The government takes any complaints about professionals in the healthcare service industry seriously. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) fields complaints about nurses. According to NurseJournal, almost 40% of medical malpractice lawsuits are related to drug administration errors. Whether you’re facing a complaint of that nature or something different, it’s important to know what happens next. Discover what you can expect from TBON investigations by continuing below.
1. Nurses Are Not Always Notified During Investigations
Once a TBON investigation gets underway, the nurse involved in the complaint is often given notice. Notifying the nurse is a part of due process, so it would be fair for you to expect word of an investigation taking place. However, the TBON doesn’t always notify the nurse mentioned in the complaint.
If the board determines that notifying the nurse could affect the investigation, they may not hear anything about it. You may not learn about the complaints made against you until the time comes for you to respond. Work with a nursing lawyer to ensure your rights are honored during an investigation.
2. Nurses Are Not Required to Tell Their Employers About Investigations
TBON investigations are confidential. Although there is a chance the board may send representatives to your workplace, these investigations typically take place through mail correspondence or phone calls. Because the aforementioned investigations are confidential, your employer will likely not hear anything about them unless your employment is affected. Most of the time, the nurse named in the complaint can decide if they want to let their employer know about the ongoing investigation.
3. Nurses Can Affect Investigations Based on How They Respond
How a nurse responds to a complaint can significantly impact how their investigation turns out. Before responding, make sure you and your lawyer obtain as much information as you can about the complaint. You can then focus your defense on addressing, contextualizing, or refuting the claims in the lawsuit. Filing your response as soon as possible would also be helpful.
4. Nurses Should Prepare for Long Investigations
It’s also worth noting that TBON investigations typically take a long time to complete. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, these investigations often take 5 to 12 months. Dealing with an investigation for that long can be frustrating, but partnering with a good lawyer can make the wait easier.
Going through a TBON investigation is not a fun experience for any nurse. Still, you cannot allow that complaint to put your career in jeopardy.
