What Happens if There Is a Complaint Against a Nursing License Due to a DWI?
If you report that you were convicted of DWI or a complaint is filed against you, the NCBN legal staff and investigators would determine if there are allegations of a violation of the laws and rules governing nurses in North Carolina that justify opening an investigation. If they determine that an investigation should be conducted, they would assign the complaint to an investigator.
You would be notified of the investigation by the NCBN in writing and may be contacted by telephone as well. It is essential to respond to their notification because failure to do so will not stop the investigation and could lead to additional disciplinary actions.
When communicating with the NCBN, you need to remain respectful and professional. They most likely will offer to interview you. You do not want to be untruthful or argumentative if you are interviewed.
You have a right to be represented by an attorney. Given the risk you face of losing your license, it is important to retain a lawyer to defend you in the DWI court proceedings and any investigation by the NCBN.
After the investigation is completed, the Board of Nursing would decide how to proceed. Actions they could take include the following:
- Take no action against you
- Send you a letter of concern without any disciplinary actions
- Offer you a non-disciplinary consent order that would place some restrictions on your nursing practice
- Offer you a published consent order, which includes a reprimand, monitoring, probation, or license suspension or revocation
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