Nursing is one of the most demanding professions in the healthcare field. Nurses are responsible for providing essential care, maintaining patient safety, and upholding high ethical and professional standards. In Illinois, nurses are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the state’s Board of Nursing to ensure that the proper standards are maintained. When a nurse fails to meet professional expectations or violates the rules governing the profession, they may be subject to disciplinary action. 

When a nurse faces discipline to their professional license, their reputation and career may be affected. The loss of a nursing license can lead to the loss of a job. Even after regaining their license, a nurse may struggle to find employment because of records related to disciplinary action in the past. Understanding the reasons for discipline and the ways a nursing license may be protected can help a person determine what steps to take when they are facing disciplinary action.

Common Reasons for Disciplinary Action Against Nurses

Nurses may face discipline due to a variety of different types of alleged violations of professional standards. While some cases may be based on accusations of intentional misconduct, others may result from errors in judgment, personal struggles, or administrative oversights. Some of the most common grounds for discipline to a nursing license include:

• Substance Abuse or Impairment: Nurses are expected to be fully capable of performing their duties safely. Working while impaired by alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs can endanger patients. Habitual drug use or abuse may lead to disciplinary proceedings.
• Criminal Convictions: Certain criminal offenses can trigger a review of a nurse’s fitness to practice. Offenses involving violence, theft, or controlled substances may lead to disciplinary action. A DUI arrest or conviction may also put a nurse’s license at risk. Even when offenses occur outside the workplace, they may raise questions about a nurse’s professional judgment and integrity.
• Negligence or Failure to Provide Appropriate Care: Repeated or serious mistakes in patient care, such as administering incorrect medications, failing to monitor patients properly, or ignoring medical orders, may lead to an investigation and potential license discipline.
• Falsification of Records: Accuracy in medical documentation is critical. Accusations that a nurse has altered patient records, falsified credentials, or misrepresented information on employment or licensing applications could lead to disciplinary action.
• Unprofessional Conduct: Behaviors that reflect poorly on the nursing profession, such as harassment, dishonesty, or disruptive actions in the workplace, may be grounds for discipline. Nurses may also be subject to discipline if they violate professional boundaries, such as by engaging in inappropriate relationships with patients.

How the IDFPR Handles Complaints Against Nurses

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees the licensing and discipline of nurses throughout the state. When a complaint is filed against a nurse, the IDFPR will take steps to determine whether the claims are valid and whether disciplinary action may be appropriate. These steps may include:

1. Investigation

Once a complaint is received, the IDFPR will review the allegations to determine whether an investigation is warranted. If the complaint involves potential violations of professional standards, investigators may gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review relevant documentation such as patient charts or employment records.

2. Formal Complaint and Hearing

If sufficient evidence suggests that a violation occurred, the IDFPR may file a formal complaint. The nurse will be notified and given an opportunity to respond. An administrative hearing may be held where both the IDFPR and the nurse (or the nurse’s representative) may present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments regarding the alleged violations.

3. Decision

After the hearing, the IDFPR will make a final decision on whether to impose disciplinary measures and, if so, what those measures should be. The nurse has the right to appeal the decision if necessary.

Types of Disciplinary Action That May Be Taken Against Nurses

The forms of discipline that may be used by the IDFPR can vary widely depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation. The goal will be to protect the public while also allowing nurses a fair opportunity to continue their careers when possible. Disciplinary actions against nurses may include:

• Reprimand: A formal statement of disapproval may be issued. This will become part of the nurse’s permanent record, but they will generally be allowed to continue practicing.
• Probation: The nurse may be allowed to continue working under specific conditions, such as mandatory supervision, additional education, treatment for substance abuse, or regular reporting to the IDFPR.
• Suspension: The nurse’s license may be temporarily suspended for a specific period of time. To have their license reinstated, a nurse may be required to meet certain conditions, such as completing treatment programs or demonstrating competency.
• Revocation: A nurse’s license may be permanently revoked, and they will be prohibited from practicing nursing in Illinois unless reinstatement is later granted. A license revocation in Illinois may also prevent a nurse from obtaining a license in other states.
• Refusal to Renew: While the IDFPR may not take immediate action against a nurse’s license, it may deny the renewal of their license in the future.
• Fines or Administrative Penalties: In some cases, monetary penalties may be imposed in addition to or instead of other disciplinary measures.

The Importance of Professional Responsibility

The disciplinary process serves both a protective and corrective purpose. While it is meant to hold nurses accountable for conduct that violated professional standards or put patients at risk of harm, it is also meant to provide an opportunity for rehabilitation and improvement. For example, a nurse who is struggling with substance abuse may be referred to a recovery or monitoring program to ensure that these issues can be addressed correctly and that they will have the opportunity to continue practicing. Similarly, nurses who make unintentional errors may be required to complete additional training to ensure that they will comply with professional standards in the future.

Maintaining professional integrity is essential not only for individual nurses but also for the reputation of the nursing profession as a whole. Nurses have a position of deep trust in the healthcare system, and lapses in judgment or ethics can have far-reaching consequences. Demonstrating that a nurse will focus on meeting these standards can help ensure that they will be able to maintain their license.

Defending Against Nursing License Discipline

While the reasons for discipline may vary, the underlying goal of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is to protect the safety of the public and uphold professional standards. Nurses who are facing disciplinary action may have a variety of legal options for defense, and by working with an experienced nursing license defense lawyer, they may be able to take steps to avoid or minimize discipline that could affect their careers.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek professional legal counsel before taking any action related to nursing license issues or disciplinary proceedings.