At Lype, Dest & Smith, we bring over 30 years of focused experience safeguarding the licenses, reputations, and futures of physicians across Texas.
If you are searching for a nursing license defense attorney in Houston, TX, you are likely confronting a deeply stressful and high-stakes situation. Whether you’re a registered nurse, vocational nurse, advanced practice nurse, or even a nursing student, any interaction with the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) can potentially threaten your career, reputation, and livelihood. The BON has the authority to investigate and penalize licensed professionals, and without a strong legal defense, even minor accusations can escalate into major consequences. From complaint letters to disciplinary hearings to license suspensions, every phase of the process requires careful, informed navigation.
At Lype, Dest & Smith, we provide experienced and targeted legal defense to healthcare professionals across Houston. Our team understands the complexities of the nursing profession and the importance of protecting your license, your future, and the trust you’ve worked so hard to build. When your license is under threat, you deserve powerful legal advocates in your corner.
Our legal team advocates for nurses at every stage of their career—from students in clinical rotations to seasoned RNs and APRNs with decades of service. Each license class carries distinct responsibilities, and we shape our defense strategies accordingly. We understand the academic, ethical, and clinical standards unique to LVNs, RNs, and APRNs, and tailor our approach to uphold their rights before the Texas Board of Nursing. When your license is at risk, you need representation that knows how to build compelling, fact-based responses that resonate with licensing authorities.
Healthcare professionals in Houston work in some of the most demanding and complex medical environments in the country. Whether you’re a floor nurse at Houston Methodist, a clinician at Texas Children’s Hospital, or operate your own wellness clinic, you face scrutiny from patients, peers, and regulatory boards. We recognize that context matters—what’s appropriate in an ER may be misjudged in another setting. Our firm understands these nuances and crafts defenses that reflect your work setting, the expected standard of care, and the realities of modern nursing.
A nursing license is more than just a professional requirement—it’s the foundation of your financial security, professional identity, and ability to care for patients. If the BON threatens disciplinary action, your future could be jeopardized. Suspensions, revocations, or even sanctions can result in job loss and a lasting impact on your career. We take every BON inquiry seriously because we understand what’s truly at stake. With our firm at your side, you’ll have advocates who recognize that this is more than a case—it’s your career on the line.
Patient dissatisfaction, communication breakdowns, or adverse outcomes can lead to formal complaints. Even when unfounded, these reports require a serious response. Allegations of negligence, such as failing to monitor vitals, incorrect medication administration, or delayed care, are all grounds for investigation. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, unsafe or incompetent nursing that endangers patient safety constitutes a reportable offense. We help nurses counteract claims of negligence with documentation, expert testimony, and professional advocacy.
The BON takes any report of substance misuse, mental instability, or criminal conduct very seriously. Nurses struggling with dependency or mental health challenges may be viewed as safety risks, even if they are receiving treatment and functioning effectively in their roles. Similarly, even unrelated criminal charges can initiate disciplinary proceedings. We help nurses present the full context, including medical records, rehabilitation efforts, and supporting testimony. Our goal is to show the BON that you are safe, responsible, and capable of fulfilling your duties.
Documentation errors, billing issues, and boundary concerns can quickly escalate into formal allegations. Something as simple as copying forward data in a chart or overlooking time-stamp protocols might be perceived as intentional misconduct. In more serious cases, accusations may involve fraud, inappropriate relationships with patients, or conflicts of interest. The BON considers these actions significant violations, and the consequences can be severe. We analyze the situation, gather relevant context, and provide evidence that distinguishes honest mistakes from criminal intent.
The first and most critical mistake many nurses make is responding to a BON letter without consulting a legal professional. While the urge to explain or clarify is understandable, any response can be interpreted as an admission or used against you during the investigation. Our attorneys carefully evaluate your situation and help you craft a response that is strategic, legally sound, and consistent with your rights. Taking a measured approach from the beginning can significantly change the outcome of your case.
The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options you have to avoid serious outcomes. Often, we can engage directly with BON investigators and clarify misunderstandings before a formal charge is filed. Our experience allows us to anticipate the Board’s concerns and proactively address them through evidence, letters of support, or corrective actions. Timely intervention can lead to dismissed complaints, reduced sanctions, or alternatives to formal disciplinary action—all without you ever having to step into a hearing room.
Silence or hesitation can be just as damaging as saying too much. Delaying your response may suggest non-cooperation, and making unreviewed statements can introduce inconsistencies or liabilities. Even a brief conversation with an investigator may become part of the official record. Nurses often find themselves unintentionally deepening the scope of an investigation through offhand comments. We provide the structure and language you need to ensure your interactions with the BON are effective and risk-free.
