Workers in a variety of different professions, from medical doctors to financial professionals, may require state licensing. The process of obtaining a Wisconsin professional license often requires undergoing testing and a background check. Licensed professionals also typically need to commit to continuing education to ensure they remain informed of developments in their area of expertise. Whether someone is an airline pilot or a nurse, they may worry that conflict with their spouse could put their career at risk. After all, most state licensing authorities allow members of the general public ..read more

Medicare benefits are available to most adults who are over the age of retirement. Many modern medical practices specifically accept Medicare to tap into this massive market of prospective patients. However, Medicare has very strict billing rules, and professionals can easily end up accused of violating billing laws if they aren’t careful. Those accused of Medicare fraud can face numerous penalties should they plead guilty or get convicted of such offenses. Although physicians and their support staff may view such allegations as minor, victimless crimes, the reality is that the following penal ..read more

Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other counseling professionals are bound by rules that mandate confidentiality. The promise of confidentiality is part of what gives a patient the confidence to honestly discuss their circumstances in a professional setting. However, there are occasionally circumstances that may justify or even necessitate a breach of that confidentiality. When would it not be a license-threatening violation for a therapist, counselor or other mental health professional to inform others of what a patient has said during a session? Credible threats are the primar ..read more

As a therapist, you know that your patient deserves as much confidentiality as you can give them. While you may be a mandated reporter and have to report abuse or other serious threats, you know that the majority of your sessions will remain private. For therapy to work, confidentiality is a must. If patients believe that you will spread around information about them, then they may not speak to you. Whether they’re children or adults, confidentiality is essential. There are times when you may need to break confidentiality, though, and that could put you in a difficult position. When does a the ..read more

In the state of Wisconsin, nurses must go through a licensing process before they can begin to practice. Your nursing license represents years of training and demonstrates your expertise. However, the ability to work as a practicing nurse is a privilege based on your performance and behavior. Several circumstances can lead to a suspended license. Failing to meet professional standards Nursing is a stressful job with high demands. Some patients can be difficult and uncooperative. Yet, through it all, nurses are expected to handle themselves professionally. Medical facilities will not tolerate a ..read more

Patients who turn to medical professionals for care expect that they will receive care that – at a minimum – meets professional standards of care as defined by law. Some may have unrealistic expectations, but it’s up to each medical professional to provide accurate information to each patient. There are several things that you’ll have to consider if a patient claims that you didn’t provide them with the care that they should have received. It may make it easier for you to avoid litigation if you can help patients understand what professional standards of care are and how they function. How are ..read more

It takes many years to become a licensed nursing professional in Wisconsin. You have to finish a degree and then complete state testing. Then, you have to apply for a license, which involves submitting to a background check. Once you get your license, you will have to continue taking courses about changes in the medical field for continuing education credits and renew your license. Those who make major mistakes while providing patient care or who get convicted of criminal actions could lose their license as a result. However, you don’t have to lose your job or go to court to be at risk of losi ..read more

Medicare fraud might involve some shady telemarketer calling older adults and trying to trick them into giving their information out over the phone. It might involve someone posing as their older sibling to receive healthcare. However, the most expensive and common form of Medicare and Medicaid insurance fraud involves provider fraud. Some healthcare providers that accept government insurance programs commit overt acts of fraud. There have been cases of doctors providing unnecessary medical procedures just so they could bill for them, for example, or billing policies of patients who are alread ..read more

Nursing is a stressful profession not for the faint of heart. Between grueling 12-hour shifts and continuing education requirements to maintain your license, your nursing profession requires that you constantly recommit yourself. Working a demanding and stressful job can put strain on other areas of your life, including your relationships and your self-care practices. Some nurses develop substance abuse problems as they use alcohol to self-medicate for depression or in response to a recent divorce. Others might use alcohol to help them sleep or cope with back pain and joint issues caused by lo ..read more

When many health care professionals think about HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, they think about the fact that they can’t share their patient’s information without permission or that they have to take steps to prevent that patient information from being hacked in their computer system. What they don’t always realize is how serious a HIPAA violation is. It’s not just something that will upset a patient, it’s actually potentially a criminal offense. If you, as a nurse or other medical provider, fail to protect your patient’s information, then you could end up faci ..read more