If professional healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners, violate the established standard of care, that can result in serious harm done to their patients.

It can also result in severe long-term consequences to the practitioners — even if they're just accused of such violations and have not, in fact, done anything wrong. Just some of the potential ramifications on the table include repetitional damage and loss of licensure, which can make it very difficult for nurses to earn a living.

One recent case brought attention to this issue. Two licensed advanced practice registered nurses working in North Dakota were charged with serious crimes associated with the overprescription of controlled substances. When these nurses faced accusations that they had been mishandling prescriptions with these controlled substances, their licenses and careers were immediately in jeopardy.

What Are the Consequences of Standard of Care Violations?

While the specific disciplinary measures possible may vary slightly from state to state, in general, nurse practitioners who are found guilty of standard of care violations can face a wide range of severe consequences.

For example, punitive recommendations may include:

• Cease and Desist orders. Your state's licensing body may be able to issue a cease and desist order against you, which can force you to stop certain practices even if you still technically have full use of your license.
• Suspension and revocation of your license. The professional licensing body in your state could suspend or even completely revoke your nursing license if you're associated with this type of violation.
• Permanent damage to your professional and personal reputation. As a result of these allegations, even if they're not true, you could be associated with this violation forever — which could make getting future jobs or even navigating your personal life extremely difficult.

That's not where it ends. As was made clear in this case, criminal charges aren't off the table. If you need help resolving your allegations as successfully as possible, we're here to help.

Here's How to Go About Protecting Your Professional License

If you or a loved one are facing accusations of standard of care violations, you need to take those accusations seriously. You also need to remember that getting accused of something isn't the end of the road. You have a right to due process, legal representation, and the opportunity to turn this experience around.

Retain the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team, and you'll have the experienced guide you need to make it through these proceedings. We'll be ready to help you understand your rights, collect witness testimony and relevant evidence, and assist with any challenges you need to make to the findings issued by your state's licensing board.

Standard of care violations can have severe consequences that impact the rest of your professional and personal life. Don't let that happen to you. Instead, call 888.535.3686 today or schedule a consultation online.