Mandated Reporting: One Kansas Teacher’s Tragic Misstep

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Teachers arguably have one of the most important jobs in the country—they educate our nation’s children. Although teaching can be rewarding, it can also be quite challenging. We rely on teachers to serve as mentors to and carefully watch over and guide students. However, Kansas teachers are more than just educators, they are also “mandated reporters”.  As such, teachers are required by Kansas law to report any suspected abuse of a child. Failing to do so could result in the loss of a teaching license. Recently, one Kansas teacher learned this lesson the hard way—by losing her teaching license and her career, despite the fact that she was a 17 year teaching veteran. This event should serve as a reminder to all teachers that vigilance is necessary to protect a teaching license.

In April 2012, a Wichita elementary school teacher surrendered her teaching license to the Kansas State Board of Education. The teacher was accused of not promptly reporting an incident of suspected child abuse. By a 6-2 vote, the Kansas Board accepted the teacher’s surrender and revoked her teaching license. However, there was quite a bit of public controversy surrounding the Board’s decision.

A local newspaper wrote that the teacher did in fact report her suspicions of abuse to the principal and a social worker at her school, but made the report more than a week later due to a technical problem with her computer. One Board member who voted against revoking the teacher’s license commented that he thought that the Board’s decision was “an absolute atrocity”.  He was not the only one to speak out against the Board’s decision. Several former teachers indicated that the decision to make a report is never clear-cut. Specifically, they pointed out that teachers are often afraid to make a report, fearing that if they are incorrect, things will become worse for the child.

Accordingly, Kansas law provides that if a mandated reporter has a reason to suspect that a child has been or is currently being harmed as the result of physical, mental, emotional or sexual abuse, he or she must “promptly” make a report to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.

Although all teachers in the state of Kansas are deemed mandated reporters, each school district may have their own unique policies with regard to reporting.  For instance, in Wichita, the school district’s policy provides that teachers are required to report suspicions of abuse to state officials on the same day the suspicion first arises.

In light of the above, teachers as well as other mandated reporters not only risk their professional license if they do not comply with the aforesaid reporting duties, but could also face criminal penalties. In Kansas, a mandated reporter’s willful and knowing failure to report suspected child abuse is a Class B misdemeanor and could result in fines up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in jail.

If you are a teacher facing an investigation by the Kansas Education Board you need an experienced attorney on your side. I invite you to contact the Sanger Law Office at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. Trust the seasoned professionals at the Sanger Law Office to protect your teaching license and your livelihood.

Safeguard your Kansas Dental License: Avoid these Six Misdeeds

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In April 2013, an Oklahoma dentist made headlines when it was reported that more than 60 people who had visited his practice over the years had tested positive for HIV or hepatitis. The dentist now faces a formal hearing before the Oklahoma Dentistry Board for using rusted equipment that was not properly sterilized and also, reusing syringes. The dentist has surrendered his license but may also face criminal charges. This case is a clear-cut example of behavior that warrants loss of license, but there are other cases that aren’t quite as black and white. To safeguard your dental license, here are a number of misdeeds that you should avoid:

  1. HIPAA Violations: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) protects patient’s private health information from being improperly shared. In order to protect your license, make certain that your staff members are well trained and understand their responsibilities with respect to HIPAA and other relevant laws.
  1. Drug and Alcohol Abuse:  Drinking and driving is not only a dangerous combination but it can also jeopardize your dental license. The Kansas Dental Practices Act prohibits any behavior that it deems to be detrimental to the general public’s health, safety and welfare. The Act further allows the Board to discipline any licensee that habitually uses intoxicants or drugs that render the licensee unfit to practice. This also, of course, includes performing dental work while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
  1. Conviction of Certain Crimes: Pursuant to the Dental Practices Act, a licensee that is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving “moral turpitude” is subject to discipline if the licensee has not shown that he or she has since been rehabilitated as to warrant the public’s trust. Crimes of moral turpitude include fraud, blackmail, extortion, forgery and any violent crime.
  1. Failure to Maintain Current Information with the Board: To avoid any problems, confirm that your information is up to date with the Board. This includes making sure that licensing fees are paid and that you have met the continuing education requirements, which includes obtaining a current CPR certificate.
  1. Patient Mistreatment or Abuse: Patients, regardless of their race, ethnicity and religious beliefs, must be treated with the highest professional care. Discrimination against any patient on one of these grounds is cause for discipline.
  1. Employment of Unlicensed Professionals: A licensee needs to be responsible for his or her own behavior but also must be watchful in who they employ. Allowing an unlicensed or clearly unqualified person to engage in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene can subject the licensee to a multitude of disciplinary measures.  Before hiring anyone, confirm that their license is in good standing and that they are qualified to practice. 

