Professional Licensure and Disciplinary Issues

Transcription

1 Professional Licensure and Disciplinary Issues Presented by Natalie Hall, R.N., Member, Indiana State Board of Nursing Elizabeth Kiefner Crawford, J.D., Director, Indiana State Board of Nursing

2 What is the Purpose of the Indiana State Board of Nursing? To ensure that the public will have access to competent, safe, and ethical practitioners in the profession. To accredit pre-licensure schools of nursing in Indiana.

3 Where Do Boards Come From? The Indiana State Board of Nursing was established by the legislature to serve as a Regulatory Board in It s Members are appointed by the Governor.

4 Who is on the Indiana State Board of Nursing? 9 Members 2 Licensed Practical Nurses 6 Registered Nurses 1 Consumer Member

5 Who are the current members? Connie McIntosh, R.N., President Natalie Hall, R.N., VP Marcia Laux, R.N. Lynda Narwold, R.N. Holly Presley, L.P.N. Anne Ogle, Consumer Member Kim Cooper, R.N. Ceceilia Smith, R.N., A.P.N.

6 Types of Licenses Available Licensed Practical Nurse Registered Nurse Advanced Practice Nurse Nurse Midwife Controlled Substance Registration-Nurse Practitioner

7 How Many People are Currently Licensed in Indiana? As of 12/17/2014 LPN: 25,711 RN: 107,658 APN: 4,507 Nurse Midwife: 163

8 What to keep in mind when you become a licensed professional? Practicing within your scope of expertise Renewal Discipline Remain Professional at all times

9 Renewal Process Renew prior to October 31st of every even numbered year for LPN s and every odd numbered year for RN s. Pay $50 renewal fee (on-line) Notice given approximately 60 days prior to expiration date ALWAYS keep your street Address and address updated with the Board

10 How do I renew an expired license? Contact the agency for a renewal application Expired less than 3-years Submit renewal application $50 renewal fee and $50 late fee Expired more than 3-years Submit a renewal application $50 renewal fee and $50 late fee Submit a letter explaining Why you allowed your license to lapse and what you have been doing since it expired. Reviewed at next available board meeting.

11 Should I allow my license to expire? Should always renew your license over allowing it to expire unless you no longer plan to practice Indiana does not have an INACTIVE status for nurses $50 to reinstate a license plus late fees May require additional continuing education or refresher course if out of practice for a period of time

12 Board Action Personal Appearances Positive responses on applications or renewal applications Expired Renewals Failed exam attempts Criminal Background Information

13 Potential Violations Violation Examples Diversion of Medications for self or others Addiction Issues Ethical Issues such as: Sexual Relationships with clients, loaning money to clients, borrowing money from clients Poor record keeping Criminal Activity Practicing with an expired license Practicing outside of your scope of expertise

14 Discipline Process File a complaint with consumer complaint division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) at OAG investigates complaints and contacts a board designee to review information Official Administrative Complaint is filed with the Board Hearing before the Board is scheduled Board deliberates and issues a discipline or dismisses action Many cases are settled prior to final hearing

15 Sanctions Upon finding a licensure violation, the Board may impose a sanction Revocation of license can reapply after 7-years Suspension of license Probation upon the license Reprimand Censure Once discipline is issued in a final order, the National Practitioners Databank is notified. Status is also changed to reflect the Board decision.

16 Remain Professional All aspects of your personal life can effect your professional life i.e. actions as a private citizen can lead to discipline Drinking and driving Domestic Violence Unprofessional treatment of patients Any and all addictions

17 Miscellaneous Topics Appropriate Use of Social Media Criminal Background Check Information Privacy Law Information Licensure Verifications

18 Contact Information Elizabeth Kiefner Crawford Indiana Professional Licensing Agency ATTN: Group W. Washington Street, W072 Indianapolis, IN Phone: (317) pla2@pla.in.gov