No two nursing cases are alike, and our strategies reflect that reality. We consider your background, employment history, workplace setting, and the specific allegations against you when developing a legal plan. Whether you’re an APRN prescribing medication or a vocational nurse handling patient documentation, we adapt our defense to fit your role. We explore every option, from settlement to hearing representation, and collaborate with you at every step to ensure you remain confident, informed, and protected.
If your case proceeds to a formal setting, such as the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), having an experienced lawyer by your side is essential. These proceedings are legal in nature and require knowledge of administrative rules and evidentiary procedures. We represent nurses during informal settlement conferences as well, which can provide an opportunity for resolution without trial. We aim to negotiate favorable terms, prevent overreaching sanctions, and help you preserve your license and reputation.
A BON investigation has the potential to derail your career and damage your standing with employers. Whether you’re pursuing advancement or maintaining current employment, a disciplinary mark can be challenging to overcome. We help protect your license, your professional name, and future job prospects. The BON offers fair hearings, but fairness does not replace advocacy. We work to ensure your story is told accurately and persuasively.
Over the years, our firm has built a strong track record representing nurses across Texas. We’ve successfully defended clients through complex investigations, administrative proceedings, and settlement negotiations. Our knowledge of BON protocols, statutes, and tendencies enables us to provide advice that is both strategic and realistic. From first consultation to final outcome, you’ll benefit from a legal team that understands the intricacies of license defense and is prepared to advocate for you at every stage.
Legal issues demand clarity and connection. Our clients are never left wondering where their case stands or whom to contact. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who respond to your questions promptly and treat your concerns with respect. All communications are protected by attorney-client confidentiality and handled with the sensitivity your situation demands. We believe accessibility and honesty are key to successful legal relationships, and we uphold that with every nurse we represent.
We define success by what matters most to our clients—keeping their licenses and preserving their ability to practice. In many cases, we’ve secured full dismissals of BON complaints, negotiated probation in place of suspension, or helped nurses regain licenses after revocation. Every case presents its own challenges, but our commitment remains constant: we pursue every legal remedy that offers you protection, relief, or a path forward. We don’t stop until we’ve explored every option.
Our services span the entirety of the Houston metro area, reaching deep into Harris County’s richly diverse medical community. From the sprawling campuses of Texas Medical Center institutions to local clinics in Pearland and Spring, we provide experienced legal support for nurses facing disciplinary threats.
Whether you’re working at HCA Houston Healthcare, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, or managing patients at an independent outpatient center, our team understands the daily pressures you face. Each environment comes with its own risks, and we tailor our legal approach to reflect your specific setting.
Every moment counts when your nursing license is on the line. Delays in action can restrict your legal options and amplify the risk of irreversible damage to your career. That’s why Lype, Dest & Smith encourage you to take control now—before an investigation moves beyond your influence.
Our legal team offers swift, confidential consultations designed to assess your situation, explain your rights, and create a tailored plan of defense. We don’t wait for damage to happen; we work proactively to stop it. Your livelihood, reputation, and professional standing deserve immediate attention. Contact us today and let our experienced attorneys shield your future from unnecessary harm.
Not afraid to go to court when necessary, Dan has successfully litigated cases all the way to the Supreme Court of Texas. Dan also prides himself on being readily available to clients throughout their cases. He strongly believes effective representation should be a collaborative effort between a client and their attorney.
Years of experience: 15 years
Justia Profile: Dan Lype
Bar number: 24065658
Location: Austin, TX
If you or a loved one needs legal help, please fill out the form below for your consultation or call us at 512-881-3556
“ Wonderful Administrative Lawyer. Mr. Lype represented me at a hearing before the Texas Board of Law Examiners. After substantial preparation, I was well prepared for the hearing. Dan has relationships with the staff members and was able to help me understand exactly what to expect. With Dan’s assistance I was ab...”
“ Great Attorneys in Texas. This attorney is very diligent ,calm ,professional who will listen to you and very aggressive in his pursuit for justice for his clients.His main goal is exoneration for which he effortfully seeks.Plea deal would be his lost resort. Recently successfully represented me before the Texas Me...”
“ Worth every penny. Mr Lype is a bulldog when it comes to defending his client. He is diligent, agreesive and great listener. He provides timely updates on your case. Mr Lype is very verse in the healthcare laws of Texas and is worth having on your team. I would use him every time. ”
“ Highly recommend. I had pretty serious allegations resulting in an investigation. Dan helped guide me perfectly And gave me reassurance that I really needed.. He knew exactly how much information to provide at each step along the way. During my hearing, he pleaded my case very effectively. Due to his expertise, my...”
If you or a loved one needs legal help, please fill out the form below for your consultation or call us at 512-881-3556
