connecticut board of nursing disciplinary actions

It is important to remember to be cooperative and not appear resistant to the board. Other healthcare professionals are mandatory reporters, meaning they must report violations. Tracking Nurses Nationwide - This interactive map and chart shows the state of nursing records access nationwide. Following our investigation found, the database's management team was replaced. Another scenario concerns the impact of the automatic reporting of disciplinary actions on an individual nurses license. Even after due process is done and there is a negative result, there is still a change to appeal the decision. In other words, it will not be necessary for the nurse to appear before the BON of the home state or of the states where PTP are held, unless the nurse wishes to offer a defense. Current employees should not be disciplined or discharged for not having a license in the employers location (Ridenour, 2011). An RN was more than 30 days delinquent in paying child support. It must be completed within the required deadline. The eNLC became effective on July 20, 2017, when North Carolina became the 26th member (NCSBN, 2018a). 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular Disciplinary Impact on Telehealth PracticeOne of the advantages of the multistate nursing privilege is that nurses can be physically located in one state while engaging in nursing practice in another state through technology and telehealth services. (n.d.g). (2013a). One allegation brought against her was failing to apply for licensure in Texas within 30 days of establishing residence in Texas. RN R48430 RN #134577, Joseph Ianiccelli First, it is important to remember that the multistate NLC does not change anything for a nurse who obtains one license and does not seek to move to or to practice in another state (NCSBN, n.d.d). Hawaii recently signed an agreement to participate (NCSBN, n.d.c). The appeal process is the opportunity to go in front of the board and refute the charges against you or the disciplinary action against you. Although it used to be sufficient to verify a nurses license with the state board of nursing, it is no longer so.Secondly, it is important that employers know that there is no extra paperwork required, nor does the BON need notified that a nurse with a compact license is working on a PTP. Since my move to Virginia was permanent, and both Texas and Virginia were compact states, I could only hold a license in my state of residence. Such actions would be unlawful and would violate public policy, since the nurse practice acts prohibit a nurse from holding more than one license under the eNLC (NLC Administrators, 2013). The state must also have the capacity to conduct a federal criminal background check.If a state seeks to join the compact, the state, through its state legislature, must authorize the NLC and adopt rules and regulations that will govern the compact administration and implementation (Evans, 2015). Once the terms of the disciplinary measures have been satisfied, the original home state may re-issue a multistate license (NLC Administrators, 2012). In the multistate licensure context, however, those violations will be addressed, both at the location of the offense and in all the compact states where the nurse has a license or PTP. In signing the consent orders, the two nurses chose not to contest the allegations against them. DISCIPLINARY ACTION A Warning was issued in respect to this nurse's license. (2013). Copyright 2023, Connecticut Health I-Team. While nurses may have the privilege to practice in many compact states, they can have only one nursing license. Reprimand, Reprimand In a similar scenario, Case #2, an LVN with a license from Virginia, with a PTP in Texas, was charged with practicing without a valid license in 2016. The issue of making any and all board disciplinary actions public information, easily found on the internet with a . Their home state licenses would be accepted in all of the NLC states and they would be subject to the laws and nurse practice acts of all the state(s) in which they practiced (NCSBN, 2011, 2016). The board reprimanded the LPN license of Amanda Hansen, formerly of Wolcott, in connection with her handling of a medically fragile child while working in the patients home for PSA Healthcare of Plainville in 2016, records show. each one of the states took a disciplinary stance, their stipulations and sanctions differed.An important point in this case is that while each one of the states took a disciplinary stance, their stipulations and sanctions differed. Every board and every type of professional license, depending on the field, has a different procedure for which disciplinary action to proceed with. 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular Covers 2010-present Decisions, consent orders, correspondence, decrees, etc. Nurses can face disciplinary action for medical malpractice, substance abuse, and various forms of misconduct. The Connecticut board can impose discipline on a nurse licensed in Connecticut if the nurse has been disciplined in other states. Implications for NursesThis section includes some important reminders for nurses regarding license compacts. States that have not subscribed to the NLC continue to issue single-state licenses; and a nurse may hold as many of those single state licenses as desired, in addition to holding a compact license (Ridenour, 2011). The BONs are responsible to protect the public from the risk of harm from nurses in the form of reasonable laws to regulate nursing. of Public Health 410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 13PHO P.O. The general standard