Kansas Attorneys – The Importance of Timekeeping

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Many Kansas attorneys work in firms that bill clients at an hourly rate.  This type of billing system makes it very easy for firms to keep accurate time – as timekeeping is essential to correctly billing clients.  However, a large number of Kansas attorneys work in firms that bill clients on a contingency fee basis, or another billing system that doesn’t necessarily require strict timekeeping.  Some law firms believe timekeeping is not necessary at all unless you are billing clients at an hourly rate.  While there is no requirement that all law firms, regardless of their billing practices, must keep time on all work that is completed for each client, adequate timekeeping is something that all law firms should consider.

Problems That May Result From Inadequate Timekeeping

If you or your law firm has either an inadequate timekeeping system, or no timekeeping system at all, you could face problems later on when clients question how much work has been done on their case.  Such problems include, but may not be limited to, the following:

  • Client challenges to billing practices and the adequacy of attorneys’ fees that are assessed on a particular client’s case;
  • Inadequate, or complete lack of proof that certain work was completed on a particular client’s case; and
  • Complaints that another attorney could have provided the same or similar legal services at a lower fee percentage.

Many attorneys believe that these problems are not typically experienced by firms that have a contingency fee billing system.  However, if a client questions the adequacy of the percentage of attorneys’ fees that are assessed as to his or her legal representation, that client should be able to view documentation that certain work was completed on this individual client’s case.  Even if a client has signed a contract agreeing to a particular contingency fee to be obtained by the attorney, that client still may question the validity of the percentage, especially if there is evidence that very little work was done on this client’s case.  While this does not happen very often, all Kansas attorneys must be prepared for anything, even in cases where clients are simply wrong.

Attorneys are not likely to be subject to disciplinary action or the potential loss of their Kansas law license for inadequate timekeeping.  However, if a client does file a complaint with the Kansas Office of Disciplinary Administrator, having documentation of the time, cost, and quantity of services dedicated to this particular client will make the disciplinary process go much smoother.

It is very important to understand that most attorneys will not be subject to discipline or lose their Kansas law license simply due to a client complaint regarding inadequate timekeeping and/or the validity of a contingency fee agreement.  But, as a Kansas attorney, you must expect and be prepared for a client to make allegations that are unfounded, and that you can quickly dismiss by proving the amount of time, effort, and money you spent on this particular client’s case.  Whatever steps you can take now regarding the implementation of an adequate timekeeping system, the better off you will be in the event you face complaints by a client that may involve disciplinary proceedings.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are a Kansas attorney, and your license is at risk or you may be facing other disciplinary action, it is important to consult with a skilled Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who will ensure your rights and interests are being protected to the fullest extent possible.  Being accused of professional misconduct or any other conduct that may result in the loss of your law license certainly creates an emotional and stressful environment.  Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office is a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas with the experience and dedication you need in a professional license defense attorney.  Danielle Sanger’s prior experience helps her provide her clients with outstanding legal representation, and she understands just how important it is for you to keep your law license.  If you would like to discuss your case with Danielle Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353 to schedule your free consultation.

Kansas Dental Assistants – Ensuring a Sterile Environment

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Kansas dental assistants must ensure patients are being treated in a sterile environment.  Even the smallest mistakes, such as forgetting to throw something away after a patient has been seen, can result in the spread of infections to subsequent patients.  When this occurs, both dental assistants and the dentists supervising them may be at risk for either disciplinary action or the loss of their professional licenses or certificates.  If you are a Kansas dental assistant, you should take all necessary steps to ensure there is very little or no chance of spreading bacteria and other germs to patients that may result in serious illness.

Common Mistakes That Create an Unsterile Environment

When dental offices get busy, it is inevitable that mistakes will be made.  Most mistakes are not uncommon and curable, meaning that they do not cause any harm to patients or the dental staff.  However, some common mistakes are capable of causing patients to suffer injury or illness.  Such mistakes include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Failing to put biomedical waste in the designated biohazard container;
  • Failing to put dental instruments into sterilizing machine after they are used on a patient;
  • Failing to clean the examination room with sterilizing cleaner after treating a patient;
  • Failing to use new, sterilized dental equipment;
  • Failing to change gloves, masks, plastic coverings, and paper bibs after treating a patient;
  • Failing to discard the above-mentioned items before leaving the examination room; and
  • Failing to wash hands and use sterilizing gel or lotion.

