What Counts as a “Material Fact” Under the NC Real Estate Commission
Brooks Peterson Brooks Peterson

What Counts as a “Material Fact” Under the NC Real Estate Commission

In North Carolina real estate law, few mistakes get agents in trouble faster than omitting a material fact. But “material fact” is not a rigid term — instead, the NC Real Estate Commission (NCREC) treats it as a flexible concept, guided by precedent, statutes, and the Commission’s own bulletins and rules.

Read More
Avoiding Negligent Misrepresentation: What North Carolina Real Estate Agents Need to Know
Brooks Peterson Brooks Peterson

Avoiding Negligent Misrepresentation: What North Carolina Real Estate Agents Need to Know

Real estate agents in North Carolina are regulated by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC), which takes negligent misrepresentation very seriously. This article explains how negligent misrepresentation is defined under Commission rules, what it can look like in real-world situations, and practical steps agents can take to avoid it in the future.

Read More
False Documentation Complaints and Nursing License Defense Before the NC Board of Nursing

False Documentation Complaints and Nursing License Defense Before the NC Board of Nursing

When a nurse is reported to the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) by an employer, the allegation often includes a claim of “false documentation.” If you’ve received a notice in the mail or by email informing you of a complaint against your license, you may have seen those exact words.

Read More
Why Child-Staff Ratios Matter More Than Ever: Navigating NC Daycare Rules with DCDEE
Brooks Peterson Brooks Peterson

Why Child-Staff Ratios Matter More Than Ever: Navigating NC Daycare Rules with DCDEE

Daycare facilities in North Carolina are among the most heavily regulated entities in the state. While these rules exist to keep children safe, the compliance burden on providers can feel overwhelming. A single oversight can trigger a cascade of violations with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE)—and one of the most common pitfalls involves child-staff ratios.

Read More
What North Carolina Physicians Should Know About Practice Drift
Brooks Peterson Brooks Peterson

What North Carolina Physicians Should Know About Practice Drift

Physicians in North Carolina are held to high professional standards by the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB). One issue the Board monitors closely is known as “practice drift”—when a doctor gradually (or suddenly) begins working in a clinical area outside their original training or specialty.

Read More
The Foundation of Administrative Law in North Carolina Board Cases
Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson

The Foundation of Administrative Law in North Carolina Board Cases

Administrative law in North Carolina can seem daunting at first. Every state licensing board has its own rules and procedures, and that variety can make the process feel like an impenetrable maze. But beneath procedural variety lie common legal structures and patterns that apply across virtually all boards. Understanding those shared mechanics gives both attorneys and professionals a roadmap for what to expect and how to strategize in disciplinary or regulatory cases.

Read More
North Carolina Medical Board Disciplinary Options: What Physicians Should Know
Medical Board, Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson Medical Board, Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson

North Carolina Medical Board Disciplinary Options: What Physicians Should Know

When a complaint is filed with the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB), one of the first questions physicians ask is: “What can the Board actually do to me?”

The answer isn’t always straightforward. The NCMB has a range of options—some private, some public, some disciplinary, and some technically “non-disciplinary” but still visible to the world. Understanding these outcomes can help you take control of the process early and protect your license, reputation, and career.

Read More
Protecting Your License: Why Documentation Matters for North Carolina Mental Health Professionals

Protecting Your License: Why Documentation Matters for North Carolina Mental Health Professionals

In the world of professional licensing boards, especially in North Carolina, the accuser’s version of events is often taken at face value—at least initially. Mental health professionals such as licensed clinical mental health counselors, social workers, and psychologists frequently practice one-on-one without a treatment team or outside witnesses. This can quickly turn a complaint into a “he said / she said” situation.

Read More
Why Medical Professionals in North Carolina Should Avoid Treating Themselves or Family Members
Medical Board, Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson Medical Board, Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson

Why Medical Professionals in North Carolina Should Avoid Treating Themselves or Family Members

Writing prescriptions for yourself or a family member may seem convenient, but in North Carolina it can quickly lead to a licensing investigation. The North Carolina Medical Board has made its expectations clear in Position Statement 2.2.3: Self-Treatment and Treatment of Family Members.

Read More
Stayed Suspensions Explained: What They Mean and Why They Matter for Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC License Holders

Stayed Suspensions Explained: What They Mean and Why They Matter for Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC License Holders

Many licensed professionals in North Carolina—general contractors, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC licensees—find themselves confused when a licensing board offers a Consent Order as part of resolving a complaint. Seeing the word “suspension” in black and white often triggers panic: Will I lose my license and my livelihood?

Read More
What Are the Most Common Forms of Discipline in North Carolina Licensing Disputes?
Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson Professional License Defense Brooks Peterson

What Are the Most Common Forms of Discipline in North Carolina Licensing Disputes?

If you’re a professional in North Carolina facing a licensing complaint or investigation, you may be wondering: How bad will it get? Surprisingly, the state licensing boards aren’t always aiming to strip your license outright. But without proper advocacy, you risk a harsher outcome than necessary. In most cases, you can expect one or more of a few “softer” penalties before a full suspension or revocation is considered.

Read More