Why You Should Consider Hiring a Maryland Nursing License Defense Attorney

July 26, 2021
Jay Stafford

Nurse in distress in hallway

If you are facing disciplinary action with regard to your nursing license, you should take these proceedings very seriously. The Maryland Board of Nursing has the authority to suspend and even permanently revoke your nursing license, leaving you unable to work in your chosen profession. In addition to the financial consequences of the outcome, an adverse decision could result in considerable personal and professional embarrassment. Unfortunately, many nurses attempt to represent themselves in these matters, which often leads to an undesirable outcome. A Maryland nursing license defense attorney can help you navigate the process and get a fair outcome in your case. 

You May Be Able to Settle Your Case

Before the Board of Nursing can take any action against you, they must provide you with a formal “show cause” hearing where you have an opportunity to explain your case and argue why your license should not be suspended or revoked. However, in some cases, you may be able to settle your case without going through the hearing process. 

Settling a disciplinary case typically involves accepting some agreed-upon disciplinary action that is less than the full penalties you may be facing. Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, this may be a far more favorable outcome that resolves your case quickly and with less stress and anxiety. However, any settlement must ultimately be agreed upon and approved by the Board of Nursing. 

As a result, your offer of settlement must be realistic. A Maryland employment lawyer will have the experience and knowledge you need to craft a reasonable offer that is likely to get approved by the Board with minimal delay. 

Our Maryland Employment Lawyer Will Help You Understand the Hearing

Another common mistake that many nurses make is assuming that the hearing will be nothing more than an informal meeting. This is not the case. While the hearing is not a trial, a nursing board representative will present evidence and arguments as to why disciplinary action should be taken against you. As a result, you should be prepared to present your own evidence and make clear, persuasive arguments about why such action should not be taken. A Maryland nursing license defense attorney will know how to navigate this process and ensure that your rights are fully protected. 

The Board of Nursing is Not on Your Side

It may seem obvious, but any disciplinary proceeding is adversarial in nature. The Board of Nursing is charged with protecting the reputation of the nursing profession in the state of Maryland, and therefore takes alleged infractions very seriously. Similar to a criminal prosecution, their ultimate objective is to ensure that nurses are disciplined and may overlook mitigating circumstances. 

A Maryland nursing license defense attorney can advocate on your behalf. They know what precedents exist that may work in your favor. They will be able to identify key facts and circumstances that can help you avoid a suspension or revocation or warrant a less severe penalty. 

Contact Maryland Employment Lawyer J.W. Stafford Today

At the Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, we understand how stressful a disciplinary proceeding can be. As a result, we fight tirelessly for a fair outcome in your case. If you are a nurse facing a potential suspension or revocation of your license, contact us today at 410-514-6099 to discuss your case and how our Maryland employment lawyer can help.