A Nebraska nurse has lost her nursing licenses for at least two years following allegations of fraudulent practices tied to her weight-loss business, AR Virtual Health. Andrea Meisinger, an advanced practice registered nurse from Weeping Water, was accused of prescribing medications without proper licensure while her Nebraska licenses were suspended. She agreed to a settlement, neither admitting nor denying the claims, but consented to license revocation and a $16,000 civil penalty.

The Nebraska Attorney General's Office alleged that Meisinger prescribed medications like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide in multiple states where she lacked authorization. She faced previous disciplinary actions for similar misconduct earlier this year and was put on probation and fined a $3,000 penalty. Meisinger's licenses may only be reinstated at the discretion of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and with the approval of the state nursing board.

This case highlights why it's so important to adhere to the scope of practice requirements in nursing: If you are found in violation, the potential consequences are grave. If you are a nurse accused of practicing outside your professional scope, call the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm immediately. We're dedicated to helping nurses and other medical professionals nationwide protect their rights, reputations, and careers. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 today or contact us online.

Understanding the Nursing Scope of Practice

Nursing is a challenging but essential job in society. Modern nurses have increasingly complex responsibilities, from diagnosing illnesses, interpreting patient data, prescribing medication, and managing patient care. However, you must stay within your professional scope to avoid being disciplined by your state's board of nursing.

If you're unsure of the scope of your practice, familiarize yourself with your state's Nurse Practice Acts. These laws dictate the specific tasks nurses are permitted to perform. Note that these rules can vary significantly across states. For example, some states allow nurse practitioners to practice independently, while others mandate physician oversight.

Nurse Practice Acts define the scope of your work depending on your specific nursing license. Although the exact responsibilities vary by state, examples of nursing scopes of practice include:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Responsibilities include handlingroutine nursing tasks like wound care and catheter insertion, often requiring RN supervision for certain procedures.
• Registered Nurse (RN). The scope includes deliveringcomprehensive patient care, administering medications, educating patients, and managing CNAs and LPNs.
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Scope includes providing advanced care, such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatments, and performing specialized procedures.

You should also be aware of federal regulations set by agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regulations and the Control Substances Act. These laws and regulations establish standards for care delivery that impact nursing responsibilities. For example, they detail protocols for safe medication administration.

Finally, learn the scope protocols set by your employer. Some healthcare facilities require specialized certifications or assign specific tasks based on skill level or licensure.

A Professional License Defense Lawyer Can Help

Having your nursing license threatened due to an alleged breach of your professional scope of practice can seriously impact your life. If your license is suspended or revoked, you won't be able to practice or earn income as a nurse.

Call the skilled lawyers of the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team. We ensure that your professional rights are protected and your voice is heard throughout suspension or revocation proceedings. Your State Board of Nursing is looking to protect the public–we are here to protect you. Call our team today at contact us today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated form. We represent clients nationwide. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you.