As a nurse practitioner, you've worked hard to get to where you are. It can be frustrating when, after all the time and effort you've put into building your career, you get accused of wrongdoing by the licensing board.
The Lento Law Firm Team is keenly aware of the challenges in the nurse practitioner profession and the importance of keeping qualified professionals in practice. Our team advocates for nurse practitioners like you, understanding that licensing boards may not always fully appreciate the nuances of your situation.
Misunderstandings, unjust allegations of unprofessional behavior, or genuine errors often lead to disciplinary actions. If you don't fight these accusations, you risk having your license suspended or revoked, among other potential negative consequences that could otherwise be avoided with effective legal representation.
The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is dedicated to defending your license. We will negotiate with licensing authorities to secure the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form, and we'll get in touch with you.
The Vermont State Board of Nursing
The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) under the Vermont Secretary of State is responsible for regulating the nursing profession in Vermont. OPR Nursing serves as the Vermont State Board of Nursing for licensing matters, making decisions on approving or rejecting licenses and investigating complaints about nurse practitioners in Vermont.
This board also has the authority to suspend or revoke nursing licenses. If someone wishes to file a complaint against a nurse practitioner in Vermont, they can do so through the OPR website. The website also offers a search tool to view any disciplinary actions taken against nursing licenses in the state.
Nurse Licensure Compact
In 2022, Vermont became a member of the Enhanced Nursing License Compact (eNLC), a program designed to improve licensing procedures and renewals for nurses in multiple states. The main objective was to eliminate confusion regarding regulations and expectations for the nursing profession across different states. This can be especially challenging for nurse practitioners who travel for contract positions.
The eNLC streamlines the process for these nurses, allowing them to focus on treating patients instead of obtaining new licenses. Part of eNLC is Nursys, a notification system allowing nurses and state boards to keep track of licensing and complaints against nurses.
If you're accused of breaking the regulations in Vermont while holding a multistate license under the eNLC, an attorney-advisor will work to prevent any repercussions that may hinder your ability to practice in other states where you are also licensed.
Possible Sanctions for Nurse Practitioners
Possible actions that the Vermont State Board of Nursing may take against a nurse practitioner include:
- Denying license renewal or reinstatement
- Revoking a license
- Suspending a license
- Voluntary surrender of a license
- Issuing a fine or warning
- Requiring nursing practice supervision
- Mandating remedial coursework
In some cases, the board may negotiate a resolution with the accused nurse practitioner or impose stipulations on their license while allowing them to retain it.
The regulations and principles that regulate the field of nursing can be challenging to understand, confusing nurses regarding their responsibilities. If you are accused of breaking these regulations without knowledge of them, you will struggle to defend yourself if the situation escalates to disciplinary measures. By hiring the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team, you will gain a clear understanding of the accusations against you and the laws you are accused of violating. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to defend your license.
Telling the Truth Isn't a Strong Enough Defense
Our Professional License Defense Team has seen many situations where nurse practitioners were completely blameless. Often, these professionals believed that merely presenting the truth—that they hadn't engaged in any behavior warranting discipline—would suffice as a defense. Fortunately, they decided to enlist our legal team rather than rely on the impartiality and fairness of their licensing boards.
In disciplinary cases involving nurse practitioners, simply stating the facts may not always influence the outcome. Nursing boards and licensing offices are susceptible to errors and may issue unjust or inaccurate rulings for several reasons:
- They might fail to conduct thorough investigations, overlooking essential facts, testimonies, and evidence.
- There could be biases in favor of the accuser or a predisposition to make an example out of the accused.
- Critical evidence or testimonies that might vindicate the accused are often ignored.
- A fair assessment may not be conducted, even after reviewing all the available evidence.
Contesting disciplinary actions requires a proactive approach. It's essential to engage a lawyer from our Professional License Defense Team who will ensure that all pertinent facts and evidence are presented, aiming for the most favorable resolution in your case.
Grounds for Sanctions Against Nurse Practitioners
The nursing board has the authority to take disciplinary measures against your license if you are found responsible for any of the following actions:
- Providing false, fraudulent, or forged information when applying for or renewing your license
- Illegally diverting or attempting to divert drugs, equipment, or supplies for personal use
- Engaging in conduct that is likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public
- Intentionally failing to file or record medical reports
- Intentionally obstructing someone else from filing medical reports
- Submitting fraudulent or deceitful information to the board
- Leaving a nursing assignment without proper notification
- Breaching patient or client confidentiality
- Knowingly assisting an unlicensed healthcare provider in providing healthcare services
- Allowing someone else to use your name or license while you are not in charge of the treatment
- Failing to adhere to the patient's bill of rights
- Exploiting the provider-patient relationship through sexual misconduct
- Abusing, neglecting, or misappropriating a patient's property
- Failing to report a violation to the board
- Failing to protect a patient from incompetent healthcare
If you are facing any of these accusations, the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is available to assist you in clearing your name.