for this action is clear and convincing evidence that continued practice by the nurse would present a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public. Massachusetts Board of Registration In NURSING Disciplinary Actions . Nurse Licensure Compact model rules and regulations [PDF file]. Their other concern was financial in nature. They were displeased that the state would not only have to pay for annual membership in the NLC but also lose the ability to collect licensing fees directly from nurses seeking to practice in their state. Probation 1 - year, Reinstated to Probation - 1 year The board placed the registered nurse (RN) license of Sara J. Smith of Shelton on probation for four years after it found she altered a 2018 prescription for codeine after testing positive for codeine on April 3, 2019, according to a consent order signed by Smith. Find the right nursing program for you. Decisions, consent orders, correspondence, decrees, etc. According to the NCSBN, this represents less than 1% of all nursing licenses. (2018a, January 19). DISCIPLINARY ACTION -License suspended. If your appeal is successful, you will be able to restore your professional license. One such rule is the one primary residence rule (NCSBN, n.d.d). The language used to describe the types of disciplinary actions available to BONs varies according to state law. It has become necessary to ensure that a nurses license is unrestricted in her home state and/or that it includes multi-state privileges to work in the employers own state, if necessary. NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. Documentation errors or omissions account for another 9.7% and treatment and care failures for 9.3%. (n.d.j). In 2015, The Special Delegation Assembly approved a Model Legislation that could be used by states seeking to join the NLC (NCSBN, 2015b). investigation is pending, Reprimand The sections below will briefly describe the uniform license requirements and the background checks, key disciplinary provisions, and the process for reporting disciplinary actions against the licenses and privileges of nurses with multistate licenses. all disciplinary actions are documented in one depository known as Nursys.Mandatory Reporting Process Regarding Disciplinary ActionsArticle VI of the eNLC requires prompt reporting of any information that results from an investigation of a complaint against a nurse. Nurse Disciplinary Actions The following is a listing of public actions taken by the Board of Examiners for Nursing or the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The board revoked the registered nurse license of Amanda Alarcon of Shelton for failing to attend therapy sessions or submit to drug tests, its memorandum of decision said. Based on this West Virginia event, Texas filed formal charges against her and she voluntarily surrendered her license. 2023 NurseJournal.org, a Red Ventures Company. However, only three of these articles relate to disciplinary actions: Articles III, V, and VI (NCSBN, n.d.d). Disciplinary actions by state boards of nursing are shared with other boards of nursing across state lines through various means, one being the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's Disciplinary Data Bank established in 1981. This does not yet determine if the complaint is valid, just whether the board of nursing has jurisdiction. Contact Info Missouri State Board of. Find a location that has a supply of COVID-19 therapeutics as part of the Test to Treat initiative here. . It may also proceed by holding a settlement conference or hearing. Although quite similar to the original NLC, the eNLC was designed to repeal and replace the existing NLC and implement requirements that would improve confidence and address the issues raised by reluctant stakeholders (Evans, 2015). Although the NLC makes nursing practice across state lines more uniform and less costly, it could also have a serious impact on a nurses ability to practice, especially if the nurse is under investigation or is disciplined by a state BON. According to the NCSBN, each year less than 1% of nurses have any adverse action taken against their licenses. Does this state allow users to look up nurses licenses for free online? If they do not, that is grounds for a complaint against their license. Therefore, you must make sure that you do everything you can to find an attorney, understand the allegations against you in the complaint, and prepare yourself for the hearing. Those were violations of a four-year probation that the board imposed in 2017 because she had abused heroin between 2011 and 2014, state records show. Position statement: Multi-state Nurse Compact Licensure [PDF file]. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers. The complete DPH COVID-19 toolbox is located at ct.gov/coronavirus. The provisions of the eNLC highly reduce the likelihood that public safety will be compromised. This ensures that a license to practice has not been compromised or encumbered at a remote location. Important notice to licensees and nurse license applicants: The new enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact is coming. DPH of intent to return to practice in CT, Cease & Desist the Practice For example, the length of time for which she was barred from practice was different from state to state respectively. Database of Sanctioned California Nurses - We assembled a database of nearly 2,400 California registered nurses facing discipline between 2002 and Sept. 2009. of Nursing, Voluntary Agreement Not to People who are at a high risk for severe illness should consider additional measures to minimize their exposure to COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses. 2023 American Nurses Association. Any person with knowledge of a violation of the state's nurse practice act, unethical behavior, or behavior that either endangers a patient or represents a potential danger to patients can file a complaint with the state board of nursing. Starting in 2021, nail technicians are now required to obtain and maintain a professional license, Massage therapists are some of the most popular professionals in the state of Connecticut. of Public Health410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 13PHOP.O. Key Disciplinary ProvisionsIn addition to the eligibility requirements, the eNLC contains key provisions that are explained in eleven articles. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/Memo2Employers_PSOR.Requirements.pdf, Ohio Nurses Association. This case clearly invalidates the notion that the NLC allows nurses to fly under the radar when they practice on a compact license. Resources and articles written by professionals and other nurses like you. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/201106_NLC_JRidenour.pdf, Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. . Specific examples of disciplinary actions and implications for nurses, employers, and educators are presented. To be eligible for a multistate license, the applicant must not currently be in an alternative program (NCSBN, n.d.j). She forged the signature on a log that said she had completed the required 150 hours of training when she had only completed 16 hours, the order said. most nurses render care in a competent manner and that only a very small minority are charged with violations. While enrolled in a masters of nursing program online at Bradley University in Illinois, Young forged the signature of her preceptor, or supervisor, on exams and time logs and created fictitious patient records, a consent order she agreed to said. Civil Penalty - $200.00, Ellen Sollazzo It must be completed within the required deadline.The paper work and change of license must also occur within a specified time. Check with each state before using these figures in a story. Boards of Nursing (BON) take disciplinary action in order to protect the public by insuring that only properly qualified and ethical individuals practice nursing. (2017, March). Nursys is an online database of the NCSBN that stores nurse licensure and disciplinary information. Citation: Oyeleye, O.A., (May 20, 2019) "The Nursing Licensure Compact and Its Disciplinary Provisions: What Nurses Should Know" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. Referral to an alternative to discipline program for practice monitoring and recovery support (drug or alcohol dependent nurses, or in some other mental or physical conditions), Public reprimand or censure for minor violation of nurse practice act often with no restrictions on license, Imposition of requirements for monitoring, remediation, education or other provision tailored to the particular situation, Limitation or restriction of one or more aspects of practice (e.g., probation with certain restrictions, limiting role, setting, activities, hours worked), Separation from practice for a period of time (suspension) or loss of license (revocation or voluntary surrender), Remediation (various educational content or exercises). For decades, the licensing of nurses followed a single-state-licensing format in which a nurse was required to obtain a license in every state in which the nurse desires to practice. These contributors: Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. Nurses can also appeal nursing disciplinary actions and, depending on the specific action, may later appeal for restoration of a revoked license. For example, while accepting valuable presents or money from a current or past patient is against nurse practice acts, most nurses dont want to hurt a patients feelings if they're offered a small personal gift of little financial value. It may involve interviews with the nurse, patients, and witnesses; asking for a written response; and reviews of documentation and other evidence. When nurses extend practice into another compact state, they do not obtain another license, but will work under a PTP. State boards of nursing provide the information through the Nursys eNotify program. For example, Case #4 was a registered nurse with a license from Kentucky and a PTP in Texas, who was convicted of DUI and possession of marijuana, both of which were misdemeanor offenses. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/Key_Provisions_of_New_APRN_Compact.pdf, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This, they believed, would dilute the power of the collective voices of Ohio nurses and nurses associations (Ohio Nurses Association, 2017). Facing Investigations. Students need to know about how they might prevent actions that could cause disciplinary sanctions. We also analyzed the gap in time between the board's public accusation and disciplinary decision. Therefore, it is prudent to verify nursing licenses for all employees at Nursys.com, both at the beginning of employment and at intervals. 2. Each member state may issue a single state license to such an applicant, upon consideration of each individual case. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 6(3), 11-16. practicing It may also result in filing formal charges or assigning the nurse to an alternative-to-discipline program. This act requires systematic oversight of regulations. To varying degrees, it allows employers and the public easy access to information about the status of nurses licensure and any disciplinary actions taken against them (NCSBN, 2011). Many nurses protested and even quit after she was found guilty, alarmed at the criminalization of medical mistakes. Retrieved from https://ncsbn.org/compacts.htm, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Once the Virginia license was granted, the Texas license became invalid. This guide answers your questions about complaints against nurses and how they are resolved. NURSYS clearly takes the position on its website that since all of the information comes from state boards of nursing, it is the nurse's responsibility to contact the board to update information on its website. All applicants must also have passed the applicable licensing examination and be eligible to hold an unencumbered license (NCSBN, n.d.j). Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. Key Words: multistate compact, disciplinary actions, enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact, Nursing Licensure Compact, Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, out of state, Nursys, privilege to practice, National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), telemedicine. A listing of all appeals filed within the past thirty days is included in this report. Finally, the ONA opposed the NLC because of the belief that it would shift power and influence from the nurses and the state nurses associations to the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators. (n.d.b). The inability to practice when under investigation and the burden of having to defend ones license and ones privilege to practice could take a great toll, both financially and otherwise. Below are the number of serious actions against registered nurses that Connecticut reported in recent years, based on a ProPublica analysis of data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (see caveats). each nurse must do due diligence to confirm a specific state's regulations.These cases illustrate that a nurse in a compact state can only hold one license and that must change if her residence changes. How does nursing disciplinary action work? Furthermore, they expressed concern about some inconsistency between some state regulations and the NLC requirements. It created the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). Employers may not require such from their employees, nor should they require that prospective employees using a PTP also apply for a license in the employers state. Together the NPA and rules/regulations guide and govern nursing practice. Board actions may include: A state BON has the authority to take action against a licensee on the basis of another states licensure disciplinary action that implicates the individuals ongoing ability and likelihood to practice professionally and safely. Revocation of a license is rare, but it does occur in the most serious cases where the allegations are very serious or threatening to the public and the evidence against the holder is great. 56 Nursys e-Notify boards of nursing. License Number, Schuler-Blanchette, Connecticut Board of Nursing Minimum Requirements. The state must also have the capacity to conduct a federal criminal background check (NCSBN, 2016). This led to disciplinary action by the BNE (Texas BNE, n.d.). It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. Pro Publica Inc. RN #075930, Sheryl Lacoursiere (2011, June). In spite of these concerns, as many as 25 states did join the NLC. (NCSBN, 2017). Lead Reporters: Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber. Several Connecticut nurses have been disciplined for abusing opioids, including buprenorphine. Actual cases of disciplinary actions against nurses are used in this article; several measures have been taken to preserve anonymity and confidentiality. renew License, Reprimand Number, Name Try to remain calm and cooperative but careful not to expose more than what is asked of you. Below, I will discuss the implications of the NLC for nurses, employers, and educators. Retrieved from http://www.ohnurses.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Multi-State-Compact-Licensure-Compact-Statement.pdf, Pew Health Professions Commission, Taskforce on Health Care Workforce Regulation. She voluntarily surrendered her PTP in Texas. Her experience includes teaching students and nurses about legal issues that impact nurses. 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular Please note that effective dates of all actions are included. Patricia C. Bouffard, Connecticut nursing board chair and a registered nurse, said that during her 15 years on the board, the number of substance abuse cases has always hovered at 80 percent, although more now involve opioids. Board actions may include: Fine or civil penalty. The main accomplishment of the NLC was that there would be one license by which a nurse may practice in multiple states, physically and by distance, without any additional application requirements or fees. The board suspended the RN license of Christopher Kay of Enfield, who works for the state Department of Correction, saying his abuse of alcohol affects his ability to practice as a nurse. Please visit covidtests.gov to request four free COVID-19 self-test kits from the Federal Government. For example, a nurse that obtains a conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) is subject both to the penal code of the state, and the disciplinary provisions of the state nurse practice act (NCSBN, n.d.d). (One of the reasons many nurses protested the ReDonda Vaught trial and verdict is that they feared it would have an effect on self-reporting or reporting colleagues.). Probation - 4 years, Reinstated to She was given the liberty, however, to seek a single-state license