If you are facing an inquiry by the Kansas Dental Board Call the Sanger Law Office at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. Your dental license is not just a piece of paper, it is your career and livelihood. Nobody understands the importance of your professional license than the Sanger Law Office. Trust our team of experienced professionals to defend your license and protect your reputation.

Defending Your Kansas Professional License: Frequently Asked Questions

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A professional license shares a lot of important characteristics with a marriage. Both require substantial effort and are expected to last forever. Learning that a complaint has been filed against your professional license however, can be just as unwelcome as an interloper’s presence in your marriage. Receiving notice from a licensing board that a licensee is being investigated for misconduct can feel like a devastating blow. Much like a spouse receiving divorce papers, most licensees do not have a plan in place to react to these issues and thus, are not prepared to handle an investigation. If you have received notice that you are being investigated, you are bound to have many questions. The most common questions licensees ask regarding the investigation process are as follows:

  • Do I need to hire an attorney?  The simple answer to this question is “no”– an attorney is not required. But then again, do you “need” your license? An experienced professional license defense attorney will not only provide you with valuable insight and assistance throughout the process, he or she will also bring to the table an unbiased opinion. An investigation can be a nerve-wracking experience for a licensee. A review board is not looking out for you and your best interests. This is where an attorney can add the most value. Specifically, the experience of an attorney in handling similar cases will not only give you peace of mind but also help you obtain the best possible outcome. An attorney will also ensure that you are making the best decision for you and your professional future and not based on current emotions.
  • What can I expect to happen? The investigation is usually the first step that a board takes when determining whether the licensee committed any wrongdoing. Depending on the board, this process can be quite lengthy and typically a licensee is not privy to any discovery that is conducted in his or her case. After the initial investigation, a board can decide that there is not enough information to proceed and close the case. A board can also choose to bring more formal charges, sometimes referred to as a “petition”. In other instances, the board may issue a fine or reprimand or even require the licensee to take rehabilitative type classes before they can resume their practice.
  • Do I need participate in the investigation? Oftentimes, licensees find themselves in a position where he or she wants to “help” the investigation. Most licensees do not realize that they do not have to participate in the process, and that many times it is in the best interests of a licensee not to participate. The investigation will proceed whether or not the licensee participates or not. Whether the licensee participates is a decision best made after a thorough discussion of the facts with the licensee’s attorney. 
  • Can I continue to practice? In many cases, a licensee can continue to practice their profession while the investigation is pending. This is usually welcome news since an investigation can take several months, or even years, to complete.

If you are being investigated by a licensing board, you have the right to be represented by counsel. Before speaking with an investigator, call the Sanger Law Office at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. You can rely on the team of experienced professionals at Sanger Law Office to defend your license and protect your livelihood.

 

Kansas Medical Professionals: A DUI Could Threaten Your Career

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Alcohol abuse is a serious problem that can affect anyone, including medical professionals (including doctors, nurses, chiropractors, massage therapist, etc.). However, unlike members of the general community, medical professionals have even more at stake: they risk losing their license. It only takes one incidence for the Kansas Board of Healing Arts to open an investigation. The risks associated with driving under the influence need to be of particular concern and you need to be aware of how a DUI could impact your professional license.

A DUI is a costly mistake. A DUI can costs thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees to defend. Professionally, a DUI comes with severe penalties than can interfere with a medical licensee’s ability to practice. In Kansas, the penalties for DUI are as follows:

1st DUI Conviction—Class B Misdemeanor

  • Jail time: 48 hours to 6 months
  • Fines: $750 to $1,000
  • Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation and Counseling
  • Driver’s license suspension: 30 day to 1 year followed by ignition interlock

2nd DUI Conviction—Class A Misdemeanor

  • Jail time: 90 days to 1 year
  • Fines: $1,250 to $1,750
  • Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation and Counseling
  • Driver’s license suspension: 1 year followed by ignition interlock

Some medical professionals are not aware that in Kansas, a second DUI is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, conviction of a crime of this severity is grounds for discipline and possibly the revocation of a medical license. The Board’s authority also allows it to impose fines on its own, in addition to those fines ordered by the court.  Even a first DUI can be deemed “unprofessional conduct” by some licensing boards, depending upon the surrounding circumstances. Conduct that is considered unprofessional can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or loss of license.

