If reason involved criminal conduct then include the
Arrest & Conviction questionnaire.
If you have filed a complaint (“Complainant”): submit all written documentation regarding your concerns, observations
and impressions concerning the incident. Providing detailed information at the onset is important in assisting the Board
to understand risk of harm and in facilitating the investigative process.
6. What happens when the case is presented to the Board?
The board meeting is an open public meeting where investigative reports related to complaints that have been received
and investigated by staff are reviewed by the Board members to determine, based upon evidence in a case, whether
there is probable evidence of a violation of the Nurse Practice Act. Board members will deliberate and make a motion,
stating what action should occur.
7. Who can address the Board members?
If you have submitted a complaint (“Complainant”) or you have had a complaint submitted against your application or
your license/certificate (“Respondent”), you are welcome to attend the board meeting to hear the discussion and Board
decision. The board meeting is not a hearing but you may choose to give a verbal presentation (up to 5 minutes),
providing information you feel is pertinent for the Board to consider. You may also choose to just be available to
respond to their questions, or you may be present and not speak at all. Information that is relevant to the complaint
and investigation should have been provided to the assigned investigator in advance of the board meeting.
8. What are the possible Board members decisions or actions?
Board actions are categorized as: Dismissal, Non-disciplinary Action, Disciplinary Action, and Administrative Violations.
Once the case has been reviewed by the Board and the Board votes for discipline, the licensee/certificate
holder/applicant status is updated to reflect "complaint-outcome pending" or if final, the disciplinary action taken.
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
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