It is understandable that some of the above-mentioned mistakes happen occasionally in all dental offices.  After such mistakes occur, dental offices typically avoid the same mistakes in the future by ensuring all dentists, dental assistants and other dental employees are properly trained on sanitation practices.  Germs spread much easier than many people believe.  The transmission of bacterial and viral infections can cause numerous patients to become ill, and those patients may spread the infection to others.  If the illness is severe, the dentist and his or her dental staff may be held responsible and could face disciplinary action of the potential loss of their professional licenses or certificates pursuant to the Kansas Dental Board’s decision.

Proper Training Goes a Long Way

Because most people believe it is common sense to wash your hands and ensure an examination room is clean after each patient is seen, many dental offices do not train dental assistants about proper sanitation practices.  While dental assistants learn about sanitation practices while going to school to obtain their certificates, it is never a bad idea to ensure dental assistants are absolutely clear on the importance of proper sanitation practices.  Dental offices that require new hire training that covers sanitation practices are less likely to experience the common mistakes that could lead to potentially harmful consequences for patients.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

As a Kansas dental assistant, you already know how important it is to operate in a sterile environment.  However, mistakes do happen, and you do not deserve to lose your professional license or certificate over one mistake.  If you are facing disciplinary action by the Kansas Dental Board, or potentially the loss of your license or certificate, either temporarily or permanently, it is important that you speak with an experienced Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney as soon as possible.  Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office devotes her law practice to helping professionals like you fight to keep their Kansas professional licenses and certificates.  As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger has the experience and skill necessary to provide you with the representation you deserve.  To speak with Danielle Sanger about your case, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353 to schedule your free consultation.

Kansas Massage Therapists – What You Should Know About Licensing Laws

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Massage therapy is a specialty just like any other profession.  In Kansas, a license to practice as a massage therapist is not required.  Recent proposed legislation to require massage therapists to obtain a license has failed.  However, many cities in Kansas do require that massage therapists have a license in order to offer massage therapy services to clients.  As such, if you are a Kansas massage therapist, you should consider the importance of having a license, regardless of the fact that Kansas does not require you to have one.

Massage therapy may seem like a practice that is not likely to harm a client.  Many chiropractors, nurses, and other medical professionals provide some form of massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients.  Thus, the state of Kansas does not require massage therapists to be licensed.  However, having a massage therapy license is still essential to representing yourself as a legitimate professional for many reasons, including, but certainly not limited to, the following:

  • Having a license shows clients that you have received sufficient education and training, and therefore are skilled in your profession;
  • Having a license protects you from accusations that you are an unlicensed  and unskilled practicing massage therapist; and
  • Many cities in the state of Kansas require that you have a massage therapy license.

Even though massage therapy is a career field that does not require extensive education as do other professions, massage therapy is still a service that is offered to individuals, and massage therapists have a responsibility to provide services without harming their clients.  Without a massage therapy license or certificate, you put yourself at risk for being held liable for offering services negligently and causing a client to suffer injuries.

While Kansas does not require that massage therapists be licensed, massage therapists are still regulated by the court system, in that injured clients may pursue a cause of action for negligence against a massage therapist who has caused harm.  This is not a desirable way for massage therapists to be regulated as lawsuits can be long, stressful and may result in loss of employment.  Having licensure requirements would enable the massage therapy profession to expand and become more specialized.  If licensure is required, then massage therapists are more likely to receive more intensive education and training, and this makes the profession more reputable throughout the state of Kansas.  Until the law changes, there may be massage therapists out there who are providing clients with inadequate and negligent services.  As such, obtaining a massage therapy license is a good way to help legitimize your profession to clients.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are a licensed Kansas massage therapist, and you are facing the potential loss of your license from your city’s licensing board, it is important that you discuss your situation with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney right away.  While the state of Kansas is not in charge of regulating your license, you still need to ensure you are complying with all rules and regulations required by the city you work in.  Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office is a seasoned Kansas Professional Licensing Defense Lawyer who devotes her career to helping Kansas professionals fight to keep their professional licenses.  As a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Kansas, Danielle Sanger has seen your situation from the other side, and can use this unique experience to provide you with the representation you deserve.  Danielle Sanger will advocate on your behalf to help you retain your massage therapy license.  To schedule your free consultation with Danielle Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.

