Nurses in Live-In Care Centers Face Accusations of Abuse

 Posted on June 26, 2025 in Nursing License Defense

Nurses who work in residential or long-term care settings are trusted to care for some of society’s most vulnerable people. The upside is that this can be a consistent job that gives you a lot of meaning and a sense of purpose. The downside is that when something goes wrong, nurses are often the first to be blamed, regardless of whether that blame is even justified. In Illinois, a nurse facing accusations of abuse, neglect, or theft can lose far more than just a job. These allegations can trigger license suspension or revocation, criminal charges, and damage to a career and reputation that may have taken years to build.

If you are under investigation or have been formally accused of misconduct in a live-in care facility, you need an experienced Rockford, IL nursing license defense attorney who understands both the legal process and the medical standards of your work. Our lead attorney is also a registered pharmacist, and we know how to approach licensing boards and regulators with the right balance of clinical insight and legal skill.

What Types of Allegations Do Nurses in Care Facilities Face?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees nurse licensure in the state. When a complaint is filed by a patient, a family member, a coworker, or an employer, IDFPR opens an investigation. If the complaint involves a nurse in a live-in care setting, the allegations often involve more than just one mistake or misunderstanding.

Common allegations include:

• Neglect of patient care, including failure to administer medication, delayed response to emergencies, or unsanitary conditions

• Abuse, which can include accusations of rough handling, verbal threats, emotional mistreatment, or physical harm

• Theft, particularly of narcotics, controlled substances, or patient belongings

• Medication errors, such as giving the wrong dose or failing to follow protocol when handling prescriptions

• Improper documentation, falsifying charts, or failing to log patient observations accurately

• Unprofessional conduct, including breaches of patient privacy or boundary violations

These allegations can result in disciplinary action from both the IDFPR and your employer. In some cases, the state may refer the matter to the police for criminal investigation.

What Happens During an IDFPR Investigation?

If a complaint is filed, IDFPR may launch a formal investigation that includes reviewing records, interviewing witnesses, and requesting a written response from you, the nurse. At any stage of this process, the agency can issue a temporary suspension or place your license under restriction.

If the investigation finds enough evidence to move forward, you may be asked to attend a disciplinary hearing. This is a legal proceeding, not just a meeting, and the consequences of the outcome are real. You have the right to be represented by an attorney, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the findings. You should use this right.

A nursing license defense attorney will help you prepare for the hearing, negotiate any proposed disciplinary consequences, and work to protect your license and your job.

Contact a Peoria, IL Nursing License Defense Attorney

If you are a nurse accused of abuse, neglect, or misconduct in a live-in care setting, your career could be on the line. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., our Rockford, IL nursing license defense attorney offers compassionate, experienced representation for healthcare professionals across Illinois. We understand the medical and legal standards involved and will fight to protect your license and reputation. Call 630-310-1267 for a free consultation today.