Legal Counsel for Nurses Involved in Disciplinary Complaint Cases before the Missouri Board of Nursing
The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley provides
license defense to all nurses notified of investigation into whether their license is subject to discipline by the Missouri Board of Nursing.
Attorney Kevin J. Dolley is familiar with nursing procedures and regulations. He regularly defends nurses in disciplinary proceedings before the Missouri Board of Nursing. See our
Nursing Law section for more on issues specific to nurses.
Notice of Investigation from a Nursing Board Investigator
Mr. Dolley can help to dismiss or minimize disciplinary action taken against nurses. Upon receipt of notice of a notice of disciplinary complaint and request for information, it is important for the nurse to seek legal counsel to ensure the most accurate and effective response to the complaint. If contacted by a Nursing Board investigator regarding an allegation of misconduct, it is critical to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
Appropriate Response to the Nursing Board Complaint
Attorney Kevin J. Dolley works closely with nurses to refute allegations made in complaints. Allegations by which a nurse may be subject to discipline include:
- Criminal conviction
- Drug or alcohol intoxication or impairment
- Incompetency or negligence
- False reporting
- Physical or sexual abuse of patients
- Improper record keeping
- Nursing application issues
Mr. Dolley also works to ensure that his clients avoid unnecessary discipline because of failure to appropriately respond to the Nursing Board complaint.
The Missouri Nursing Board Process
Under the rules and regulations of the Missouri Nursing Board, anyone can file a complaint against a nurse. The fact that a complaint is lodged does not mean that the Board will automatically impose discipline. The complaint will likely trigger an initial investigation. The nursing complaint may be resolved as part of the initial investigation through dismissal or agreement between the parties as to discipline. Potential forms of discipline include censure, probation, suspension revocation, continuing education, monitoring, and possible drug or alcohol testing if applicable.
If the complaint is not resolved as part of the initial investigation, it may be referred to the Administrative Hearing Commission (AHC) for a hearing to determine whether or not the nurse's license is subject to discipline. A hearing before the AHC is a trial-like process requiring the Board to present evidence and prove a violation of the nursing rules or regulations. If the nurse is successful in defending against the complaint before the AHC, the complaint is dismissed there are no further proceedings. If the AHC finds a violation was committed, the Nursing Board has authority to determine the appropriate discipline. This determination is based on the findings of the AHC, a hearing before the Board, and consideration of mitigating circumstances.
If you are notified that a complaint has been made against your Missouri nursing license, contact attorney Kevin J. Dolley to obtain the most experienced legal counsel to address the situation. Mr. Dolley may be reached directly at (314)645-4100 or by email at
kevin@dolleylaw.com.
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