Over the past few years, the New Jersey Board of Nursing has become very active in reviewing medical malpractice lawsuits involving nurses. The Board reviews these cases after the underlying action is completed. The Board was provided specific statutory authority to review cases to evaluate whether the nurse involved was guilty of professional misconduct and if so, to order penalties assessed to the nurse’s license to practice.
Over the past few years, the New Jersey Board of Nursing has become very active in reviewing medical malpractice lawsuits involving nurses. The Board reviews these cases after the underlying action is completed. The Board was provided specific statutory authority to review cases to evaluate whether the nurse involved was guilty of professional misconduct and if so, to order penalties assessed to the nurse’s license to practice. This can include a monetary fine, a censure and/or reprimand, or even a suspension or a revocation of the nurse’s license.
Just because the medical malpractice action is over, it does not mean that the inquiry into the nurse herself ends. Many times a nurse is contacted by the Board to provide a written response to an inquiry and to appear for live testimony before members of the Board. Far too often, that nurse appears alone, without the representation of competent and experienced counsel. That is a mistake that can potentially cost a nurse his or her livelihood.
If a nurse is contacted by the Board, the first step is to prepare a written response. The response should not be cursory. It must be specific and thorough in detail. The Board wants to hear from the perspective of the nurse including his or her recollection of the facts of the case. It is imperative that the response be returned by the specified deadline. If more time is needed, ask for an extension in writing. Often a well-documented response will be the end of an inquiry. However, if the nurse is called for a hearing, it is vital that he or she be as prepared as possible to respond to the series of questions.
Parker McCay lawyers have the indispensable and vital experience of representing clients before the Nursing Board. Parker McCay will guide the nurse through the written investigational inquiry stage, as well as prepare the nurse for, and attend, the investigational hearing before the Board. To date, none of our nurses have been subject to any adverse action against his or her license to practice. It is our goal to help ensure that nurses, who have so tirelessly worked to serve as patient advocates and help save lives, have the unfettered capability to continue to change lives in the future.