Having a professional license in Minnesota means entering a strict legal system that sets you apart from unlicensed employees. In an unlicensed role, a workplace mistake might lead to termination. But if you make a mistake, you could lose your entire career. Your license means you answer to the state of Minnesota, not just your boss.
Legal safeguards for professionals in Minnesota
Under Minnesota law, licensed professionals have protection against retaliation for reporting violations of state or federal law. These can include falsifying welfare records or committing fraudulent billing practices.
Some professionals also have specific immunities. For teachers in Minnesota, achieving a tenured position means that schools cannot discharge them without a hearing process and just cause. Nurses and social workers who are part of unions have protections against at-will firing.
Additional risks professionals face
Licensed professionals also face liabilities that are not present in non-licensed professions. Healthcare professionals and educators must report child or vulnerable adult abuse, and certain licensed professionals are required by their respective boards to report professional misconduct. Unlike unlicensed workers, victims can sue licensed individuals for professional negligence or malpractice outside of their employer’s general liability.
The pressure of state license investigations
Another facet unique to professionals is that they may face investigations into professional complaints. If a consumer reports a professional for malpractice or an ethics violation, their respective board assesses whether the allegations are true. This can result in a dismissal, corrective action or potential license revocation.
What to do during an investigation
Do not try to navigate an investigation alone or assume your employer has your back. Their primary goal is protecting the organization, not your hard-earned credentials. You have the right to review allegations and seek representation. Before you respond to written notices, seeking legal guidance is wise to gain insights on safeguarding your career.