No action of a disciplinary nature that is predicated on charges alleging unethical or unprofessional conduct of a person who is licensed under this Act and that can be reasonably expected to affect adversely that person’s maintenance of her or his present, or her or his securing of future, employment as such a nurse may be taken by the Department, unless the person against whom such charges are made is afforded the right to be represented by legal counsel of her or his choosing and to present any witness, whether an attorney or otherwise to testify on matters relevant to such charges.