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Long Island Nurse Practitioners lawyers

Long Island Nurse Practitioners and Legal Issues: What You Need to Know

Nurses provide critical care and compassion to patients every day. But even the most dedicated nurse can find themselves facing accusations of misconduct that threaten their license. As a nurse practitioner on Long Island, it’s essential to understand your rights and options if your license comes under scrutiny. This article will walk you through the key things Long Island nurse practitioners need to know about license defense.

Common Triggers for Investigations

There are many ways a nurse practitioner can end up the target of an investigation by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Some common triggers include:

  • Medication errors
  • Improper documentation
  • Patient complaints
  • Conflicts with colleagues
  • Substance abuse

Even minor paperwork errors can snowball into major license problems if not handled properly. And nurse practitioners who lose their licenses face career devastation. So it’s crucial to engage experienced legal help at the first sign of trouble.

The Investigation Process

If NYSED receives a complaint or report about a nurse practitioner, they may open an investigation. This involves collecting evidence like medical records, interviewing witnesses, and more. The nurse will receive a letter informing them of the investigation.

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
14:16 30 Apr 24
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
21:33 24 Apr 24
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
Yelva Saint-PreuxYelva Saint-Preux
19:26 19 Apr 24
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Katherine SunKatherine Sun
18:08 18 Apr 24
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun ya
17:48 18 Apr 24
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Keisha ParrisKeisha Parris
20:45 15 Mar 24
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
Taïko BeautyTaïko Beauty
16:26 15 Mar 24
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
K MarK Mar
01:37 25 Jan 24
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
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After reviewing the evidence, NYSED decides whether to bring disciplinary charges against the nurse practitioner’s license. Some possible charges include:

  • Negligence
  • Incompetence
  • Unethical conduct
  • Substance abuse

Facing the loss of their livelihood, many nurse practitioners choose to represent themselves rather than hiring an attorney. This is usually a mistake. NYSED investigates hundreds of nurses every year, while an individual nurse rarely faces more than one case in their entire career. There is simply no substitute for experience when navigating the complex disciplinary process.

Why Hire a Nurse License Defense Lawyer?

A knowledgeable nurse license defense lawyer can:

  • Guide you through the investigative process
  • Advise you on interacting with NYSED
  • Identify weaknesses in the state’s case
  • Present persuasive legal arguments and defenses
  • Negotiate settlements when appropriate

Retaining counsel early in the process gives the nurse practitioner the best chance of protecting their license and career.

Effective Legal Defenses

When representing nurse practitioners before NYSED, lawyers employ many effective defense strategies. Here are some of the most common:

  • Lack of intent – Demonstrating the nurse did not intentionally commit misconduct can mitigate penalties. Evidence like performance reviews helps.
  • No harm occurred – If a nurse’s error did not actually injure the patient, the state may reduce charges. The defense gathers proof of no lasting damage.
  • Following orders – Nurses who make mistakes under a doctor’s supervision may avoid blame by showing they acted on instructions.
  • Rehabilitation – For nurse practitioners struggling with substance abuse, comprehensive treatment programs and proactive steps to remain sober can convince regulators the nurse deserves a second chance. Ongoing support groups, therapy, and frequent drug testing helps demonstrate rehabilitation efforts.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

All nurse license defense attorneys are not equal. It’s important to do your research to identify lawyers with specific experience representing nurse practitioners before NYSED. Relevant expertise includes:

  • Handling NYSED investigations and hearings
  • Understanding applicable laws and precedents
  • Developing winning defense strategies
  • Negotiating settlements with NYSED
  • Avoiding license suspensions or revocations

Don’t leave your career in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer. Look for an attorney who regularly handles NYSED nurse discipline cases and knows how to get results.

Real-World Examples

To understand how this plays out in real cases, let’s look at two examples of Long Island nurse practitioners who faced license issues and what happened:

Medication Error

Mary S. was a nurse practitioner at a busy clinic on Long Island. One very hectic day, she accidentally prescribed the wrong dosage of medication to a patient. Though no lasting harm occurred, the patient complained to NYSED.

Mary hired an experienced nurse license defense attorney who gathered evidence showing Mary’s stellar performance history and the chaotic scene that day. At the hearing, her lawyer negotiated a settlement requiring Mary to complete continuing education – avoiding license suspension.

Substance Abuse

John T. worked as a Long Island nurse practitioner for over 20 years before developing an addiction to prescription painkillers. When his employer discovered the issue, they reported him to NYSED.

John immediately entered a rehab program and joined a support group. His lawyer presented documentation of John’s treatment and ongoing sobriety. At the hearing, the lawyer convinced regulators to allow John to keep his license under monitoring conditions.

Conclusion

Being a nurse practitioner takes dedication, skill, and compassion. If you receive a letter from NYSED, don’t panic. With an experienced nurse license defense lawyer guiding you, you can get through the investigation without long-term damage to your career. The right legal advocacy can help you resolve the case fairly or even get charges dropped entirely.

Don‘t go it alone against the NYSED juggernaut. Call a knowledgeable nurse license defense attorney at the first sign of trouble. With the right lawyer on your side, you can protect your license and your livelihood.

References

[1] https://www.nyccriminalattorneys.com/blog/long-island-nurse-practitioners-lawyers/

[2] https://www.cohenjaffe.com/areas-we-serve/long-island-ny/medical-malpractice-lawyer/nursing-mistakes-negligence/

[3] https://nypost.com/2023/09/16/ny-nurse-in-1-5m-covid-vax-scam-blames-government-mandates/

[4] https://www.kaufmandolowich.com/news-resources/the-evolution-of-the-standard-of-care-for-autonomous-nurse-practitioners-by-abbye-e-alexander-esq-and-christopher-j-tellner-esq-published-in-reuters-legal-news-10-4-2023/

[5] https://www.newsday.com/long-island/crime/julie-devuono-fraudulent-vaccine-card-covid-19-guilty-plea-hvvb32co

[6] https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/julie-devuono-covid-vaccination-card-forgery-felony-charges-long-island/

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