What Happens When Texas Board Of Nursing Files Formal Charges

What Happens When Texas Board Of Nursing Files Formal Charges

When the Texas Board of Nursing files formal charges, it is an important step in addressing allegations against a nurse’s conduct. Formal charges indicate that the Board believes there is enough evidence to pursue disciplinary action. Knowing what follows and how to respond can protect your nursing license and your career.

The Role of the Texas Board of Nursing

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is the governing body that oversees the practice of nursing in Texas. If the BON receives a complaint regarding a nurse’s conduct, they will investigate the matter.

If they find enough evidence of wrongdoing, they may file formal charges against the nurse. These charges can be related to a range of allegations, such as substance abuse, fraud, incompetence, or criminal behavior.

What Are Formal Charges?

Formal charges are a legal document issued by the BON that outlines specific allegations against the nurse. The charges typically stem from an investigation into a nurse’s conduct or professional abilities. These charges may include accusations of patient neglect, ethical violations, or substance abuse.

Once the charges are filed, the nurse will be given the opportunity to defend themselves at a formal hearing. The BON will present evidence supporting the charges. The nurse will have a chance to respond and present their own evidence.

The Consequences of Formal Charges

If the Texas Board of Nursing files formal charges, the consequences can range from a warning to more severe actions such as suspension or revocation of a nurse’s license.

In some cases, the nurse may be required to complete additional education, rehabilitation, or monitoring before being allowed to resume their practice.

A suspension or revocation of a license can significantly impact a nurse’s ability to work in Texas. If the charges are upheld, it may also harm the nurse’s professional reputation.

How to Respond to Formal Charges

When formal charges are filed, nurses should take action right away. The first step is to consult with a nursing license defense attorney. A defense attorney specializing in nursing license issues can offer invaluable assistance. They will help you navigate the process, review the evidence, and guide you on how to respond to the charges.

It is necessary to understand the charges thoroughly and prepare for the hearing. Your attorney can help make sure your side of the story is heard and work to mitigate the severity of the outcome.

Nurse License Reinstatements

In cases where a nurse’s license is suspended or revoked, nurse license reinstatement may be possible after a certain period. However, reinstatement requires that the nurse prove they have taken steps to address the issues that led to the disciplinary action. This might include completing rehabilitation or demonstrating professional improvement.

Reinstating a nursing license is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, with the right legal support, the chances of success can be improved.

Nurse License Renewals

If a nurse is in the process of renewing their nursing license and formal charges are filed, it can affect the renewal process. The BON may delay the renewal until the charges are resolved. Nurses should be aware of how formal charges may impact their ability to renew their licenses and seek legal advice to address any potential complications.

Protecting Your Nursing Career

Facing formal charges can be daunting. However, it is not the end of your nursing career. With prompt action, legal representation, and a solid defense, nurses can protect their careers and their professional licenses.

At Texas Nurse Lawyer, we help nurses navigate formal charges and disciplinary actions. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to defend your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.

Texas Nurse Lawyer’s team includes four Doctors in Nursing (DNP and Ph.D.). We have decades of combined experience handling complex BON cases. Having represented more than 600 nurses and actively managing over 180 cases, we focus exclusively on protecting the licenses of LVNs, RNs, and APRNs/NPs across Texas.

Contact us today.