The Adjudication Process for Nurse Practitioner License Issues
The Vermont State Board of Nursing must examine every complaint it receives. If the complaint is within the board's jurisdiction and the complaint has merit, it goes through the formal adjudication process.
Investigation
Once the OPR reviews the complaint and confirms its jurisdiction, it starts an investigation. If a complaint has been filed against you, you will be informed when the investigation begins. In certain situations, the OPR may ask you for a written reply to the complaint.
The investigation includes obtaining information from you, the complainant, and any relevant witnesses. The investigative team also collects written materials, records, and other evidence. The findings of the investigation are then forwarded to the State Prosecuting Attorney, who will determine whether to dismiss the complaint or bring forth charges for unprofessional behavior.
Hearing
Once the OPR formally charges you with unprofessional behavior, a hearing date is scheduled. You can resolve the matter informally by coming to an agreement with the board. However, if you choose to proceed with the hearing, it will be overseen by an Administrative Law Officer. You will have the opportunity to present evidence and have legal representation during the hearing. If the officer determines that you are guilty of unprofessional conduct, the board will impose a penalty.
Appeal
You must submit an appeal to either an Appellate Officer or an Administrative Law Officer within 30 days of the hearing decision in order to take your case to the Washington Superior Court. If your appeal is filed correctly, a hearing will be scheduled. The appeal officer will then have 60 days to make a decision on your case, which could result in upholding, reversing, or returning the nursing board's ruling.
The process of fighting an accusation of unprofessional conduct can be lengthy and exhausting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the procedures. At the Lento Law Firm, our team can guide you through every stage of the process and ensure you are fully prepared for all meetings, hearings, or conferences.
Why You Should Hire the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team
If you're considering whether legal representation is necessary when facing professional sanctions, it's crucial to recognize the impact these actions can have on your license and career. There are several reasons why calling our Professional License Defense Team is a good idea:
- Low threshold for sanctions: You might find yourself defending against accusations where the nursing board presumes your guilt. We'll create a robust defense strategy for your license.
- Significant board resources: Contending with a complaint through the Vermont State Board of Nursing means you are up against a state agency's vast resources. You deserve a law firm that's equipped to vigorously defend your interests.
- Navigating unfamiliar territory: Many nurse practitioners we represent are unfamiliar with the disciplinary process. Our team is familiar with these procedures and will prepare you comprehensively.
- Track record of protecting nurses: Our attorneys have consistently protected nurse practitioners from license sanctions, providing them with assurance and support. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.
As you navigate the challenges of potential license sanctions, our team will manage every aspect of your defense, enabling you to maintain focus on your personal and professional responsibilities.
The Services Our Firm Will Provide You
The Lento Law Firm is dedicated to safeguarding your reputation and averting any sanctions on your license. If penalties are inevitable, we aim to minimize their impact as much as possible. Here's how we can assist you:
- Identifying the optimal course of action: Whether you're wrongfully accused or acknowledging past mistakes or lapses in judgment, we customize our approach based on your specific circumstances to secure the best possible outcome.
- Collecting essential evidence and testimonies: Our strategy includes conducting an in-depth investigation of your situation, relying on direct sources rather than second-hand information. We meticulously handle the collection and analysis of evidence and witness statements, ensuring their accuracy.
- Seeking out-of-court settlements: We proactively negotiate with Offices of General Counsel (OGCs) authorized to settle your case. This often leads to efficient resolutions without the need for formal adjudication.
- Navigating the adjudication process: Should your case proceed to a formal adjudication, we are thoroughly prepared. We'll represent you at hearings, support you during meetings, and manage any necessary appeals effectively.
- Exploring all legal options: We are ready to pursue every legal avenue to protect your LPN license, including beyond standard appeals, tailoring our strategies to best fit your needs as they evolve.
Our firm works with LPNs and other medical professionals nationwide, committed to achieving the most favorable outcome considering your unique situation.
We Help Nurse Practitioners Throughout Vermont
Our Professional License Defense Team can assist nurse practitioners with license defense no matter where they are in Vermont. We help nurses in the following cities:
- Burlington
- South Burlington
- Essex
- Colchester
- Bennington
- Rutland
- Brattleboro
- Essex Junction
- Middlebury
Even if you don't see your city listed above, our team can help you defend your Vermont nurse practitioner's license. Get in touch with our team today so we can understand your situation.
Contact Our Professional License Defense Team Today
Protecting your license should be your biggest concern, and our team is prepared to begin working on your case immediately. We'll ensure you're ready for every hearing, proceeding, appeal, or meeting with the board and advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today for a consultation on how we can defend your nursing license in Vermont. You can reach out to us via our online form with the details of your case, and a team member will contact you promptly.