If you are charged with a DUI, you need to seek the counsel of a professional license defense attorney right away.  Even a seasoned criminal defense attorney may recommend a course of action that can unknowingly jeopardize a medical professional’s license.

Remember a DUI is completely avoidable. If you have been drinking, always air on the side of caution and take a cab or public transportation. Or if you are planning on socializing with alcohol, consider having a designated driver who can ensure you make it home safely. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, you need to get help. Addiction is a serious ailment that if not treated, can lead to other problems at the workplace and may ultimately interfere with patient care.

If you are a medical professional who has been charged with driving under the influence or is struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction, don’t put your career at risk.  Contact the Sanger Law Offices at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. The Sanger Law Office has experience defending medical professionals from the investigation to the hearing before the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. Do not risk your license further by failing to seek knowledgeable counsel. Trust the Sanger Law Office to aggressively defend you and fight for your medical license.

Five Ways to Jeopardize your Kansas Nursing License

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Everybody makes mistakes. However, some mistakes can have dire consequences. Today, nurses are under greater scrutiny than ever before. One serious misstep may not only lead to disciplinary action; it could also jeopardize a nurse’s license. The following are some of the more serious violations that could cost a nurse his or her license:

  1. Failure to Keep Accurate Patient Records: An important task for all nurses is to update and maintain patient records. An accurate patient chart is essential in order for a patient to receive proper care. A nurse that fails to record an extra dose of pain medication is not only putting her license at risk, but is also endangering the patient’s safety and well-being.
  2. Negligent Patient Care: Nursing is a serious profession where a nurse’s action or inaction can directly impact a patient’s care. Having a chaotic night or being assigned too many patients is not an excuse for improper patient care. Forgetting to give a patient the required medication can not only land a nurse in hot water with a supervisor, but, could also seriously harm the health of a patient. Nursing boards are established in part to protect the general population.  In fact, boards take allegations of abuse and neglect very seriously.
  3. Failure to Maintain Patient Confidentiality: Nurses not only need to know and understand HIPAA, they also must understand its application in the workplace. More than a few nurses have landed themselves in trouble after using Facebook and other social media sites as a medium to vent about difficult patients.
  4. Drug Abuse: Many licensing boards require a nurse who has a substance abuse problem to seek treatment. Failure to successfully complete a substance abuse program, could result in disciplinary action and ultimately the loss of license. Most states have programs especially designed for nurses with substance abuse problems. If you have a problem, get help.
  5. Diverting Drugs from Patients: A nurse who diverts drugs from patients is not only jeopardizing his or her license, but may also face criminal charges. This dangerous mistake can start off as innocuously as a nurse who pockets a few pain pills to treat her own aching back. From there it may progress to providing medications to family members or selling pills to a friend who is without medical insurance. Taking drugs from patients is a very serious offense. Tell friends and family members to look elsewhere.  Do not put your license at risk.

If you are facing an administrative board due to an allegation of improper conduct, you need an effective nursing license defense attorney to represent you. Contact the Sanger Law Offices at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. You can count on our team of professionals to aggressively defend you before the Kansas Board of Nursing.

Kansas Chiropractors & How to Protect Your License

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As a licensed Kansas chiropractor, you want to spend your time providing your patients with the best care available. However, as a medical professional, this means you must delegate a portion of your time to protecting yourself and your practice from claims that could jeopardize your career and your license.  Avoiding claims does not need to be an all-consuming task. Here are seven common mistakes you need be aware of, so that you can continue spending time with patients instead of defending your chiropractic license from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts:

 

