Dishonesty, Fraud, and Deceit By Nurses

Do you need to consult with an attorney regarding your nursing license or other professional licensing matter? Call (503) 232-9280 to schedule a free consultation with a nurses attorney.

In the hectic work life of a nurse, information may be misreported or even omitted, and mistakes can be made, but usually, these everyday errors don’t threaten a nurse’s license or job.

If, however, a nurse crosses the line into dishonesty, fraud, or deceit, the state board of nursing could take disciplinary action, ranging from a letter of concern to a license suspension or revocation.

Examples of dishonesty, fraud, or deceit by nurses:
•medical billing fraud
•lying on a nursing license application or nursing license renewal
•falsifying a patient record to show that care was given, when it wasn’t
•altering a medicine administration record(s)
•stealing from an employer or a patient (money, valuables, medicine, or other items)
•failing to report an error in patient care

State nursing boards exist, in large part, to protect patients, who are often vulnerable and dependent. If someone notifies the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) of dishonesty, fraud, deception, or theft, the board will quickly open an investigation and an OSBN investigator will contact you.

If you’ve received a letter of concern from the OSBN, you should consider hiring an attorney who has experience working with nurses. We can be alongside you through the entire nursing license defense process, helping to clear your name and/or mitigate the level of discipline imposed by the board of nursing. In a free legal consultation, we can talk with you about your specific situation and then recommend a course of action.

For information about how an accusation of dishonesty, fraud, deception, or theft could impact your nursing license and career, call our law office (503) 232-9280, or e-mail us here at .

Please make note: Kevin Keaney is a nurses attorney, and prior to obtaining his law degree, he practiced as a nurse for four years. He provides legal services for nurses in Oregon, Washington, and Texas. Kevin Keaney is licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington, as well as Texas, where Kevin also helps nurses who need an attorney with the Texas nursing board.