooner you reach out to a tenacious license defense attorney like me, the sooner I can start protecting your license and your future. Since every situation is different, I can help at various stages throughout the legal process. Feel free to contact me:
Before you receive a formal complaint
If you experienced a situation that could lead to the filing of a complaint against you, don’t wait for official notification. It’s far better to be prepared in advance than scramble to gather information or evidence after you are formally notified about a complaint.
Since nurses have contact with hundreds of people each week, many situations might arise and lead to legal problems. For example, if a patient claims they were treated improperly, a patient’s family member is dissatisfied with your responsiveness or a co-worker has a personal vendetta against you, the IDFPR may receive a complaint that could change your life forever.
When we work together, I’ll record your recollection of the situation in question, help gather relevant information and evidence, and explain the possible consequences you may face if a formal complaint is filed. I’ll ensure you are fully prepared and understand the legal process we may face before legal action begins.
You may receive a request for information to help the Board determine if a possible complaint is well-founded. You only have a limited time to respond. I can help prepare your response to help convince the Board you have not violated the Nurse Practice Act.
It’s important to note that information gathered during the initial investigation is confidential, but a formal complaint is part of the public record. If possible, my goal is to keep your information confidential and avoid a formal complaint.
When you receive a complaint
The Department may investigate the actions of anyone holding a nursing license under the Nurse Practice Act if someone files a complaint alleging a violation of the Act, The Department shall also notify you about the date, time, and place of the hearing where the Board will receive evidence and decide if further action is warranted.
You will also be directed to file a written answer to the charges under oath within 20 days after service of the notice. I can help draft your written response. If you fail to respond, a default will be entered against you, and your license may be suspended, revoked, or placed on probationary status, or the Board can recommend other disciplinary action including limiting the scope of your right to practice.
If you are facing a criminal charge that might affect your professional license
Like other healthcare professionals, a nurse’s career can be impacted by criminal charges. If you are accused of criminal behavior related to your nursing duties, you probably understand that your license can be affected. However, you may not know that certain criminal acts that are unrelated to nursing can also place your license in jeopardy.
For example, being convicted of a crime involving dishonesty, controlled substance distribution or theft, or driving while under the influence of alcohol can impact your right to keep your nursing license. Most criminal defense lawyers are not familiar with nursing licensing rules and may not understand the implications a criminal conviction can bring for someone who holds a professional license.
I can work with your criminal defense attorney to help protect your nursing license and encourage the best possible future for your professional career. I can also help if you need to report criminal proceedings to the IDFPR and work to minimize the impact of a criminal conviction with the Department.
If you must face the Board of Nursing at a disciplinary hearing
I can help prepare you for the hearing and be present throughout the proceedings to protect your legal rights. At the hearing, we have the opportunity to present your side of the story, supporting evidence, and legal arguments in your favor. During the hearing, I can use my extensive experience to help protect your license and your future.
If you need to challenge the Department’s ruling
After the hearing, the Board will issue a ruling. Potential outcomes may include:
- Full dismissal of the complaint
- Probation
- A limitation on the scope of nursing allowed
- Imposition of a fine
- Substance abuse counseling/ monitoring
- License suspension
- License revocation, or
- Any other disciplinary action the Secretary of the IDFPR deems proper.
If you do not want to accept the Board’s ruling, you have the right to file a motion for a rehearing, but that motion must be filed within 20 days from when you receive the Board’s or hearing officer’s report of findings. I can help prepare this motion and present the specific grounds for a rehearing.
If you choose to enter into a Consent Order
I can help negotiate a reasonable resolution by agreement with the IDFPR if you do not have a viable defense to the allegations of the complaint. Depending on the unique circumstances you are facing, we may be able to resolve your legal situation in many different ways. To learn more, we need to meet and discuss your specific legal situation.
When you are ready to have your license reinstated after a suspension or revocation
If your license was previously suspended or revoked, you may have the right to get it back. If the IDFPR specified requirements as part of your suspension or revocation and you have completed the necessary steps to reinstate your nursing license, I can help present the evidence you may need to reclaim your career.
As your Illinois nursing license defense attorney, I can take the necessary steps to protect your nursing career and professional future during these difficult times and once these legal processes are resolved.
When You Need a Trusted Illinois Nursing License Defense Lawyer, You Can Trust Lorie Brown
As a licensed registered nurse and attorney who only represents nurses and other healthcare professionals, I fully understand what you are facing. You can count on me to bring compassionate and tenacious attention to every detail of your case.
Nurses are highly respected professionals who strive to provide the best care every day. When your license is in jeopardy, you need to work with a respected legal professional who understands the importance of maintaining your license and protecting your future.
If your nursing license is being challenged, reach out before you provide a statement or any documents. Don’t surrender your license without sharing your story or calling (317) 465-1065 first. I can help you move forward confidently with the peace of mind that you are in good hands at Brown Law Office, P.C.
225 ILCS 65/ Nurse Practice Act: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1312&ChapterID=24&SeqStart=17940000&SeqEnd=21400000
