Discovering that you are under investigation is overwhelming and not one that you should face alone. Your career is on the line, and it’s crucial to protect it. The Board of Registered Nurses takes complaints seriously, even if they seem minor. After the complaint is reviewed, the investigation will begin and you will be notified by phone or letter. If you choose to take on the BRN alone, there are many risks to know.
Risks of Facing the BRN Alone
During the investigation, your RN/LVN license is vulnerable, and anything you say or do at this point will affect your case. Facing the BRN alone is not recommended for various reasons, including
- It might seem as though the BRN investigators are on your side and are there to help you, but this is false. The investigators and the BRN protect the public’s safety and advocate for the individuals who filed the complaint. Anything you say or sign at this point is evidence against your case collected by the investigators, which is an advantage for them. If you receive a letter or a phone call from the BRN, contact legal counsel immediately before speaking to them. You have the right to wait until you have proper representation.
- Anyone can file a complaint against you, including your employer, co-worker, family member, a patient, or if you were convicted of a crime or arrested. Handling the investigation on your own is a stressful experience. When you represent yourself, you might not be aware of all the details of your case. When you have a team of legal experts, like RN Guardian, you will feel at ease because you will have legal guidance through the entire BRN process. We will discuss different strategies for each stage of the investigation to prepare you for the best possible outcome.
- A complaint that involves drugs, alcohol, or mental health will be referred to the Diversion or Intervention program. You will be notified by phone, letter, or email shortly after your arrest. If you decided to enroll without legal counsel first and then find out it wasn’t necessary to participate, it’s not easy to withdraw from the program. One aspect to note is that the Diversion and Intervention program is voluntary and confidential. The program is for registered nurses whose practice may be impaired due to substance abuse or mental illness. When you enroll, your license is deactivated. There is a lot to consider and review before you decide to participate in the program. Even if you feel pressured by the representatives of the Diversion or Intervention program, you should wait to enroll and seek legal guidance. RN Guardian will review your situation and help you decide if this program is right for you.
- You have rights. It’s essential to understand what they are. Before you speak to the investigator, take a urine test, or provide details of your case, you should first seek legal counsel to understand your rights and how to proceed with the investigation. If you make a statement or take a urine test before you have legal representation, this could harm your case. You have the right to decline before you get legal representation. Representing yourself can lead to an overwhelming amount of decisions to make, pressure, and information you might not be aware of that can either help or hurt your case. It’s best to seek legal guidance immediately.
Importance of Obtaining Legal Representation Right Away
RN Guardian is on your side. Our lawyers have a 98% success rate in helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome. We know the BRN process entirely, and the investigators. Our team of legal experts will fight tooth and nail for you. Our goal is to provide advice, strategies, and support to help you with your case to alleviate the stress of communicating with the BRN. Get the support and guidance you deserve to save your career. Don’t face the BRN alone.
RN Guardian Can Help You!
RN Guardian knows the ins and outs of the BRN process and how to protect your license. Contact us right away if you are under investigation. We are here to help you!
For more information on our process, check out this extensive investigation field guide here.