When you became a nurse, you joined an elite group of healthcare providers who devote their careers to improving patients’ lives. You likely work long hours under difficult circumstances to pursue your career. If your professional license is jeopardized, you need to do whatever it takes to protect your license and your livelihood.
Whether you made an innocent mistake, found yourself in a situation that led to a bad outcome, or were unjustly accused of doing something wrong, your license could be impacted in ways you never expected. Trust a skilled Kentucky nursing license defense attorney to help protect your future.
Choose Lorie Brown to Defend Your Kentucky Nursing License
After obtaining my nursing license and practicing as a nurse, I realized many nurses face legal issues in their nursing practice. Although I loved many aspects of my work, I decided to pursue a law degree to help nurses face legal situations that can place their licenses in jeopardy. I founded Brown Law Office, P.C., and built our team to accomplish this goal.
I am an experienced nursing license defense lawyer who has assembled a team of compassionate legal professionals representing healthcare professionals facing license complaints. At Brown Law Office, we only provide nursing license defense and related legal services for health care providers. That’s all we do, and we’re proud of the results we achieve for our clients.
Why You Need a Kentucky Nursing License Defense Lawyer On Your Side
If you have been accused of wrongdoing or professional misconduct and your license is on the line, there is too much at stake to face the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and these accusations on your own. If you are concerned that you can’t afford a nursing license lawyer in Kentucky, the hard truth is you simply can’t afford to face the Kentucky Board of Nursing without legal representation.
As a licensed registered nurse and attorney, I understand the administrative complaint process and the legal procedures that can help clear your name or reduce the penalties you may face. I can explain how the Kentucky Board of Nursing disciplinary process works and help prepare your defense.
Since I dedicate my practice to nursing license defense, I know how to present evidence on your behalf, object to the other side’s evidence or arguments, and cross-examine their witnesses while protecting your rights throughout.
I have represented more than 1,000 healthcare professionals facing complaints and Licensing Board hearings. Chances are, I have successfully handled a situation similar to yours. Read what some of my clients have to say about the high-quality legal services they received at Brown Law Office.
When Should I Contact a Nursing License Defense Attorney in Kentucky?
It’s never too early to partner with a nursing license defense attorney to protect your livelihood and future. I can help at almost every stage of the complaint process, including:
Before a complaint is filed
Nurses interact with many people every day, from employers and co-workers to patients and their families. If you suspect someone may file a complaint against you, we can start gathering evidence and record your version of the events while they are still fresh in your mind. I can ensure you are prepared in case a complaint is actually filed.
When You Receive a Notice of Complaint Letter
If a complaint is filed, you will receive a letter or email from the Kentucky Board of Nursing. You only have 30 days to respond to the letter. Although you might be tempted to send a lengthy explanation of your position, take a breath first. The other side will use anything you say against you if possible. Instead, let me respond on your behalf.
I will prepare and file a Letter of Representation in response to the pending complaint. Then we can gather important evidence to support your defense.
You’ll receive homework to assist in your defense and to serve as mitigating factors. I will also draft a written response to highlight your professional skills and accomplishments and explain the circumstances in dispute. We will provide the information the Board needs for a hearing or determination.
If the Board asks for an interview, I will prepare you for the interview, explain what you can expect, and support you throughout the interview process.
If your matter is closed without sanctions before a public administrative complaint is filed against your license, the matter remains private and confidential. My goal is to have the Board close your complaint during this stage if possible.
During Criminal Proceedings
If you are facing criminal charges that might impact your nursing career, it’s crucial to work with a good criminal defense lawyer to address those charges and minimize any penalties. However, most criminal defense lawyers don’t understand how your license could be impacted and won’t know how to protect your future career.
If you are criminally charged and enter a plea, you must notify the Board in writing within 90 days. Failing to report a criminal plea could subject your license to further disciplinary action.
Under Kentucky law, a criminal conviction is defined as:
- A finding of guilt that is not vacated
- A plea of “no contest” or “nolo contendre” or an Alford plea
- The entry of a guilty plea based on a pretrial diversion order
These legal actions are considered convictions even if the penalty is reduced, suspended, or involves probation.
Simply entering a plea to a criminal charge will not necessarily lead to a license suspension or revocation, but the Board will likely conduct an investigation.
A Kentucky nursing license defense attorney can work with your criminal defense lawyer during the criminal proceedings to ensure you have the best possible chance of continuing in your nursing career after these matters are resolved.
At a License Board Hearing
If we are unable to successfully resolve your case in the confidential investigation process, it will proceed to a Formal Administrative Hearing. Our team can prepare you for this hearing and I can represent you during this legal proceeding to protect your legal rights throughout.
What are the Possible Outcomes I Can Expect After Receiving a Notice of Complaint Letter?
If a complaint is filed against you, depending on the unique circumstances of your case and the legal defense you present, you can expect one of these possible results.
Complaint Closed: If the KBN finds the complaint is unsubstantiated, it will be closed by the Board.
Letter of Concern: If the Board finds there is a basis for the complaint, but it’s not serious enough to require a penalty, it can issue a Letter of Concern. This is not considered a disciplinary strike against your license.
Consent Decree: If the incident is determined to be minor or unintentional, you can waive your right to a formal hearing and pay a civil penalty. The maximum civil penalty is $10,000.
Agreed Order: You can admit to a violation and we can negotiate the terms of your discipline. These orders are considered formal disciplinary actions.
What Can Happen to My Kentucky Nursing License?
Reprimand
Reprimands may not affect your ability to continue nursing. You may need to pay a civil penalty, attend continuing education, or seek drug treatment depending on the circumstances.
Limitation of Practice or Probation
Your license to practice can be limited or placed on probation. You may still work under certain conditions determined by the KBN.
Voluntary Surrender
You can agree to surrender your license for a period of time and apply for reinstatement after certain conditions are met.
Suspension
You lose the right to practice nursing for a specific amount of time and must meet conditions before you can apply for reinstatement.
Reinstatement Denied
License reinstatement can be denied by KBN until specific conditions are met.
Revocation
You could lose the right to work as a nurse in Kentucky. However, you may be able to reinstate your license unless the revocation is permanent.
Again, as your nursing license defense attorney in Kentucky, my primary objective is to close your complaint at the start of the proceedings. Otherwise, we will fight for the most lenient and fair outcome possible under your circumstances.
Other Situations Where a Kentucky Nursing License Defense Lawyer Can Help
Some complaints are more complicated than the typical process described above. As your dedicated nursing license lawyer, I can also help protect your rights in related situations such as appearing at a Formal Administrative Hearing or other legal proceedings.
Contact Lorie Brown When You Need a Dedicated Kentucky Nursing License Defense Attorney
Nursing is more than just a career choice. It is a life-long ambition to help those in need and make their lives better. We understand how important your nursing license is, and a nursing license defense attorney in Kentucky can fight to protect your career and future.
If you received a Notice of Complaint Letter or email or even suspect that someone may file a complaint against you, contact me as soon as possible. We can go to work quickly to help you receive the best possible outcome under these challenging circumstances.
Share your story with us online or call (317) 465-1065 for a free consultation today.
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Here is the complaint process for KY https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/020/161/
