Dismissal

Dismissal – Evidence does not support there has been a violation of the Nurse Practice Act.

Non-Disciplinary

Letter of Concern – A letter from the Board expressing concern that a licensee, certificate holder or applicant may have been engage in questionable conduct that is considered low risk or harm to the public.  A letter of concern issued by the Board is non-discipline and is not an appealable agency action

Disciplinary Actions

Civil Penalty – A monetary fine issued by the Board, not to exceed $1,000, given singly or in combination with any disciplinary action for a violation of the Nurse Practice Act.

Decree of Censure – This is an official discipline by the Board that the individual’s conduct violated the Nurse Practice Act but does not represent a continued risk to the patient/public.

Probation – This action allows the nurse to continue working during the period of probation subject to compliance with the terms and conditions.  During the period of probation the nurse must be supervised in their practice and complete certain requirements which are aimed at rehabilitation or educating and remediating the nurse in his/her area(s) of practice deficit.  For example, a nurse with a substance abuse issue may be required to enter and complete treatment, attend AA/NA meetings, abstain from alcohol and other drug use along with other requirements.  A nurse who lacks sufficient knowledge of medications or safe administration may be required to take a pharmacology course, etc.

Suspension – A person who has been suspended may not practice during the period of suspension.  A person who has been suspended has terms and conditions which must be fulfilled during the period of suspension and before being allowed to resume practice.  Examples of terms and conditions may include completing a refresher course, psychological or substance abuse treatment in addition to other requirements.  A licensee/certificate holder that has been suspended often has a period of probation or monitoring following successful completion of the terms of suspension.

Revocation – This action prohibits the nurse/certificate holder from practicing for a minimum of five years, pursuant to A.A.C. R4-19-404.  When a license/certificate has been revoked, the applicant for re-issuance must provide detailed information to the Board that the reason for revocation no longer exists and that the issuance of a license/certificate would no longer threaten the public health or safety. A.A.C. R4-19-404 or R4-19-815) The individual whose license/certificate has been revoked may not practice or otherwise indicate to the public that they hold a license/certificate.

Denial – A person (applicant) who has been denied a license/certificate may not practice and is not eligible to reapply to the Board for a period of five years.

Voluntary Surrender – A Consent Agreement has been signed in which an APRN, RN, LPN, CNA has voluntarily surrendered their license or certificate.

Administrative Violations

Administrative Penalty – A penalty/fine given to a licensee or certificate holder who has worked on an expired license/certificate, or failed to notify the Board of an address change within 30 days. It is not reportable to NCSBN or other national data centers.