Kansas Medical Professionals – Identifying Your Practice of Medicine

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The term “doctor” is used to describe a variety of medical professionals who have earned degrees in different medical disciplines. For example, chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, medical doctors, optometrists, and many others are all referred to as “doctors.”  Most patients who see a particular medical professional are most likely aware of what type of “doctor” this medical professional is.  However, the Kansas Board of Healing Arts requires that all “doctors” identify what type of doctor they are, whether the name is identified on advertisements, on work-related documents, or anywhere else where the doctor’s name or practice is conveyed in any manner to patients or potential patients.  This requirement protects both patients and doctors, as there can be no dispute about what type of doctor a patient has seen if the doctor has adequately identified his or her practice of medicine.

The Potential for Suspension of Your Kansas Professional License

The Kansas Board of Healing Arts takes all rules and regulations very seriously.  Even a small mistake such as forgetting to put “M.D.” on your letterhead can lead to the suspension of your professional license.  A Wichita chiropractor experienced just how strict the Kansas Board of Healing Arts can be.  His chiropractic license was suspended for thirty (30) days, having been reduced from a recommended ninety (90) days, for failing to specify in two advertisements that he was a Kansas licensed chiropractor.  It may seem harsh that a Kansas medical professional is at risk for having his or her license suspended for a simple mistake that is essentially a typographical error, however, there is good reason why the Kansas Board of Healing Arts takes this matter very seriously.

If a patient only sees a medical professional’s name beginning with “Dr.,” but no identifier as to what type of doctor this person is, there is a risk that the patient will be confused or misrepresented by the lack of key information about this medical professional.  For example, if the doctor advertises him or herself as an expert in treating foot injuries, potential patients may believe this doctor is an orthopedic surgeon, when in fact the doctor is a podiatrist.  While podiatrists do specialize in treating foot injuries and conditions, patients may wish to see an orthopedic surgeon who is a licensed medical doctor.  If the patient is not informed that the doctor is a podiatrist, that patient is not receiving accurate information about that doctor, and cannot make an informed decision as to whether or not this is the right doctor to treat the patient’s foot injuries.  Failure to identify a medical specialty can be interpreted as misrepresentation, depending on the information that is being conveyed to patients.

In order to prevent a small mistake from threatening your professional license, you should ensure that anytime your name is written, spoken, or conveyed in any other way to patients or potential patients in your capacity as a medical professional, it is important to verify that you properly identify your medical specialty.  Leaving off “M.D.,” “D.C.,” or “D.O.” from your professional name can leave you with a suspended professional license for a significant period of time, and simple editing can prevent such suspension.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are a Kansas medical professional, and you are facing disciplinary action or the potential loss of your professional license, it is essential that you speak with a highly experienced Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney right away.  Whether you are a dentist, a chiropractor, or an optometrist, among other doctors, if the Kansas Board of Healing Arts believes you have not properly identified your medical specialty pursuant to the Board’s rules and regulations, then you are at risk for losing your professional license.  At the Sanger Law Office, Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney Danielle Sanger has the dedication and skill to help you fight to keep your professional license.  Danielle Sanger’s experience as a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas helps her provide outstanding and well-rounded legal services to her clients.  To schedule your free consultation with Danielle Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.

Kansas Pharmacy Professionals – Communicating Warnings to Patients

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Pharmacy professionals, whether pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, or other pharmacy employees, have a duty to communicate warnings to patients regarding particular medications, and potential drug interactions. While pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy employees may not have the same knowledge as pharmacists regarding the reasons for drug warnings, they should still communicate warnings that are included on the prescription bottle and package insert that accompanies the medication.