  1. Keeping Inadequate Records: Like many professionals, chiropractors need to keep detailed patient records. When taking notes, chiropractors need to keep in mind that the information they include in a patient’s record can be just as important as the information they choose not to include.  For example, if a chiropractor includes that a certain procedure was done to the patient, in lieu of a more common procedure that was not done, it may be beneficial to include the reasoning behind his or her decision.
  2. Poor Patient Communication: Not enough can be said about the benefits of having happy patients. Happy patients can not only refer you to other patients, but they are also less likely to pursue claims against you. Make sure that you are spending ample time with each patient, answering any questions and explaining your reasoning for the prescribed course of treatment. If you have any doubt as to whether a patient understands the risks of a procedure, it may be a good idea to have them sign an informed consent form.
  3. Improper Management of Staff: Many chiropractors practice in small office type environments. Unlike medical professionals that work in hospitals and other large facilities, chiropractors are not only responsible for patient care but also management of their staff. Make certain that your staff is well trained and knows how to maintain professional boundaries with patients.
  4. Failing to Stay Current in the Profession: It is important for all chiropractors to stay up to date on the relevant law in addition to current treatments. Kansas, like most states, requires chiropractors to complete continuing education for license renewal. Failing to meet the requisite number of continuing education hours can be cause for disciplinary actions by the Board
  5. Not Knowing When to Say “NO”:  Certain patients are easier to work with than others. That is not to say that all difficult patients should be avoided, but if you feel that a patient has unreal expectations for treatment that cannot be managed, it may be time to end the patient relationship. The same is true if a patient’s required course of treatment is outside your current professional experience. Knowing when to turn away a patient can cost you much less in the long run.
  6. Failing to Meet Professional Requirements: Verify that your contact information and other pertinent information is up-to-date with your state’s licensing board. Failing to maintain this information is an easy way to invite licensing problems.
  7. Not having adequate malpractice insurance: You would not go without home owners insurance on your residence or automobile insurance on your vehicle. The same is true about medical malpractice insurance. Be sure to talk with a professional to make sure that you are adequately covered in case of a claim.

If you are facing disciplinary proceedings or are the subject of an initial investigation before the Board of Healing Arts, contact the Sanger Law Office today at 785-979-4353 for a free confidential consultation. At the Sanger Law Office we understand that your professional license is not just what you do, it is who you are, and that your livelihood depends on it. Trust our team of experienced professionals to aggressively defend your license.

Kansas Attorneys: Seven Deadly Sins

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Whether you are a solo practitioner or a partner at a large firm, the practice of law is highly demanding. In fact, it can be easy to let little things go by the wayside sometimes, especially when you are forced to be a multi-tasking maven.  Despite your hectic schedule, you want to be sure to avoid the following “seven deadly sins” at all costs.  These bad habits can lead to unhappy clients and worse, a possible inquiry by the Kansas Bar Association:

 

     1.  Not Returning Calls Promptly:  At the end of a busy day it can be tempting to leave the office with the light of your voicemail still blinking. However, fight the urge and return all calls the same day if possible. Most client complaints regarding their attorneys is over failing to return their phone calls. Even if you know the matter is not urgent, the client will feel better knowing that you addressed his or her concerns promptly.

     2.  Not Managing Electronic Communication: Attorneys are not the only ones living in a technically advanced world– clients live in it too! It is not uncommon for an attorney to open his or her inbox only to find hundreds of client emails. Explain to clients the priority you place on emails and that you may not necessarily respond to each email as you receive them.

     3.  Not Keeping the Client in the Loop: One reason for an unhappy client occurs when he or she does not feel like they know what is going on with their case. Keep a client in the loop by providing him or her with a written roadmap. In correspondence, set forth an overview of your legal strategy. Include what you are working on now and what they can expect to happen next.

     4.  Not Managing Client Expectations: Make sure the client understands the risks of litigation in addition to the possible rewards. All too often, attorneys find themselves in trouble when they do not deliver on lofty promises despite the attorney’s excellent work product. Remember that it is okay to tell a client that you cannot predict all outcomes. Rather, explain to clients the possible outcomes so that they can be prepared either way.

     5.  Not Being Clear about Retainer/Billing Practices: Nothing makes a client more upset than receiving a statement for services that the client does not believe is correct. Make sure that retainer clearly states how the client will be billed. Also, be sure to send regular billing statements so that the client is able to see how the retainer is being spent and how much remains in his or her account. If you are working on a flat-fee or a contingency fee basis, make sure that the client understands and signs a written retainer agreement.

     6.  Not Being Organized: It is easy with a busy calendar to miss recording a court date or a deadline. Make sure that you have a system in place so that all important dates are recorded. It is also best to have both a paper and an electronic version just in case your network experiences problems.

