Complaint
and Investigation Process
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WHAT IS THE NEVADA STATE BOARD OF
NURSING?
The Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN) is
the state agency which licenses, regulates and disciplines the
practice of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses
(LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Advanced
Practitioners of Nursing (APNs) and Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetists (CRNAs).
The mission of the Nevada State Board of
Nursing is protecting the public's health, safety and welfare through the
effective regulation of nursing.
CONSUMER RIGHTS
As a consumer you have the right to be
treated by a safe and competent nurse or nursing assistant
including the right to confidentiality and privacy during your
care. You have the right to file a complaint with the Board if
you feel your care was substandard. In addition, according to NRS
449.710 you specifically have the right to information concerning
facility, treatment and billing. Every patient of a medical
facility or facility for the dependent has the right to obtain
information concerning the professional qualifications or
associations of the persons who are treating him and to receive
the name of the person responsible for coordinating his care in
the facility.
WHAT DOES DISCIPLINE OF NURSES OR
NURSING ASSISTANTS MEAN?
If a licensed nurse or nursing assistant
breaks the law, meaning they have violated the Nurse Practice
Act, the NSBN has the authority to investigate and if warranted
take disciplinary action against the nurse or nursing assistant.
Disciplinary action taken can include denial, reprimand, fine,
suspension, probation or revocation of licensure or
certification.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE VIOLATIONS FOR WHICH A NURSE
OR NURSING ASSISTANT CAN BE DISCIPLINED?
- Unprofessional conduct.
- Negligence or abuse.
- Problems with drugs, alcohol, or
emotional instability.
- Incompetence.
- Criminal convictions related to the
qualifications, functions and duties of a nurse.
HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A
NURSE OR NURSING ASSISTANT?
All complaints must be submitted in writing
to the NSBN. A complaint form is available and may be obtained
through the NSBN offices in Reno and Las Vegas or a signed,
written description of the sequence of events (who, what, where,
when, why, how) may be submitted. The written complaint must be
signed by the complainant. By law, the NSBN cannot act on
anonymous complaints. The complaint must include the name of the
nurse and a detailed description of the alleged behavior which
violates the Nurse Practice Act. The complaint should also
include any documentation which supports the complaint, for
example a witness statement or patient record. A consumer, other
regulatory agencies, another nurse or professional, or , anyone
with knowledge of the alleged violation. Some nurses report
themselves to the NSBN and seek assistance in handling a problem
in a way that best protects the public.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A COMPLAINT IS FILED
AGAINST A NURSE OR NURSING ASSISTANT?
When a complaint is received by the NSBN,
it is evaluated for these criteria:
- Does the NSBN have jurisdiction over
the individual;
- Is there face value evidence that a
violation of the Nevada Nurse Practice Act has occurred.
If these criteria are met an investigation
is initiated. During the investigation the NSBN cannot disclose
information regarding the pending complaint. Information becomes
public when the NSBN hears the case. Should the evidence not
substantiate the allegations, the complaint may be dismissed or
closed. Unsubstantiated complaints are not considered public
record; however, information regarding the complaint and the
investigation will remain on file and may be pursued in response
to any future complaints against the nurse or nursing assistant.
Should the evidence obtained during the investigation
substantiate the allegations, a formal hearing before the NSBN
will be conducted. At that hearing, the NSBN may take action to
deny, revoke, suspend, fine, reprimand the license to practice,
or place the nurse on probation. The NSBN may also order chemical
dependency treatment, psychiatric treatment, or additional
education as a condition for licensure. All decisions are based
on how to best protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.
Click here for a PDF
file of a fact sheet which details what happens when a complaint
is filed against a nurse or nursing assistant.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A COMPLAINT FORM?
A complaint form may be
obtained by printing it from this web site under the Link
"Consumer Information," or by calling the consumer hot line at
1-888-590-6726. Click here to go to the Complaint Form
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