The pharmaceutical industry grows each day and new warnings may be issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that need to be communicated to patients, such as Black Box Warnings regarding serious side-effects of particular drugs. If patients suffer injuries or illnesses as a result of a medication or a drug interaction, and no warning was given that may have prevented the injuries or illnesses from occurring, a pharmacy professional may be accused of playing a role in causing the injuries and/or illnesses.

For example, if a pharmacy technician failed to communicate a warning that was clearly noted on the patient’s file or on the prescription bottle itself, and the patient experienced side-effects from the medication, or from drug interactions with other medications, the pharmacy technician may face disciplinary action from the Kansas Board of Pharmacy. Further, the pharmacist supervising the pharmacy technician may also face disciplinary action if he or she did not adequately train the pharmacy technician to communicate warnings to patients.

Potential Disciplinary Action

If you are facing disciplinary action, and you have no idea what the potential consequences are if the Kansas Board of Pharmacy issues an adverse decision against you, it is important to consult with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the nature and severity of the injuries or illnesses suffered by a patient, and depending upon the seriousness of the pharmacy professional’s mistake in failing to warn the patient about drug warnings, the pharmacy professional faces one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

  • Public reprimand;
  • Private reprimand;
  • Suspension of your professional license for a period of time
  • Requirement to attend an educational program regarding pharmacy practices; and
  • Revocation of your professional license.

What may not seem like a big deal to most people, such as a minor warning that a patient may have an upset stomach after taking a particular medication, could actually turn out to be a very big deal. A simple mistake could cost you your professional license and may subject you to a civil lawsuit. As such, if you are facing any type of disciplinary proceeding before the Kansas Board of Pharmacy, it is imperative that you seek the advice of a qualified Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who fully understands the disciplinary process and how crucial such proceedings can be for determining the fate of your professional license. Regardless of how serious you believe your situation is, your attorney can thoroughly explain all options, all potential outcomes to your situation, and how to move on once everything is all said and done.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

As a pharmacy professional, you are aware of what your responsibilities are in terms of educating patients on the medications they are taking. When mistakes happen, or accusations are made, it is important to consult with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney right away to address the situation. With your career on the line, it is important to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later. Attorney Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office is a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who devotes her law practice to helping Kansas professionals keep their licenses and practice in their profession for many years to come. As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger understands your situation from all angles. To schedule a free consultation with Danielle Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.

 

 

What Doctors Should Know About Prescribing Medication for Family and Friends

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Having a doctor in your family or among your group of friends can prove to be useful for getting general medical advice, receiving medical care in an emergency situation, or receiving care after hours, when physician offices are closed, among many other situations. Generally, there is nothing wrong with a physician prescribing medication for a family member or friend so long as there is a clear indication that the medication is medically necessary and there are symptoms documented to support the physician’s decision to prescribe the medication. If physicians use their prescribing authority ethically and in good faith, there should never be any accusation that the physician is abusing his or her authority to write prescriptions.

When You Could Get Into Trouble

In Kansas, the use of prescribed controlled substances is heavily regulated. There are certainly situations where a patient legitimately needs prescription pain medication to treat severe pain following an accident, or operation, for example. However, if a Kansas physician is prescribing controlled substances to family members or friends for non-emergency medical ailments, such as headaches, or general pain with no clear diagnosis of what is causing the pain, then the physician could be accused of abusing his or her prescribing authority. As such, regardless of what medication you are prescribing, who you are prescribing the medication to, and why you are prescribing it, it is imperative to ensure that your records clearly document all details relating to your prescription practices.

Being able to prescribe your ill family member or friend medication in a time of need is a convenience that may save time and money. But, Kansas physicians should be cautious and only prescribe medication when no other viable alternative is available, and/or if there is clear documentation of medical necessity that justifies prescribing the medication.

Regulation of Prescription Practices Has Become Much Stricter in Kansas

Legitimately prescribing medication to family members or friends was not always a concern for many Kansas physicians. However, given that the prescription drug industry is booming, and given that there is an abundance of individuals who have prescription drug dependence, Kansas has cracked down to ensure that all prescriptions for controlled substances in Kansas are tracked, and regulations have been put into place to monitor physician prescribing practices.

