CASE STUDY
Defending a Licensed Vocational Nurse Against Misconduct Allegations
Background
A licensed vocational nurse, registered with the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, faced critical allegations concerning patient care and record-keeping. These allegations, which our client firmly denied, put her professional license and career at risk, as the Board considered revocation.
Challenges
The main challenge in this case was the severity of the allegations and the potential for license revocation. The Board’s initial stance indicated a preference for significant disciplinary action, which could have dire consequences for our client’s career. Furthermore, our client’s current employment was contingent on maintaining an unblemished license, adding another layer of urgency to the situation.
Our Approach
Our initial strategy involved entering settlement negotiations with the Board, aiming to resolve the matter without the need for a formal hearing. However, it quickly became evident that the Board was not amenable to a settlement that would allow our client to continue her employment without severe repercussions.
As a result, we shifted gears and began preparing for a formal hearing. Our defense strategy was built on a thorough investigation of the allegations and gathering robust evidence to support our client’s account. We aimed to mount a strong defense that would highlight the lack of merit in the allegations and demonstrate our client’s commitment to high standards of patient care and accurate record-keeping.
As we prepared for the hearing, our strong defense posture led to a pivotal moment: the Board’s attorney reached out for a last-minute attempt at settlement.
Outcome
In an effort to avoid the uncertainties of a hearing, the Board revised its position and offered a public reproval of our client’s license. This form of discipline, being the least intensive, allowed our client to continue her work and maintain her employment. Our client accepted this offer, recognizing it as a favorable outcome under the circumstances.
Conclusion
This case highlights the dynamic nature of license defense and the importance of being prepared to adapt strategies as situations evolve. Our firm’s ability to pivot from settlement negotiations to preparing a robust defense for a hearing – and then capitalizing on the opportunity for a more favorable settlement – was crucial in achieving a positive outcome for our client. The resolution of this case underscores our commitment to defending our clients’ professional licenses and careers against challenging allegations.
Experience - Dedication - Results
Clients Represented
1700
+
Success Rate
96
%
Years Experience
7
+