Unfortunately, even the most dedicated professional pharmacists can unknowingly step into treacherous waters that threaten their most valuable asset – the license to practice. Here are four common ways you may be risking yours.
Patient confidentiality is sacrosanct in America. Of course, an intentional HIPAA breach could trigger a license investigation, but accidental violations may also threaten your career. Vigilance is essential in safeguarding physical records, electronic data and oral communications involving patients.
Like other medical professionals, pharmacists require ongoing education to stay current with evolving practices, medications and regulations. Failing to fulfill these continuing education credit requirements could render your professional license inactive. Always keep up with your training obligations.
Rigorous oversight of controlled substances, especially those prone to abuse, is vital. Unaccounted discrepancies in inventory, missing drugs or even unusual dispensing patterns can raise suspicion and prompt investigations. Keep detailed dispensing records and watch over the practices of others.
Legal representation can provide indispensable support when facing accusations or investigations regarding your pharmacist practices. Obtaining counsel early on can guide you smoothly through complex situations and minimize potential damage. In other words, it can improve your odds of safeguarding your professional license.
By diligently upholding these areas, pharmacists can protect their hard-earned licenses and ensure continued safety and well-being for their patients.
]]>But despite your accomplishment, you can face disciplinary action that puts you at risk of losing the very license you’ve worked hard to earn. Knowing the actions or behaviors that can lead to disciplinary action against you may help you steer clear of trouble. Here are three missteps that can put your nursing license at risk.
There is no doubt that nursing can be a stressful job, especially if the facility is understaffed and you have too many patients to take care of or long shifts. This notwithstanding, nurses, just like other healthcare providers, are required to exercise utmost professionalism when at work. An abusive conduct like patient neglect, verbal or physical abuse can amount to professional misconduct. Depending on the nature and severity of the misconduct in question, disciplinary action might include a suspension or dismissal of your practice license.
A combination of work-related stresses and access to controlled substances can be tempting. However, attending to patients while intoxicated can be a very costly mistake. Likewise, a DUI conviction can have a great impact on your nursing career and, by extension, your practice license. And this is not all. Potential employers will be reluctant to hire you if you fail a background check.
The importance of confidentiality in the healthcare industry cannot be overstated. Sharing your patient’s medical records with third parties can put your nursing license at risk.
Your nursing license is a symbol of years of sacrifice and determination. As such, it is important that you understand and avoid issues that can jeopardize it. And if you find yourself in trouble, familiarizing yourself with your legal options can help you safeguard your rights and interests.
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