Because there is so much at risk for Kansas physicians, prescribing medication for family members and friends should only be done when absolutely necessary. It is better to protect yourself and take all steps necessary to ensure you are complying with Kansas state law and the rules and regulations of the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

As a physician, you have the requisite education and experience to make a decision as to whether or not a loved one is in need of medical care. As a physician, you are allowed to prescribe medication for a particular purpose, however, many physicians fail to keep proper records regarding when and why medication is prescribed to loved ones. It is essential that all prescribing practices are fully documented so that there can be no question regarding the efficacy of the prescriptions being written. If you are a Kansas physician and your professional license may be at risk due to alleged unethical or wrongful prescription practices, it is important that you speak with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney right away. As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office has the skill, experience, and dedication necessary to help you keep your license to practice medicine in the state of Kansas. To schedule a free consultation, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.

 

 

Kansas Professionals – What You Should Know About Misrepresentation

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Most businesses have turned to the internet for advertising, as people often search google to find a doctor, pharmacist, attorney, or other Kansas professional. While the internet has proved to be useful for businesses and has helped professionals grow, there are also downsides that can lead to the detriment of Kansas professionals. Any information that you advertise to patients or clients on your website must be accurate. Individuals looking at your website may believe you are an expert in a particular field because of the way you advertise your services.

For example, if you are looking for a doctor who alleges to specialize in treating migraines, but that doctor does not have any special training or degree to substantiate the specialty, that doctor may be accused of misrepresentation. While this doctor may have extensive experience with treating migraines, and has done endless research, without a degree or certificate relating to the specialty, that doctor may be representing to potential patients that he or she is an expert or specialist in the area of migraine headaches, and that such a specialty typically requires a degree or certificate. Because most people receive information from the internet, wording is very important. A few words could change the meaning or interpretation of the description of a professional’s specialty. Therefore, in order to avoid accusations of misrepresentation, it is essential that all information communicated through the internet is valid.

Consequences of Misrepresentation

Whether intended or not, if a professional misrepresents his or her qualifications to a potential patient or client, and that person is injured or harmed in some way, the professional may be held responsible for any injuries or monetary harm suffered by the individual. Using the example above regarding the migraine specialist, if this specialist used manual techniques to relieve migraines, such as massaging or pushing on the head or neck in some way, and the patient is injured, that doctor may be liable for those injuries if he or she has no degree or certification authorizing the use of manual treatment for migraines.

If accused of misrepresentation and the Kansas professional board wishes to bring disciplinary action against you, it is important that you have a skilled Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney by your side to defend your rights and help you keep your professional license. Your version of the facts must be presented for you to have a fair proceeding, and your attorney will ensure that you have a well-prepared case to help reach a positive result.

More often than not, Kansas professionals have no intention of misrepresenting themselves, but because of how information is communicated through the internet, and other media outlets, it is understandable how prospective patients or clients could misinterpret what is being represented to them. As such, it is important to speak with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who can explain what steps you should take to avoid being subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are a Kansas professional, whether a physician, attorney, pharmacist, veterinarian, or any other professional, and your professional license is at risk, you should consult with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney right away. Being accused of misrepresentation creates feelings of stress, anxiety, and a feeling of helplessness. Simply being accused of misconduct does not prove anything. You have an opportunity to present your own version of the facts to your professional disciplinary board. In order to understand what misrepresentation means, and what you can do to avoid being accused of misrepresentation, contact Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office to discuss your situation. Danielle Sanger is a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas and devotes her law practice to helping Kansas professionals keep their licenses and fight disciplinary charges or complaints. To schedule your free consultation with Danielle Sanger, contact us today by calling (785) 979-4353.

Kansas Attorneys – Proper Supervision of Law Firm Staff Members

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As attorneys, we know how essential our employees are to the success of our law practices.  Legal assistants, paralegals, legal secretaries, receptionists, and other employees play a key role in ensuring a law practice is functioning at its full capacity.  Many law firm employees may have sufficient experience and knowledge to take on certain tasks, however, attorneys must always be careful about what their staff members are and are not authorized to do. 

