The Minnesota Board of Nursing exists to protect the public from unsafe and unethical nursing practices, and it relies on people who become aware of problems with a nurse’s actions to report them. Anyone can file a complaint against a nurse with the Minnesota Board of Nursing, such as a patient or patient’s family, the nurse’s supervisor or coworker, or any person with knowledge they believe the Board should learn about.

No one understands the importance of oversight and accountability more than nurses; the health, safety, and well-being of our patients is paramount. In many ways, nursing isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are. That’s why receiving notice that someone has filed a complaint against you with the Board of Nursing is such a painful blow; it can feel like not only your work, but your character, is being questioned.

Your first impulse may be to tell your side of the story. But before you tell it to the board, tell your story to an attorney who knows what it means to be a nurse—and knows how to advise nurses facing a challenge. Contact Jackie L. Russell today.

Experienced, Compassionate Help in Nursing Board Investigations

Attorney Jackie L. Russell’s background uniquely qualifies her to help nurses facing a complaint to the Minnesota Board of Nursing. She has worked as a registered nurse in an emergency department and on a cardiac step-down floor, and as a charge nurse at a Level 2 trauma center. She understands the pressures nurses face on a daily basis, and her understanding of these issues extends beyond her bedside experience.

Jackie is also an attorney who worked as a Nurse Practice Specialist and later as in-house General Counsel at the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) for six years; that organization represents the interests of over 22,000 Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Dakota nurses. In her role as Nurse Practice Specialist, Jackie regularly advised and empowered nurses to resolve concerns over practice issues, preventing potential complaints to the Board of Nursing.

Jackie’s insight into the nursing profession, the laws and regulations governing it, and the disciplinary system puts her in the best position to advise and advocate for you when you are facing a complaint.

Understanding the Minnesota Board of Nursing Complaint Process

The complaint process begins when someone files a complaint about some aspect of a nurse’s practice, such as failure to follow protocols, lack of skills, or unethical or illegal behavior. The Board of Nursing reviews the complaint, deciding whether there is cause to investigate further.

If the Board finds that the actions complained of would be a violation of the Minnesota Nurse Practice Act, it assigns a staff person to the case and continues investigating; at this point, you may not even be aware that a complaint against you has been filed.

You may first become aware of the complaint when you receive a letter from the Board about the complaint, requesting a response, or you are invited to a meeting with a Review Panel to discuss the complaint. You will be told what the complaint is about, but not who made it.

At this point, especially if you don’t believe you have done anything wrong, your first instinct may be to tell your side of the story and clear your name. You may feel like you just want to get this over with, and you may not want to have to tell anyone else, even a lawyer, what has happened.

However, you are entitled to have representation, and there are many reasons why you should have an attorney, even before responding in writing to a letter from the Board. Remember: the Board exists to protect the public; your attorney is there to protect—and support—you.

A complaint can resolve in many ways. The Review Panel may dismiss the complaint for lack of evidence of a violation, or because it believes the issue complained of has been appropriately addressed. This is the best possible resolution, because dismissed complaints are not public record. Another potential outcome is for you to reach an agreement with the Review Panel to undergo some additional nursing education. While the “Agreement for Corrective Action” isn’t considered a disciplinary action, it is public record.

If the Review Panel thinks that there should be discipline against your license, you and the Panel may reach an agreement about what the discipline should be. If you can’t reach an agreement, you will need to participate in a contested case hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). If the ALJ finds that you violated the Nurse Practice Act, the Board of Nursing will decide on an appropriate disciplinary measure.

The complaint process can feel overwhelming. Working with a nurse attorney you trust can not only make the process less intimidating, but may help you get a better resolution, sooner.

Work with an Experienced Minnesota Nurse Attorney

Having a complaint filed against you with the Board of Nursing doesn’t mean you are a bad nurse. Many complaints are filed without basis, and others may reflect issues that are not the nurse’s fault.

You have worked hard to become a nurse, and you work hard to care for your patients. We work hard to protect you, your reputation, and your career. If you have learned of a complaint against you with the Board, contact Jackie L. Russell to explore your options and get the defense you deserve.