Receiving a letter from the Ohio Board of Nursing can be one of the most stressful moments in a nurse’s career. Questions immediately begin racing through your mind.
Will I lose my license?
Should I respond on my own?
Will my employer find out?
Can I continue working while the investigation is pending?
The answers depend on the facts of your case, but one thing is consistent: the decisions you make early in the process often have a significant impact on the outcome.
A Perspective Few Attorneys Can Offer
At Brissie Law Office, LLC, nursing license defense is approached from both a legal and clinical perspective.
William Brissie has been a licensed Ohio Registered Nurse since 1997 and an Ohio licensed attorney since 2002. That background provides firsthand knowledge of nursing practice, patient care, documentation, medication administration, professional standards, and the realities nurses face every day.
Equally important, I understand the legal process surrounding investigations and disciplinary proceedings before the Ohio Board of Nursing. I have also successfully represented a nurse practitioner in proceedings before the Board.
That combination allows me to understand both the healthcare issues and the legal issues involved in your case.
What Does the Ohio Board of Nursing Investigate?
The Ohio Board of Nursing regulates Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, medication aides, dialysis technicians, and other healthcare professionals under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4723.
Board investigations may arise from many different situations, including:
- Employer complaints
- Patient complaints
- Documentation concerns
- Medication errors
- Alleged violations of the Nursing Practice Act
- Professional boundary issues
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Substance use concerns
- License application or renewal issues
Receiving notice of an investigation does not mean discipline is inevitable. Many investigations conclude without severe sanctions. The key is responding appropriately and strategically from the beginning.
Potential Consequences
Depending upon the facts of the case, the Ohio Board of Nursing has authority to impose a variety of sanctions, including:
- Letters of concern
- Reprimands
- Civil fines
- Required continuing education
- Consent agreements
- Practice restrictions
- Monitoring requirements
- Probation
- License suspension
- License revocation
Every matter is unique, and every nurse deserves an individualized legal strategy.
Why Early Representation Matters
One of the most common mistakes nurses make is responding to the Board before obtaining legal advice.
Statements made during the early stages of an investigation often become part of the permanent record and may influence the direction of the case.
Early legal representation can help you:
- Understand your rights and obligations
- Avoid common mistakes
- Present the relevant facts clearly and accurately
- Develop a thoughtful legal strategy
- Protect your professional reputation and license
An early consultation often provides the greatest opportunity to protect your career.
Brissie Law Office, LLC Represents Ohio Nurses
Brissie Law Office, LLC represents nurses and other healthcare professionals in matters involving the Ohio Board of Nursing, including:
- Board investigations
- Responses to complaints
- Notices of Opportunity for Hearing
- Administrative hearings
- Consent agreement negotiations
- Criminal matters affecting nursing licenses
- License reinstatement and renewal issues
- Other licensing matters before the Ohio Board of Nursing
Every consultation is confidential. If you have questions about a matter involving your nursing license, do not wait until the situation becomes more complicated.
Contact Brissie Law Office, LLC
If you have received a letter from the Ohio Board of Nursing, learned that a complaint has been filed, or have concerns about an issue affecting your nursing license, Brissie Law Office, LLC is available to help.
Protecting your nursing license begins with understanding your rights and developing the right strategy. If you have questions about your situation, contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.