Sometimes it is difficult to define what form of conduct is considered the practice of law, and this can leave attorneys in a troubled situation if a law firm employee’s conduct has crossed the line and violated the professional rules of conduct.  The lines become particularly blurry when non-attorney staff members are assigned to the task of maintaining general contact with clients.  A client may call and ask a legal assistant or paralegal a question that can only be answered by an attorney.  If the legal assistant or paralegal answers the client’s question, the client may take that answer as authoritative legal advice. 

For example, if a client calls asking if his or her case is likely to settle, and for what amount, and the non-attorney staff member responds with a ballpark figure, this is information the client may believe to be true, and the attorney may be held responsible for failure to properly supervise his or her employees.  Providing settlement figures or the likelihood of success of a particular case are tasks left only to licensed attorney. 

It isn’t always easy for attorneys to speak with their clients on a frequent basis when they are busy working on other matters.  As such, law firm employees can provide clients with general updates on their cases so that they do not feel neglected, but they must do so in a way that does not constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

Preventing the Unauthorized Practice of Law

When non-attorney employees give legal advice to clients, they are essentially practicing law without authority.  To ensure that your employees fully understand what their bounds are, and that you are ultimately responsible for their conduct, you need to make it very clear from the time of employment that only attorneys can discuss substantive legal matters with clients.  If clients have questions that non-attorney employees cannot and should not be answering, the clients should be told that an attorney will follow-up and answer the client’s legal questions.

Further, your clients need to be aware of what your law firm employees’ bounds are.  Your clients will then have a better understanding of what role you have and what role your employees have in the attorney-client relationship.  Attorneys should place an emphasis on working closely with their employees to develop a strong relationship where each and every team member has no question as to what they are and are not authorized to do on behalf of the law firm.         

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Facing disciplinary action and the possible loss of your Kansas law license is a stressful and frightening experience.  You deserve a compassionate and hardworking professional license defense attorney to advocate on your behalf.  At the Sanger Law Office, Kansas Professional Licensing Attorney Danielle Sanger devotes her law practice to defending the rights and interests of Kansas attorneys and other professionals who may be at risk for losing their professional licenses.  As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger has the skill and experience necessary to help you overcome the challenges you face.  To schedule a free consultation with Danielle Sanger, call the Sanger Law Office today at (785) 979-4353.

 

Kansas Healthcare Professionals – Maintaining Complete Medical Records

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In today’s technological world, nearly every important document is now in electronic format.  People can “e-sign” documents now, eliminating the need to spend the time, energy and money into making paper copies of every document.  Many healthcare providers, such as physicians and hospitals, are transitioning from tangible, paper copies of medical records, to a completely electronic system that makes it easier for healthcare professionals and patients alike to access important medical information.  Along with the transition from hard or paper copy documentation to electronic documentation comes the added responsibility of ensuring that all medical records are complete and accurate.

How Can Kansas and Missouri Healthcare Professionals Get in Trouble?

As a healthcare professional, if you are not aware of the particular rules and regulations regarding how to maintain medical records, such as checking them for accuracy, you could be held responsible if important information is omitted from a patient’s record, whether intentionally or accidentally.  For example, if you are a nurse and it is your job to ensure a physician has a complete list of a patient’s medication, and you fail to check the accuracy of the medication list, that patient’s health could be at risk if he or she does not receive a prescribed medication.

Further, medical records don’t simply involve just a physician or nurse’s notes and/or recommendations for a patient.  For example, when patients undergo procedures that require the implantation of a particular device (such as a hip replacement), there is always a “product sticker” that is supposed to be placed or recorded in some fashion along with the patient’s operative report and related medical records. 

Oftentimes, hospital staff may forget to include this product sticker which essentially documents that a particular patient did in fact have a hip replacement.  This can be troublesome for many patients if they require specific documentation relating to their hip implant in the future.  While an operative report may clearly document that a procedure was performed, the medical record is not complete without documentation of what type, brand, and model of the device was implanted. 

