Contact an Attorney Before Peer Review
Before a nurse agrees to participate in a peer review, they should absolutely contact an attorney first. Peer review processes are typically one sided. This is a situation in which a nurse is called in front of his or “peers”, and asked to explain an incident that may have occurred at work. It potentially can be a dangerous arena for a nurse to participate without the protections of an attorney.
Time Frames of Peer Reviews
In most peer review situations, a nurse may have the ability to review the records regarding the incident at issue. However, the nurse is given limited time to review those records. Also, the nurse usually has to be at the facility to review them. In other words, the nurse does not have the ability to take the time to thoroughly review the records. Proper time would allow a nurse to prepare a thought out and more precise response to the allegations.
Lawyers and Peer Reviews
Some facilities will allow a nurse to bring a lawyer to the review. However, lawyers are not allowed to advocate on behalf of their clients during the peer review.
Whether or not a nurse should participate in a peer review should be determined on a case by case basis after talking to your lawyer.
Also, a nurse should always keep in mind that any information gained in the review will likely would be shared with the board. In the event the nurse is ultimately turned over to the Texas Board of Nursing for some type of alleged violation of the Nurse Practice Act, the information from the review will be shared.
Seek Legal Counsel
Again, if there’s an incident at a nurse’s job, and a nurse is asked to participate in peer review, that nurse should absolutely contact an attorney. Do not go into a review without having talked to an attorney first.
Texas Nursing Lawyers Can Help You
With 50+ years of legal experience, our team is ready to help you defend your nursing license. We know the blood, sweat and tears you have poured into your career and we are here to help. Call (214) 384-1902 to schedule a consultation.