Your Pittsburgh Medical & Nursing Licensing Attorney
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Professional and worked very diligently
Joseph Paletta helped me finish a long time case I’ve been trying to wrap up for years. He was completely understanding, professional and worked very diligently to the end and I’m so grateful! Highly recommend!!
Elle A.
Truly a professional and marvelous individual.
Great experience overall having Joseph Paletta as my attorney. Joseph understands his client, very insightful and is an expert in his field. Truly a professional and marvelous individual. I would'nt hesitate to use Paletta again for future legal needs.
Andrea V.
He is true to his client’s mission and desired outcomes.
Paletta law is a super focused and knowledgeable attorney. He is true to his client’s mission and desired outcomes. A great listener when it comes to gathering information from his client and honest about the direction of the case he is working on.
Elle A.
This is Attorney Joseph Paletta and welcome to my Nursing/Medical License Defense home page. You did not reach this page of my website by accident – you were looking for immediate guidance for a current problem. For guidance, read the Rules below, and see if any of the following situations applies to you:
- Are you being or have you been investigated and questioned about missing medications by your employer hospital or medical facility?
- Were you asked to submit to a Fitness for Duty Test due to suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Are your withdrawals of medications from dispensing machines being audited by the pharmacy?
- Do you have a substance abuse issue that may have been reported to your employer or the Nursing Board?
- Have you been contacted by a Professional Conduct Investigator (“P.C.I.”) from the Bureau of Enforcement & Investigations and asked to meet to answer questions?
- Have you been contacted by a Narcotics Agent from the PA Attorney General’s Office or any other law enforcement agency or hospital police/security?
Rule #1: Talk To Attorney Paletta Before You Talk To Your Employer, A P.C.I. Or Law Enforcement.
You have a right to seek the guidance and advice of a lawyer before you answer any questions. Telling any questioner or interrogator that you have “never been in this situation before” and before you answer any questions, you “need to take some time to think” is reasonable and appropriate. Because once you answer, you have limited or eliminated options you might have retained had you spoken to Attorney Paletta first
Rule #2: Never Admit To Wrongdoing – No Matter What.
Again, telling any questioner or interrogator that you have “never been in this situation before” and before you answer any questions, you “need to take some time to think” is true … and smart! Especially if you did do something wrong like taking (“diverted”) medications, admitting that fact to anyone is confessing to a Felony crime! So do not do it regardless of what they are telling you. Also, you are not lying by using that exact language, and you are keeping all your options open.
I have a proven track record as a Licensing Defense Attorney, and I will defend you.
If you or anybody you know has been charged and may have their License threatened near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, please contact Attorney Joseph Paletta immediately. With over twenty-five years of experience, he will be able to properly represent you in the Court and before the Board of Nursing. Attorney Joseph Paletta can be reached at Joseph@PalettaLaw.com or (412) 391-7999 for a free consultation.
Common Types of Pennsylvania Nursing and Medical License Issues
Doctors and Nurses work tirelessly to obtain their licenses, then continue to work tirelessly in their respective profession. However, if a Doctor or Nurse is investigated by the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine or Board of Nursing Board for negligent charting or diversion, or is convicted of a crime such as DUI, the Medical or Nursing License can be suspended. Attorney Joseph Paletta is a skilled Nursing and Medical License Defense Attorney who is qualified to advise and counsel you through these investigations and prosecutions.
The following are the most common circumstances that will cause a Pennsylvania Medical and Nursing Board investigation which will encumber a license,
CRIMINAL PROSECUTION:
Any criminal prosecution, and certainly any conviction of a crime, can damage or even potentially end a Nursing or Medical career. For example, generally, for a conviction of a Misdemeanor criminal offense, a Nursing License suspension is discretionary; conviction of a Felony imposes a mandatory suspension. Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Boards of Nursing and Medicine interpret a “Probation Without Verdict” (PWV) sentence as a “conviction” which may trigger a license suspension, even though the PWV law states that successful completion of the Probation will cause a dismissal of the prosecution.
FAILURE TO REPORT A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION:
If a Nurse is charged with a crime, the Nursing Law requires notification to the Nursing Board within thirty (30) days of the filing of the criminal prosecution. This requirement covers any crime, even if that crime is unrelated to the practice of Nursing, such as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI). The filing date can be determined by finding the “Filing Date” box on the first page of the Police Criminal Complaint. For Doctors, the notification requirement is slightly different. Doctors are required to report a criminal prosecution within thirty days of some type of disposition of the prosecution, such as the formal date of admission into the ARD program in a DUI prosecution. Failure to report is a separate and distinct allegation in a licensing board investigation and prosecution. Attorney Joseph Paletta can advise you of what your options are, and the possible consequences in these situations.
IMPAIRMENT:
The State Board of Nursing will investigate and potentially prosecute any “impairment” which may affect the ability of a Licensee (nurse) to safely practice the profession of Nursing. Impairment has been interpreted as a drug or alcohol dependency, diversion of narcotics, issues of moral turpitude (lying on a renewal application), mental health issues, criminal prosecution, unprofessional conduct, patient abuse or neglect, fraud or deceit, etc. When any Board investigation threatens your ability to maintain good standing in the nursing profession, it is important to take steps to protect yourself. Learn more about how you can protect your license by contacting Attorney Joseph Paletta.
If you’ve been charged with a nursing and medical license offense, don’t hesitate to contact Paletta Law at (412) 391-7999 or by emailing Joseph@PalettaLaw.com to learn your options for a defense. Attorney Joseph Paletta understands that when you’re facing a criminal charge, your freedom, and your future are on the line, but with his help, you may be able to fight the charge and avoid the serious consequences of a conviction.
I made a stupid decision one night, and found myself facing a first DUI conviction. I was terrified and overwhelmed with stress. A DUI on its own is life changing, but when you also are a nurse, it can also be career-ending. I read through so many attorney reviews, trying to find one that would be able to represent me for both portions of my case. I found Attorney Paletta and called him immediately. We talked over the phone, and he tried to calm my nerves (not an easy task). We made arrangements to meet at his office downtown. After walking in and meeting him, the first thing he said to me was, "you are going to be okay". I left that day feeling confident that I hired the right attorney to represent me. Joe is incredibly professional and personable. He knows the law, both the criminal DUI portion and the nursing portion. He is well-known and respected around the courthouse and legal community. He helped to expedite my hearing dates, as time was of the essence with my nursing license renewal approaching. I could not have achieved the outcome I did without him. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone facing a DUI, or any legal matter with the board of nursing.
Nurse Arrested for D.U.I.
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- 437 Grant Street, Suite 424, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
- (412) 391-7999
- Joseph@PalettaLaw.com