We all make mistakes, and small errors in medical records are unlikely to result in disciplinary action or the revocation of your professional license unless the error caused some sort of substantial harm to the patient and/or other healthcare professionals.  However, what may seem like a small mistake (such as failing to document the type and brand of hip implant placed into a patient, as discussed above), could lead to a whirlwind of problems down the line.  The omission of this type of documentation may require the hospital or physician to complete an affidavit that shows what type of product was implanted during a hip replacement procedure.  An affidavit may be sufficient to cure any medical record inaccuracies, but it is always best to strive for having a complete medical record from the start.

The bottom line for Kansas and Missouri healthcare professionals today is that there is a strong push for ensuring that medical records are extremely thorough and complete.  The more complete a medical record is, the less likely healthcare professionals are to face potential disciplinary action and the loss of a hard-earned professional license.   

Contact the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are a Kansas or Missouri licensed healthcare professional and you may be facing disciplinary action with the Kansas or Missouri Board of Healing Arts, and/or your license is at risk, it is imperative that you speak with a Kansas or Missouri professional license defense attorney right away.  A qualified Kansas Professional Licensing Attorney can help you keep your professional license and practice as a healthcare professional for years to come.  Attorney Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office devotes her entire law practice to helping Kansas and Missouri professionals whose licenses are at risk.  As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger knows what to expect from the Board of Healing Arts.  To schedule a free consultation with Danielle Sanger, call the Sanger Law Office today at (785) 979-4353.

 

Kansas Cosmetology Professionals – How Your License Can Be Revoked

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Whether you are a hair stylist, makeup artist, or a hair removal specialist, among other cosmetology professions, you understand that you must follow certain rules and procedures as a condition for having a Kansas cosmetology license.  While you are taught in school what the limits of your cosmetology license are, and what conduct may be grounds for revocation of your license, there are always things you may not be aware of that could lead to the loss of your cosmetology license.  If you gain a full understanding of what your license allows you to do, and what conduct is prohibited, you will be able to avoid the potential loss of your cosmetology license.

Kansas Board of Cosmetology – Grounds for Revocation of Your Cosmetology License

The Kansas Board of Cosmetology follows state rules and regulations to govern the conduct of all Kansas cosmetology professionals.  These rules and regulations are intended to protect the public welfare and ensure Kansas cosmetologists are operating in a sanitary, professional and safe environment.

Conduct that may lead to the loss of your cosmetology license under KSA § 65-1908 includes, but may not be limited to, the following:

  • Failure to comply with sanitation standards, such as having an unclean workspace or not properly sterilizing cosmetology equipment and/or devices;
  • Becoming a danger to the public because of alcohol or drug abuse;
  • Being convicted of a felony (unless the licensee demonstrates to the Board of Cosmetology that he or she is capable of working as a professional cosmetologist, that he or she has been rehabilitated, and that he or she is not a danger to the public);
  • Obtaining or attempting to obtain a cosmetology license by fraud or bribery;
  • Advertising in a false or deceptive way;
  • Gross negligence or unprofessional conduct, which can be very broad; or
  • Having a license revoked, suspended or limited, or having any other disciplinary action taken against you in another state or United States territory.

Most people are aware that many of the things listed above would certainly put your license at risk.  However, some of the above-listed issues may be questionable, and you may be accused of something you did not do.  In such cases, you should consult with a Kansas professional license defense attorney who can investigate your situation and fight for your ability to keep your cosmetology license. 

In particular, gross negligence, unprofessional conduct, and allegedly advertising yourself in a false or deceptive way are things that are subjective.  These are issues that must be fully investigated as it is not adequate to accuse a licensee without sufficient evidence.  If you have been accused of such conduct, you will need to prove to the Board of Cosmetology that you deserve to keep your Kansas cosmetology license, and this can be done with the help of a devoted and skilled professional license defense attorney.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If your Kansas cosmetology license is at risk, you should speak with a Kansas professional license defense attorney as soon as possible.  The rules and regulations governed by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology can be very confusing, but with the help of a qualified attorney, you will have a better understanding of what authority your cosmetology license gives you.  Professional Licensing Attorney Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office advocates for her clients to the fullest extent possible, helping them retain their Kansas professional licenses.  Danielle Sanger is a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, with the skill and knowledge to help you reach the best resolution possible.  To schedule a free consultation to discuss your matter, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353.