     7.  Biting off More than You Can Chew:  A good attorney wants to attract clients. However, this does not mean an attorney should take every case that comes through the door. Before taking a case, assess the finer points, including the subject matter of the case, the goals of the client and your experience level. Do not be afraid to pass on a case if you have any doubt that you are not up to the task or have a bad feeling about the potential client. If you would be the client’s third attorney and the client is talking about suing his previous attorneys, you may want to steer clear of that person.

If you are facing disciplinary proceedings before the Kansas Bar Association, you need an experienced and aggressive advocate to defend your professional license. The team of professionals at Sanger Law Office will make sure that your side of the story is told. I invite you to contact the Sanger Law Office today at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. 

Professional Licensees: Just Say “No” to Inappropriate Client/Patient Relations

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It is common knowledge that workplace romances are a bad idea. Yet, people continue to date their co-workers or in some cases, even their supervisors. Although these relationships can cause problems for other employees, most employers do not prohibit such relationships.  Licensees, on the other hand, are regulated not only by their employer but also by their respective professional licensing organizations. Most licensing boards prohibit licensees from having intimate relations with clients or patients. Despite these rules, each and every year attorneys, therapists and other licensees find themselves flirting with danger.

Due to the very nature of their work, licensees develop a trusting relationship with the client or patient. If you find yourself tempted to pursue intimate relations with a client or patient, you need to just say “no” and walk away from the thought. Inappropriate relations can not only cost you your license but also your time, money and reputation. Even criminal charges are possible. Here a few things all licensees need to do to protect themselves from this Pandora’s box of potential liability:

  • Know the rules: Ignorance of these rules will not help save you or your license.  Every licensee needs to know the rules and regulations set forth by their licensing board regarding patient/client sexual relations. For example, the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit attorneys from having sexual relations with a client unless the consensual sexual relationship began prior to the attorney-client relationship. Kansas marriage and family therapists, however, are prohibited from making sexual advances and engaging in physical intimacies and/or sexual activities with a client or anyone who has been a client in the last twenty four months.
  • Understand there is no true-love exception: Some licensees fool themselves into thinking that if the prohibited relationship is true love or even results in marriage that the licensing board may look the other way. This is not the case. If you find yourself becoming attracted to or developing intimate feelings for a client/patient, it may be a good time to examine your feelings. Are you truly in love with this person or are you experiencing a mere transference?
  • Keep copious records: Even if you have not engaged in any actions that you believe could be considered as sexual advances, perhaps your client or patient has misconstrued the relationship. Therefore, it is a wise idea for therapists to record their sessions so there can be no confusion later on. For attorneys and any other professions where recording is uncommon or not an option, make sure you keep detailed records of all encounters.
  • Make a referral: If you find your attraction towards a client/patient is just too tempting and fear that may act on your feelings, refer the individual to a colleague. Referring the individual out to another practitioner is also a good idea if you feel that he or she is making inappropriate advances towards you.

If you believe your professional license is in danger because of alleged inappropriate relations with a client or patient, you need an experienced professional license defense attorney to aggressively represent you. Contact the Sanger Law Office today at 785-979-4353 for a free confidential consultation. Our experienced team will take the time to discuss the charges brought against you and construct a plan to protect not only your license but your professional livelihood as well.

Prescription Drug War Can Take Down Unwary Pharmacists

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As a pharmacist, you are probably well aware that prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Unlike illegal drugs where most battles are fought on neighborhood streets and involve gangs, the prescription drug war is happening in physician’s offices and pharmacies across the country. In late 2012, a story broke about four young men who died as the result of a drug overdose of prescription medication. The remarkable link connecting the deaths was that all four people had prescriptions written by the same doctor and filled at the same small pharmacy. As a result of his actions, the pharmacist involved had his license revoked. It appears from the investigation that the pharmacist was knowingly filling fraudulent prescriptions and dispensing painkillers and other addictive medications he knew or should have known were feeding the habits of addicts. Although the situation does not describe the overwhelming majority of pharmacists, it does serve as a stark reminder of the growing problem. Pharmacists cannot turn a blind eye to this problem. In order to protect their licenses, pharmacists must become aware of how they can prevent further abuse of the system.

