LPNs and Disciplinary Actions

Licensed practical nurses, LPNs for short, play a pivotal role in our healthcare system in Kansas and Missouri, and across the U.S. LPNs have similar, although not identical, responsibilities as a registered nurse. Notwithstanding, LPNs are highly-trained, skilled, and knowledgeable healthcare providers. LPNs are not a substitute for RNs because LPNs have their unique position in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Given their role in our healthcare system, LPNs must follow all ethical rules which govern the profession. Consequently, LPNs are subject to professional discipline by their licensing authority for deviations from the ethical standards and the standard of care particular to the profession.

Know Your Rights As An LPN

You have valuable rights conferred to you when you receive your LPN license. In Kansas and Missouri, you have a right to the due process of law before the state government, through its state boards of nursing, can revoke your license or impose some other penalty upon you that deprives you of the privilege of working as an LPN. Your due process rights are derived from the 5th amendment to the United States Constitution as well as the Kansas and Missouri state constituions and the statutory law governing nursing practice in each state.

Due process is not some legal term lawyers through around idly. The most important due process right is the right to have an attorney represents you. You can, and should, consider hiring an experienced Kansas and Missouri professional licensing attorney to represent you. Your best interests will be served if you contact a professional licensing attorney as soon as you learn of an investigation involving your conduct as an LPN.

Due process protections guarantee that you receive official notice of the allegations a complaint made against you and to examine all of the evidence the government has to present against you, both good and bad. Furthermore, due process means you have a right to a hearing before a neutral and detached fact finder where you can present evidence and witnesses who will testify for you in addition to having the opportunity to confront the witnesses who testify against you through cross-examination. You also have the right to appeal any findings to a court of law from the administrative tribunals that make the factual findings and hand down punishment.

Potential Penalties You Face For A Licensing Infraction

The statutes in both Kansas and Missouri permit a range of punishments for violations of the ethical rules governing LPNs. Punishments for violations of the nursing statutes and rules include:

  • Reprimand,
  • Censure,
  • Probation, with conditions of practice placed upon a license,
  • Suspension, and
  • Revocation

The type of punishment and the duration of the punishment depend on several factors. Perhaps the most important factor is the severity of the allegations. Additionally, boards of nursing will consider your history of past infractions, if any, the length of time you have held a license, among other factors.

Even at the punishment stage, you continue to hold valuable due process rights. You continue to enjoy the right be have counsel represent you, to present evidence on your own behalf regarding the penalty imposed, and the right to appeal.

Do Not Delay In Contacting Experienced Counsel For Representation

If you learn that you are under investigation for a licensing violation, contact an attorney right away and do so before you contact the licensing board or investigating body. Doing so without first securing competent experienced and skilled representation could substantially prejudice you and reduce the likelihood of a favorable outcome for you.

For More Information

If you are the subject of a professional licensing investigation, contact Kansas and Missouri Professional Licensing Attorney Danielle Sanger today for a free consultation. Put Attorney Sanger’s vast experience, knowledge, and skill to work for you. Call 785-979-4353 today to schedule a meeting and take steps to protect the livelihood for which you have worked hard immediately.

Comments are closed.