How Do I Manage the Stress of Being Investigated by my Minnesota Professional Licensing Board?Apr. 25, 2023
By Melissa Heinlein, Esq.
As a license defense attorney, I understand that being investigated by your professional licensing board is a stressful and sometimes overwhelming experience. It may feel like your entire career and livelihood are on the line. However, there are steps you can take to manage the stress and uncertainty that comes with this process. In this blog post, I offer some tips on how to manage and minimize the stress of being the subject of an investigation by your state licensing board.
- Find support
Investigations against your professional license are confidential. While it is wise to preserve your right to privacy and confidentiality it is also important to find support during this stressful time. It is important that if you do choose to share information about your investigation that you keep the circle small and choose only those that you trust to protect your confidentiality. This may be a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. Having someone to confide in and who can provide emotional support during this difficult time is crucial to managing stress.
You may also want to consider seeking professional support from a therapist or counselor. They can help you process your emotions and provide coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. - Know your rights
It's important to understand your rights and obligations during the investigation process. This includes knowing what information you are required to provide and what your legal rights are. It's also important to understand the potential consequences of the investigation, such as the suspension or revocation of your license. Retaining an attorney is also very helpful in reducing stress. Your lawyer will be able to answer your questions, explain the process, and will always uphold your confidentiality. As a license defense attorney, one of the first thing my clients tell me after speaking with me is that they "feel better already." - Stay organized
The investigation process can be complex and involve a lot of documentation. It's important to stay organized and keep track of all communication and documentation related to the investigation. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure that you are meeting all requirements. - Practice self-care
During this stressful time, it's important to prioritize self-care. This may include getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and engaging in regular exercise. It's also important to take breaks and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a book or spending time with loved ones. - Stay focused on your work
While the investigation is ongoing, it's important to stay focused on your work and continue to provide high-quality care to your clients or patients. This can help you feel a sense of control and purpose and boost your confidence during this challenging time. Your ability to continue to provide excellent professional services throughout this stressful time may also support your position with your licensing board that you are a capable and skilled professional. - Seek closure
Once the investigation is complete, it's important to seek closure and move forward. This may involve reflecting on the experience and seeking support if needed. It's also important to learn from the experience and implement any necessary changes to ensure that it doesn't happen again in the future. It may be beneficial to take some continuing education courses to reflect on and improve your practice moving forward.
Being investigated by your professional licensing board, can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, by seeking support, knowing your rights, staying organized, practicing self-care, staying focused on your work, and seeking closure, you can manage the stress and remove some of the uncertainty that comes with this process. Remember to prioritize your well-being and take things one step at a time.
If you have received a Notice of Conference or other request for information from the Minnesota Board of Nursing, Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, or other professional licensing board, you do not need to go it alone. At Lord + Heinlein, we are your powerful legal voice.