As a registered nurse, you're held to high standards of professional behavior. When your state's nursing board hears about a potential violation of those standards, it will likely act swiftly. Your nursing license could be on the line, preventing you from practicing and earning a living.

A nurse in Washington saw how seriously the nursing board handles allegations of misconduct—and might lose his license over it. If you're in a similar situation, call the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team. We can help you defend your case against your state's nursing board. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or send us your case information, and we'll get back to you.

A Washington Nurse Might Lose His License Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

A registered nurse in Vancouver, Washington, David Floyd Potter, was accused of two separate incidents of sexual misconduct with patients while working at the Portland Veteran Affairs Medical Center. The Washington State Department of Health, which handles discipline for licensed healthcare professionals in the state, alleges that both incidents occurred while Potter was on duty and responsible for caring for patients. There is also an alleged inappropriate relationship with one of Potter's patients.

Two weeks after the alleged second incident, which took place on April 10, 2023, Potter's place of employment terminated his contract. One year later, his nursing license was suspended, and he is not allowed to practice nursing until the charges of sexual misconduct against him are resolved. Potter must respond to the charges and ask for a hearing if he wants to have the chance to keep his license.

Patient Accusations of Misconduct Can Put Your License in Jeopardy

As a nurse or medical professional, you are expected to care for and respect your patients. Crossing professional boundaries and engaging in personal or intimate relationships with patients can be highly frowned-upon. Many nursing boards see it as taking advantage of the nurse-patient relationship and won't hesitate to sanction your license as a result.

For this reason, nursing boards may act quickly and even rashly when hearing about potential nurse-patient conflicts or relationships. Even if you've done nothing wrong, you might have a colleague who misinterprets a conversation between you and a patient or an unhappy patient that reports you to the nursing board.

What to Do If Your Nursing License Is Threatened

If you have been accused of wrongdoing by your employer, a colleague, or a patient, and you think you might lose your nursing license, you should contact our Professional License Defense Team as soon as possible. Our attorneys help nurses and other medical professionals defend themselves when their licenses are under threat. We'll be at your side through every step in the process, helping to ensure the process is fair and developing a strong defense.

Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or send us your details via our online form so we can schedule a consultation with you.