The loss of a nursing license can be devastating. It’s not just that the nurse may face fines and other repercussions. It’s not just that they lose the job they have. Without a license, they may not be able to work in their chosen profession for the rest of their life. This could completely derail their career, even if they are still paying off the student loans they needed to go to nursing school.
Since this can be such an issue, it’s important for nurses to understand why and how it happens. Here are three reasons why a nurse could lose their license.
Medical malpractice and mistakes
Serious mistakes could qualify as medical malpractice and may lead to the loss of a license. It is true that nurses and doctors do make mistakes from time to time, as everyone does. But they still need to ensure that they uphold a high standard of care and that they are not negligent so that their patients get the type of care they deserve.
Criminal actions
A nurse could also lose their license if they are accused of criminal activity, even if they’re not at work when it happens. For instance, if someone is accused of driving drunk and causing a fatal accident, their license could be revoked. This is especially true if it establishes a pattern of alcohol use that could be dangerous in a hospital.
Violating HIPAA
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. People sometimes believe it means that a third party can’t ask them about their medical history, which is not true. What it actually means is that a medical provider can’t give out a patient’s information without their permission. A nurse who does so would be in jeopardy of losing their license.
Are you worried that you may lose your nursing license this year? You must be aware of all potential defense options.