Been There, Done That: Iowa Nurse Faces Disciplinary Action for the Fourth Time

After a history of criminal behavior and professional misconduct, an Iowa nurse is facing another disciplinary action from the state’s Board of Nursing. This will be her fourth time to go before the Board.

Diane Tegtmeyer has faced disciplinary action on three previous occasions over the past 20 years, with charges ranging from falsifying records and throwing medication away to credit card forgery, tampering with medical records, and practicing without a license. In each incident, Ms. Tegtmeyer was fined and ordered to attend ethics training.

In this latest allegation, Ms. Tegtmeyer has been accused of failing to assess or report the status of a patient, an act that may have put a patient’s welfare in danger. Whether the charges have merit (and how the Board will respond if they do) remains to be seen: a hearing has been set for July 17th. But because this is her fourth offense, the consequences could be far more severe.

If you’re subject to disciplinary action or a Nursing Board investigation, you don’t have to face it alone. Call the LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or contact us online, and we’ll help you navigate the accusations with your reputation intact.

What Happens When You’ve Been Here Before?

Rules and regulations will vary by state, but there are some areas where nursing boards tend to agree: repeating offenses are one of those areas, suggesting a pattern that’s not likely to be deterred by a slap on the wrist. Instead of small fines and probation, you could be looking at serious penalties, such as suspension, restricted practice, and even revocation of your nursing license.

This is true for nurses at all practice levels—from nursing assistants and trainees to registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice specialties—and even a seemingly minor accusation can quickly turn into something more serious, regardless of how many times you’ve offended in the past.

Could My Nursing License Be at Risk?

Because nurses are the heart of our healthcare system, it makes sense that states would want to ensure every nurse adheres to a strict code of professional ethics. Each state will have a clear set of rules and regulations to help nurses achieve this goal, along with a governing body to enforce them.

These rules will lay out the actions and behaviors that can put a nursing license at risk, and that can be a lengthy list. Common infractions can include:

• Stealing from a patient
• Falsifying records
• Sexual and physical abuse of patients
• Drug and alcohol use/abuse
• Criminal activity

Accusations can also fall under the more vague heading of unprofessional conduct, a kind of “catch-all” that includes a variety of behavior. This can range from something as simple as using unsuitable or foul language to more serious allegations, such as having an inappropriate relationship with a patient or coworker.

Nursing boards take accusations of professional misconduct seriously, and even the most accomplished nurses will eventually run out of chances. How you respond in these instances will be crucial to the outcome, and time is always of the essence. What’s more, while state agencies are very good at designing the disciplinary process, they are not likely to guide you through it, meaning you’ll need to figure it out on your own.

And that can be overwhelming.

The LLF National Law Firm can help you navigate the disciplinary process and achieve the best possible outcome. Our Professional License Defense Team has the knowledge and experience needed to present your case and advocate for your rights. We have worked with nurses and other professionals across the country, and we can help you too. Contact the LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to talk about your options. You can also use our convenient online form to discuss your case and schedule a consultation.