The purpose of the compliance department of the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners is to assure that the licensed practical nurse is providing safe, quality care to all patients, residents, or clients who are ill, disabled or dependent on others for their well being. To ensure public trust and maintain the highest standards, the compliance department is designed to investigate any situation in which a nurse allegedly fails to practice appropriately in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in the Louisiana Revised Statutes. In order to seek a fair resolution, an investigation is conducted.
The Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners enforces the Nurse Practice Act and Rules and Regulations by setting minimum standards for nursing practice and nursing education, conducting investigations of complaints against nurses and adjudicating complaints. Complaints are received about nursing practice or conduct which could be violations of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA), and may include, but not limited to, the following:
The board does not normally address complaints concerning violations of co-worker disagreements, general employer/employee issues, i.e., tardiness, absenteeism.
You may file an anonymous report.
All proceedings calling for disciplinary action regarding a license or application for license, shall begin with the receipt by the board of allegations pertaining to violations of the Louisiana Nurse Practice Act, (N.P.A.) Not all allegations that are received by the board result in an investigation. Some reports are outside the jurisdiction of the board. Many allegations received do not constitute violations of the Nurse Practice Act. If it is determined that the allegations are within the jurisdiction of the board, and, if proven, would constitute violation of the N.P.A., an investigation is initiated. The allegation(s) shall be investigated by the executive director, his/her designee, and/or staff.
The board provides the respondent (LPN/Applicant) with due process by first notifying him/her of the allegation(s). This allows the respondent the opportunity to respond to the alleged conduct. After the response is received, board staff obtains necessary evidence in order to determine if there has been a violation of the Nurse Practice Act. If the evidence indicates that sanctions against the respondent are needed, the case can either be settled informally or formally.
An informal settlement occurs when a respondent is offered a consent order. This agreement contains investigative findings, conclusions of law, sanctions, and stipulated requirements. If the respondent agrees with the order, then he/she signs the order and submits it to the board office. Once the board meets, reviews, and accepts the order, it is then ratified.
If formal proceedings are deemed necessary, formal charges shall be filed by the board. A formal hearing is scheduled and the case is heard before the presiding hearing officer designated by the board. The respondent has the right to obtain legal representation. During the hearing, all parties shall be afforded the opportunity to present documentary, visual, physical or illustrative evidence and to cross-examine witnesses, as well as call witnesses to give oral testimony. After the hearing is concluded, the hearing officer shall issue a report containing his/her findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations. This report shall be presented to the board in executive session. The board shall make a decision based on the entire record, including the hearing officer’s report and determine what sanctions, if any, should be imposed and issue an appropriate order with respect thereto.
The board's process for adjudication can be found here.
To view disciplinary actions, please click here.