New York Nursing License Defense

You Worked Hard for That License – Don’t Let It Slip Away

So, you‘re a nurse in New York, and you’ve found yourself in hot water with the Board of Nursing. Maybe it was a medication error, a lapse in documentation, or even accusations of misconduct from a patient or coworker. Whatever the reason, your nursing license – the key to your livelihood – is on the line.Take a deep breath. This is a serious situation, but it’s not the end of the world. With the right legal defense strategy, you can protect your career and your reputation. That‘s where we come in.At Federal Lawyers Group, we’ve been defending nurses against disciplinary actions for over 20 years. We know the system inside and out, and we‘ve helped hundreds of nurses just like you keep their licenses. So, what do you do, if you get hit with one of these things?

Understanding the Disciplinary Process in New York

First things first, let’s break down how the disciplinary process works for nurses in New York. It all starts with a complaint filed against you with the New York State Education Department’s Office of Professions (OP). This complaint can come from anywhere – a patient, an employer, even a coworker with a grudge.Once that complaint is filed, the OP will launch an investigation. They’ll request documents, interview witnesses, and give you a chance to tell your side of the story. This is a crucial stage, so don‘t go it alone. Having an experienced nursing license defense attorney by your side can make all the difference.If the OP decides to pursue disciplinary action after their investigation, they’ll file formal charges against you. These charges are called an “accusation,” and they’ll outline the specific violations you‘re accused of committing. From medication errors to substance abuse, unprofessional conduct to criminal convictions – the list of potential accusations is long.But, take a deep breath. An accusation is not a conviction. You have the right to fight these charges at an administrative hearing, where an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will hear evidence from both sides and make a recommendation to the Board of Regents.This is where having a top-notch legal team becomes absolutely essential.

Why You Need a Nursing License Defense Lawyer

Look, we get it. Lawyers are expensive, and you might be tempted to try and handle this on your own. But defending your nursing license is not something to take lightly. The OP and the Board of Regents have teams of experienced prosecutors whose sole job is to discipline nurses. Going up against them alone is like bringing a plastic knife to a gunfight.A skilled nursing license defense attorney, on the other hand, knows the system inside and out. They’ll investigate the allegations against you, poke holes in the prosecution’s case, and present evidence and arguments in your favor. They’ll fight tooth and nail to get the charges dismissed or reduced, or to negotiate a settlement that allows you to keep your license with minimal disruption to your career.But it‘s not just about the legal expertise. A good lawyer will also be your advocate, your counselor, and your support system through this stressful process. They’ll explain every step in plain English, answer all your questions, and make sure you understand your rights and options.At Federal Lawyers Group, we take a hands-on, personalized approach to every case. We’ll work closely with you to understand the nuances of your situation, and we’ll develop a customized defense strategy tailored to your unique needs.

DEFENSE TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Todd Spodek

Lead Attorney & Founder

Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.

NY Bar Admitted Multi-State Licensed Federal Courts

Meet the Full Team

Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

You're a registered nurse at a Manhattan hospital and you just received a notice from the New York State Education Department's Office of Professional Discipline alleging that you made a medication error that harmed a patient. The notice states that formal disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against your nursing license under Education Law §6510.

What can happen to my nursing license, and how should I respond to this disciplinary complaint?

Attorney's Answer

Under New York Education Law §6511, penalties for professional misconduct can range from a censure and reprimand to suspension or full revocation of your nursing license, along with possible fines up to $10,000 per violation. You have the right to a hearing before a panel of the Board of Regents, and it is critical that you do not ignore the notice or attempt to respond without legal counsel, as anything you say can be used against you in the proceedings. An experienced nursing license defense attorney can negotiate with the Office of Professional Discipline to potentially resolve the matter through a consent order or pre-hearing settlement that may allow you to keep practicing under certain conditions. Time is of the essence because you typically have a limited window to respond, and early intervention by counsel often leads to significantly better outcomes than waiting until a formal hearing is scheduled.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

Common Nursing License Violations and How We Defend Them