from a non-compact until she had fulfilled the conditions of her disciplinary sanctions. This is called the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. in the Operating Room (pdf), Declaratory Ruling - Examinations by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. The Conn. Health I-Team is dedicated to producing original, responsible, in-depth journalism on key issues of health and safety that affect our readers, and helping them make informed health care choices. Your email address will not be published. They are one of the most trusted professions in the country because of their high standards. (n.d.a). Sexual misconduct (such as engaging in sexual relationships with patients), Boundary violations (such as soliciting or accepting monetary or valuable gifts), Abuse of patients (either physically or verbally), Professional conduct (32.5% of all primary allegations), Documentation errors or omissions account (9.7%), Probation (The nurse may continue to practice, but any further validated complaints will result in more serious nursing disciplinary action. At a hearing, there will usually be a panel of board members who will hear the evidence against you that was produced in the investigation. it is important to remember that the multistate NLC does not change anything for a nurse who obtains one license and does not seek to move to or to practice in another state.Secondly, nurses should know that even when they do not qualify for a multi-state license, a single-state license may still be obtained (NLC Administrators, 2012). The probation will begin concurrently with the suspension. Lisa S. Freeman, BA - (Public Member) Nurse Licensure Compact myths & facts [PowerPoint slides]. Records show he abused alcohol to excess from 2015 to 2017 and has not been compliant with treatment and monitoring in an alternative program run by the Health Assistance InterVention Network since December. This does not preclude a non-compact state from issuing a single-state license to that nurse during the same period. Fines or civil penalties apply to several violations, but they are common in cases where a nurse committed fraud or otherwise gained financially from their violation. You may verify a license on-line atwww.elicense.ct.gov or by calling 860-509-7603. Nearly 100 nurses also faced disciplinary action 2018. Case #7, a Texas registered nurse with a PTP in Arizona, illustrates this. ANNA Journal, 24(5), 507-515. Another timely development in 1996 was the enactment of the Telecommunications Act by the U.S. Congress. In addition to suspending or revoking a nursing license, state boards of nursing may issue fines or warnings and possibly require a nurse to complete professional education as part of their nursing disciplinary action. This page has information and updates on nursing boards and regulation specific to Colorado. After our report, most of the board and its executive officer either resigned or were removed. It recommended, among other things, that States should standardize entry-to-practice requirements and limit them to competence assessments for health professions to facilitate the physical and professional mobility of the health professions, (Pew, 1995, p. ix). They also believed that there was a lack of clarity regarding how to check on nurses disciplinary infractions in remote states. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), nursing disciplinary action "affects the nurse's licensure status and ability to practice nursing." The Nurse Licensure Compact explained video transcript [PDF file]. Please note that effective dates of all actions are included. Referral to an alternative to discipline program for practice monitoring and recovery support (drug or alcohol dependent nurses, or in some other . Call our office today to speak with someone about your professional license. It is noteworthy that the nursing profession led the way, among the healthcare professions, in establishing and implementing an interstate practice model.Three years later, on January 1, 2000, NLC officially began when Maryland, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin passed it into law (Texas BON, 2013b). Must complete refresher and NCLEX, Suspended while Civil Penalty - $2500.00 With increased privilege to practice comes increased exposure to disciplinary action.Greater Privileges Equal Greater Risk and Financial Burden. https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/law/state-agency-decisions, Get a Library Card & Use or Borrow Materials, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Braille and Audio Reading Downloand (BARD), Connecticut Volunteer Services for the Blind & Handicapped, Inc. (CVSBH), Connecticut State Historical Records Advisory Board, The Public Records of the State of Connecticut, Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities, Brief History of the Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Regulatory Reports, Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of the measures to protect the public, the uniform license requirements also state that when an applicant seeks initial licensure or licensure by endorsement, the states must obtain the applicants criminal history record through fingerprints or biometric data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the state (NCSBN, n.d.j). Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. VACATED 07/17/2019, Agreement not to The board of nursing (BON), through its statutory authority specified in the nurse practice act, is responsible for reviewing and acting on complaints in order to fulfill their mission to protect the public.

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