At Remington & Dixon, PLLC, a nursing substance abuse license defense attorney can help you defend against a drug charge from affecting your license. If you are facing an allegation, it can threaten your livelihood and your profession. We can help you defend your reputation and your future.
Allegations of substance abuse can happen suddenly. You may be facing formal charges. Maybe you failed a drug test, or someone accused you of wrongdoing.
Whatever the case, you have the right to a nursing license defense attorney. Remington & Dixon, PLLC can aggressively represent you to help you navigate this situation.
Fighting NCBON Substance Abuse Charges
The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) licenses nurses, but they can also revoke licenses and discipline license holders. You may face charges in any of the following situations:
- Drunk driving/DWI charges
- Drug possession or distribution charges
- Failing a drug test
- Impairment on duty
- Prescription fraud
- Diverting drugs or irregularities with medications
These are just some of the ways that you may find yourself facing an investigation from NCBON. It is our goal to help you evaluate, strategize and defend yourself. Each case is unique, and you deserve a personalized approach for your situation.
Our team can assist you in determining how to handle the case and representing your interests. We can fight NCBON substance abuse charges for you and with you.
How an Attorney for Substance Abuse Defense in Nursing Can Help
When you are facing an investigation or formal charges, here are some of the ways we can represent you:
- Knowing what to do if a NCBON investigator asks for information or a statement – don’t talk to them, talk to us!
- What you should do right now if there are allegations against you
- Challenging the evidence at a hearing, including cross-examining witnesses
- Ensuring that your procedural rights are protected, including during presentation of evidence
- Making arguments on your behalf
- Determining if you should participate in a voluntary alternative program
- Working towards a favorable consent order and ensuring that you understand it fully
- Explaining what is required of you if you participate in a discipline program
- Weighing the various options and what to consider as you make choices throughout the case
NCBON has several ways that they address substance abuse in the licensing profession. The purpose of the program is two-fold:
- To protect the public
- To return the nurse safely to practice
The Nursing Board takes multiple approaches to substance abuse. A hearing, a consent order, or an alternative program may be right for you.
Legal representation for nurses facing substance abuse allegations
When you are facing a substance abuse allegation, you have several goals:
- Defend your good name: You have the right to fight false charges that may tarnish your reputation
- Exercise your legal rights: You have the right to a hearing following procedural and evidence rules
- Protect your license and reputation: This may be done by defending against the allegations or entering a diversion program
- Successfully continue in practice: Ultimately, your goal is to keep your license in good standing
There may be multiple ways to accomplish these goals. What is right depends on what you are accused of, the strength of the case against you, and what the nursing Board is asking you to do.
An attorney can help you evaluate the relevant considerations to create a legal strategy for your case.
North Carolina Nursing License Substance Abuse Sanctions
The North Carolina Board of Nursing may investigate and issue discipline where a licensee is unable to practice nursing with skill and safety because of excessive alcohol, drug, or chemical use. (N.C.G.S. § 90-171.37(3)). The Board may establish monitoring programs for nurses whose substance abuse disorder impacts their ability to provide safe care. (N.C.G.S. § 90.171.23(b)(18).
If you are facing charges of substance abuse, there are several things that may happen to your license:
- Intervention Program: Voluntary program that is an alternative to discipline. The licensee must consent to participation. There are criteria for who qualifies. Successful completion is followed by a period of continued drug screening.
- Alternative Program for Nurses in Recovery (AP): A voluntary alternative to discipline. Participation is not made public unless it is court ordered or required for public safety.
- Discipline Program for Nurses in Recovery (DP): Formal discipline that is public record.
- Conditions: Drug screening, treatment, support group attendance, with a moratorium or suspension of the nursing license, continued monitoring, including up to five years of random drug screening.
- Licensing action: Based on the nature of the offense, which may include probation, conditions on the license, public reprimand, or letter of concern or suspension.
- No discipline: The charges against you may be withdrawn or may be found unsubstantiated at a hearing.
Discipline may be issued by consent or after an investigation. You have the right to a hearing and the right to have an attorney represent you at your hearing.
Contact Us – Talk to an Attorney Today
Your license is important to you. It’s important to us, too.
Contact Remington & Dixon to talk to a nursing substance abuse license defense attorney. We are taking new cases. Contact us today.
