What Can a Nurse Accused of Patient Neglect Do? | IL

 Posted on September 26, 2024 in Nursing License Defense

Registered nurses are required to adhere to strict laws and regulations, especially when tending to patients. Failure to do so can result in allegations of patient neglect. A nurse who is determined to have neglected a patient may not only have his or her license revoked but can even face fines and prison time.

The Illinois Board of Nursing, which is under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), regulates the nursing profession. The board is responsible for taking disciplinary actions such as reprimands, license suspensions, and license revocations. If you are facing allegations of patient neglect, hire an Illinois license defense attorney who will defend you to the Board of Nursing.

What Is Patient Neglect in Illinois?

The definition of patient neglect is fairly broad. Under Illinois law, a caregiver may be guilty of neglect if he or she negligently fails to provide care to a patient and that negligence causes injury or deterioration of the patient’s mental or physical pre-existing condition.

A caregiver may be guilty of criminal neglect if he or she: 

• Abandons the patient

• Takes any action that threatens the patient’s health, endangers the patient’s life, or causes any mental or physical pre-existing condition to deteriorate

• Fails to take actions that the caregiver should reasonably know are necessary for the patient’s health and that without them the patient’s health or life is endangered

• Exposes the patient to willful deprivation, such as the withholding of food, sleep, or medication

What Are the Penalties for Patient Neglect in Illinois?

A nurse or other caregiver who is convicted of patient neglect is guilty of a petty offense and may face a fine of up to $1,000.

A caregiver who is convicted of criminal patient neglect, however, may be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This carries a fine of up to $25,000 and prison time of up to three years. If the patient dies as a result of the criminal neglect, the caregiver may be guilty of a Class 3 felony which carries a fine of up to $25,000 and a prison sentence of two to five years.

In any case of patient neglect, a nurse will face the revocation of his or her license by the Board of Nursing. This becomes a likelihood if the nurse is convicted of patient neglect by a court.

What Can I Do if I Am Accused of Patient Neglect?

The first thing to do if you are facing allegations of patient neglect is to contact an attorney who focuses on professional license defense. He will walk you through the process and help you build a legal defense against the accusations.

Another important step to take is to begin gathering evidence as soon as possible. Collect any patient records and documentation you can to show that you provided the patient with adequate care.

Contact an Illinois Nursing License Defense Lawyer

Patient neglect is a serious charge. Without the right defense, it can result not only in fines and prison time but can also cost you the ability to ever practice nursing again. That is why it is imperative to consult an Illinois nursing license defense attorney at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. We are committed to protecting your license and reputation with personalized legal representation and the strongest defense possible. Schedule a free consultation by calling 630-310-1267 today.