CRNAs, or certified registered nurse anesthetists, are some of the most highly trained nurses in the medical field. This is because of not only the extensive training and education required but also the importance of their job duties in the effective delivery of medical care.
You know the investment in time, money, and effort that you put into becoming a CRNA. So, you also understand that anything that might jeopardize your license and authority to practice is a serious matter. If someone files a complaint against you that could result in professional discipline, immediately contact the Professional License Defense Team of the Lento Law Firm. We'll ensure your rights are protected during the investigation and disciplinary process. You can call us at 888-535-3686 or use our online contact form.
The Regulation and Discipline of CRNAs
A state's board of nursing usually oversees not just the licensing process and requirements but also what happens if a licensed nurse does something that indicates they may no longer be fit to practice. This means any allegations that indicate a CRNA lacks the ethics, skills, or education to effectively and safely treat patients will likely result in an investigation and possible discipline.
Issues That Result in CRNA Discipline by a Board of Nursing
Here are some common reasons that someone might submit a complaint about you to your state's nursing board:
- Unethical conduct: This can include crossing a boundary in your nurse-patient relationship, breaching confidentiality, or using your position to manipulate a patient or a member of the patient's family.
- Fraudulent conduct: Intentionally falsifying medical records, billing information, or lying about your professional credentials could cost you your license.
- Unprofessional conduct: Your nursing skills could be impeccable, but if you harass your coworkers, use inappropriate language with patients, or act in a manner that undermines the nursing profession, you could be found to have acted unprofessionally.
- Medical malpractice: This is one of the most feared reasons for getting into trouble with the nursing board. Not only could you lose your ability to practice, but whatever led to these allegations might also result in harm to a patient.
- Substance abuse challenges: What you do on your personal time is your business, but only if it doesn't compromise your ability to be a nurse. If your use of drugs or alcohol results in an addiction or criminal charges, you might have your nursing license suspended or revoked.
- Misappropriating or mishandling of medications: If you're accused of stealing medications or not following proper protocols in their handling, use, storage, and inventory management, you could face potential discipline.
The Board of Nursing Disciplinary Process for CRNAs
As mentioned previously, the disciplinary process usually begins with someone filing a complaint. Once your state nursing board receives the complaint, it will first confirm that it has jurisdiction over the matter.
Assuming it has authority, the nurse will then investigate the allegations. This may include asking you for a statement, requesting documents, and interviewing individuals.
After the investigation, the nursing board will decide if formal disciplinary charges are warranted. If they are, you'll be informed of these charges and offered an opportunity to defend yourself.
If you choose to defend yourself against the formal charges, you'll most likely have an administrative hearing where the board of nursing will present its evidence against you, and you can submit your own evidence in your defense.
In some cases, you'll have the option to negotiate a settlement instead of having a hearing. This might result in a lesser charge or punishment in return for you agreeing to accept the board's recommendations, such as a temporary license suspension, a mental health evaluation, drug tests, remedial education classes, being placed on probation, or receiving a formal reprimand.
If you have a hearing, the administrative hearing panel or board members will issue a decision. If they find you guilty of the allegations levied against you, you could face a range of sanctions. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal it in certain instances.
Potential Disciplinary Sanctions from a Nursing Board
There's a wide range of potential punishments from the board of nursing. The least severe involves getting a warning or reprimand, which is basically a notice placed in your disciplinary file. The next level may include being placed on probation, where your ability to practice is limited for a set period of time or until certain conditions are met, such as completing classes or getting mental health treatment.
One of the more severe punishments is getting your license suspended. This may be for a set amount of time or until you meet certain conditions.
The most severe form of punishment is getting your license revoked. This loss of license can be permanent, although it's possible that you might have the option of reapplying for a nursing license after a set amount of time and only if you comply with specific conditions, including retaking the NCLEX-RN exam.
Discipline by the NBCRNA
In addition to having a nursing license from your state's Board of Nursing, you have a certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Therefore, a complaint about your nursing license could also affect your nurse anesthetist certification (and vice versa).
Your state most likely requires you to keep your nurse anesthesia certification to renew your advanced practice registered nurse license. Conversely, the NBCRNA probably requires you to have a valid nursing license to maintain your certification.
So, in addition to dealing with the board of nursing disciplinary process, you may also have to deal with NBCRNA's disciplinary process. A complaint against you that results in an investigation and disciplinary action by the board of nursing could result in a similar process with the NBCRNA.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help Protect Your CRNA License
If someone files a complaint against you, contact the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team. Our experienced nurse license defense attorneys understand how important the next few months can be for protecting your professional future. It's important for us to help you because the disciplinary process isn't about protecting you. Instead, it's about protecting the nursing profession and patients, even if it means unfairly sacrificing your nursing career. Contact us online or by calling 888-535-3686.
