North Carolina Nursing Board Complaint: 10 Critical Steps Every Nurse Must Take to Protect Their License
Facing a North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) investigation can be one of the most stressful moments in a nurse’s career. A complaint or inquiry from the Board can threaten your nursing license, your professional reputation, and your ability to work.
Here are 10 essential steps to take immediately if you’ve received a NCBON complaint or notice of a Nursing Board investigation in North Carolina.
1. Read the NCBON Complaint Carefully and Identify Key Details
Most complaints from the Nursing Board involve vague allegations of problems about a nurses practice. Sometimes, licensees may not even know what facts led to the complaint at issue. However, if you do know why the complaint was lodged against you, start by:
Noting any deadlines to respond;
Identify whether the issue involves patient care, documentation, boundary violations, or criminal charges; and
Review any referenced rules under the Nursing Practice Act of North Carolina or North Carolina Administrative Code (a lawyer can be a great resource for this).
Understanding exactly what the Board is alleging is the foundation of an effective defense.
2. Do Not Ignore or Delay Your Response
Failing to respond to a NCBON investigation can result in an automatic finding against you or escalation to a Nursing Board hearing. Even if you believe the complaint is baseless, silence may be treated as noncompliance.
Immediate, well-prepared engagement—especially with guidance from a nursing license defense lawyer—protects your rights and shows professionalism to the Board.
3. Preserve All Relevant Records and Evidence
From the moment you receive a complaint, retain all documentation that could relate to the allegations. Typically, the Board will receive patient charts, medical records, and other medical notes from the facility the complainant/patient was staying at. However, you should be prepared to keep text messages, emails, or other staffing communications that support your defense. Policies and procedures can also be effective for establishing a defense if followed correctly.
Under North Carolina law, altering or destroying records during a Nursing Board investigation can be viewed as obstruction and lead to further discipline. Destroying or hiding something will always make the disciplinary action worse.
4. Avoid Contacting the Complainant or Discussing the Case Publicly
Do not attempt to contact the person who filed the complaint or discuss the issue on social media. Anything you say (verbally or online) can be obtained by the Board’s investigator and used as evidence.
Limit conversations to your North Carolina nursing attorney or a trusted legal advisor familiar with professional license defense.
5. Contact a Nursing License Defense Attorney Immediately
Engage a North Carolina nursing attorney experienced in Nursing Board investigations.
A nursing license defense lawyer can:
Draft any necessary response response to NCBON
Communicate directly with the NCBON investigator
Prepare you for interviews or an informal conference
Protect you from self-incrimination or procedural mistakes
This is one of the most important steps. Early representation often prevents escalation to a Nursing Board hearing or formal disciplinary action.
6. Understand the NCBON Investigation Process
Knowing what to expect helps you stay in control.
The North Carolina Board of Nursing investigation process generally follows these stages:
Complaint Received – The Board screens the complaint for jurisdiction.
Investigation – An NCBON investigator collects statements, patient records, and other evidence.
Review/Evaluation – The evidence is reviewed to determine if a violation of the Nursing Practice Act occurred.
Informal Settlement or Formal Hearing – Depending on the findings, you may be offered a Consent Order, invited for an informal conference, or summoned for a contested case hearing before the actual Board members.
Understanding these steps allows your attorney to anticipate the Board’s approach and guide your defense.
7. Gather Evidence That Supports Your Defense
Work with your attorney to identify documentation that demonstrates:
Compliance with established nursing protocols
Completion of continuing education or remediation
Character references or supervisor support
Any other evidence that could show your professionalism as a nurse.
Evidence that you acted in good faith and within the Nursing Practice Act of North Carolina can significantly strengthen your defense before the Board of Nursing.
8. Maintain Professional Conduct During the Investigation
Even while under investigation, maintain compliance with all workplace and Board rules. Additional complaints—such as attendance, communication, or recordkeeping issues—can complicate your NCBON defense. Demonstrating continued professionalism reassures the Board that you are capable of safe, ethical practice.
9. Prepare for Possible Outcomes
Every Nursing Board investigation in North Carolina can end differently:
Dismissal (no violation found)
Letter of Concern or Warning
Remediation or Education Requirements
Probation, Suspension, or Revocation
An experienced professional license defense attorney can help negotiate a non-disciplinary resolution or propose corrective actions that protect your license.
10. Learn From the Process and Safeguard Your Future
If the Board identifies areas for improvement, take them seriously. Understanding where documentation, communication, or delegation issues arose can help prevent future complaints. Proactive education and mentorship demonstrate accountability to both your employer and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Final Takeaway: What to Do if the Nursing Board Is Investigating You
If you receive notice of a NCBON complaint or Nursing Board investigation in North Carolina, act quickly, stay calm, and seek qualified legal counsel. The earlier you involve a North Carolina nursing attorney, the more options you have to protect your license, reputation, and livelihood.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens when the North Carolina Board of Nursing investigates a complaint?
The NCBON reviews the complaint, gathers evidence through an investigator, and determines whether the nurse violated the Nursing Practice Act. The outcome may include dismissal, remediation, or formal discipline.
Can I lose my nursing license over an NCBON complaint?
Yes, if the Board finds serious violations such as patient neglect, documentation falsification, or criminal conduct, it can suspend or revoke your license. Legal representation can help prevent that outcome.
Should I speak to the NCBON investigator without a lawyer?
No. Always consult a nursing license defense lawyer first. Anything you say to the investigator may be used as evidence in a Nursing Board hearing.
This is not legal advice. If you do need legal representation call the office at: 919-616-3317