To make sure that the health and safety of the people of Arizona are protected, the Arizona State Board of Nursing plays a vital role. One of the ways they do this is by making sure nurses in the state can safely practice in Arizona.
Multiple Ways to Suspend a Nursing License
There are actually three ways that the board can suspend a nurse’s license to practice. These three ways are listed below:
- Summary suspension: If the Arizona State Board of Nursing determines that a nurse poses a threat to the public’s health, safety, or welcome, they can take emergency action that will see the person’s license suspended, effective immediately.
- Alternative to Discipline Discharge: This non-disciplinary confidential monitoring program is for nurses struggling with substance abuse, physical problems, or mental health. If a nurse is to violate their ATD Agreement, their license may be taken away instantly.
- Automatic Suspension Due to a Probation Violation: When a nurse is completing a Stayed Suspension Consent Agreement, the Arizona State Board of Nursing may suspend their license for violating the terms of their agreement.
If the Arizona State Board of Nursing deems it necessary to suspend the license of a nurse, that person has to immediately stop providing nursing care.
Appealing an Arizona Nursing Board Decision
To investigate and appeal the process with the Arizona Nursing Board, a few steps must take place. The steps in the process are detailed here.
The Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBON) obtains a complaint or decides to investigate the nurse’s behavior. Following the board’s receipt of a complaint or a self-reported incident, they will take part in an investigation.
The investigation strives to allow the AZBON insight and evidence into the nurse’s behavior and whether or not disciplinary action is appropriate. This could include something that does not directly correlate with their job, like self-reporting on a misdemeanor conviction.
The nurse may receive a decision that they find unfair. If this is the case, they are permitted to file an appeal and ask for a hearing. This hearing will be handled by the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearing. The nurse may be required to attend the hearing that is overseen by an administrative law judge.
There are times when the investigation is immediately sent to a hearing. Possibly an informal settlement can be offered at that time.
Reasons That Nursing Licenses are Commonly Suspended in Arizona
A nurse’s license can be suspended if the nurse is deemed an immediate threat to the safety of the public’s health or its welfare. Listed below are some of the most common reasons for a nursing license to be suspended:
- Diversion of medications, often narcotics
- Healthcare issues
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Disciplinary problems
- Abuse of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs
- Sexual misconduct
- Mental health disorders that require immediate steps to get under control
Contact Stewart Law Group if Your Arizona Nursing License is In Jeopardy
If you feel that your hard-earned nursing license is in jeopardy, it is important that your rights are protected. Reach out to a licensing board attorney with Stewart Law Group today to ensure your career is adequately protected. We offer free consultations with a nursing license defense attorney in Arizona and are ready to navigate the challenging license board hearings on your behalf.
Our team will fight for your career. Let us know what we can do for you.