Pharmacists, much like other health care professionals, work long hours. In a typical day a single pharmacy may fill hundreds of prescriptions. Part of a pharmacist’s job is to make the determination as to whether she should fill a particular prescription. The law requires a pharmacist not to fill any prescription if they have reason to believe that either the prescribed medication is unnecessary or the amount prescribed is not legitimate. A pharmacist has a duty to refuse to fill any patient’s prescription that the pharmacist believes is being used by the patient to feed an addiction. Pharmacists also have to be on the look-out for fraudulent prescriptions, signs of which may include exceedingly high doses or an unrecognizable doctor’s signature. For example, one of the young men in the story above received such a high dosage of painkiller that, according to the DEA investigator, could have put down a horse.

Pharmacists who fail to comply with these standards can find themselves in a sea of legal trouble. Failing to check the legitimacy of prescriptions and/or filling a prescription that is believed to be medically unnecessary could result in an investigation by the Board of Pharmacy and lead to revocation of pharmacist’s license. Additionally, a pharmacist could also face civil and criminal charges. It is important for pharmacists to be aware that did not need to intend to provide an addict with prescription drugs. By simply overlooking her duties, a pharmacist can face serious disciplinary actions.

Pharmacists can avoid problems by carefully reviewing each prescription. The following types of prescriptions should draw red flags:

  • unusually high doses of painkillers and/or other addictive medications;
  • patients who do not reside in the area or live out-of-state;
  • a single doctor that writes a large volume of prescriptions for painkillers and/or other addictive medications;
  • prescriptions written by doctors that do not practice in the area; and
  • patients with prescriptions for expensive painkillers and/or other addictive medications who pay in cash

If you are pharmacist who is undergoing an investigation by board, you need an aggressive and experienced professional license defense attorney on your side. The Sanger Law Office has been providing clients in Kansas and Missouri with quality legal representation. Contact the office today at 785-979-4353 to schedule a free confidential consultation. You can trust the Sanger Law Office to protect your license.

Professional Boundaries: The Slippery Slope of Nursing in Kansas

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The role of a nurse is to be a trusted caregiver to a patient.  The ability to help a person in a time of need is what often influences people to become a nurse in the first place. Whether a patient is in a nursing home or in a hospital, the patient is in a vulnerable position and must rely on nurses for their care.  Professional boundaries are necessary to ensure that the nurse remains the trusted caregiver. A nurse that ignores professional boundaries blurs the line between patient and caregiver and can even come across as a victim to the patient. How is this possible? For example, by placing the nurse’s burdens on the patient, a patient feels sympathy for the nurse, and may not feel comfortable requesting the care that they need in order to avoid being a burden.

Nurses that test these boundaries can place the nurse-patient relationship in harms way, and by doing so can fail to provide the standard of care required. To protect yourself and your nursing license, you need to be aware of actions that could lead you down the slippery slope of improper professional conduct. Here are some of the common warning signs that a nurse may have unhealthy boundaries issues:

  • Talks to patients about taboo subjects. Nursing is a demanding profession that comes with long hours. However, a nurse should not vent to patient about their frustrations. Nurses should especially avoid the following taboo subjects: (1) complaining to patients about co-workers or the facility at which they work, (2) discussing the nurse’s personal problems, and (3) sharing intimate details of the nurse’s personal life to others.
  • Treats certain patients different than the other patients. In any profession, you will have clients or patients that you will like better than others. Obviously, patients that are friendly and treat you kindly are much more likeable than those that are needy and demand your nonstop attention. So long as each patient is receiving the care that they deserve, liking one patient more than another is normal. However, the boundary becomes unprofessional when a nurse provides extra attention to certain patients at the expense of other needful patients. Other warning signs that a nurse is not acting within professional boundaries are that she (1) regularly receives gifts from patients, (2) spends off duty time with patients, and (3) gives her personal contact information to patients.
  • Feels a special connection with a patient: A nurse can also overstep professional boundaries when he starts thinking that he “knows what is best” for certain patients more so than other colleagues. This does not mean that a nurse should not care about his patients or advocate for a patient when deemed necessary. However, nurses should not allow themselves to become so attached that the patient feels like family.

If you are nurse facing disciplinary proceedings or an initial investigation, you need an experienced professional license defense attorney to aggressively represent you. Contact the Sanger Law Office today at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. Danielle Sanger knows that your nursing license is the key to your livelihood and zealously advocate on your behalf.