When a nurse has their license revoked by the Texas Board of Nursing, or has surrendered it willingly, it may feel like the end. But, in some circumstances, the Board may be understanding and permit a nurse to have their license reinstated. Of course, this will come with some prerequisite actions on the nurse’s part.
The criteria for reinstatement requires that any evidence a nurse puts forward must indicate that permitting the nurse to practice their profession would be a safe choice for the people of Texas. And this evidence can’t be put forth as part of a petition of reinstatement until a full year has passed since the Board issued its Order.
Naturally, this evidence must be introduced in the form of supporting documentation. The sort of documentation will vary depending on the particular situation under which the nurse’s license was revoked. For example, suppose the nurse has been forced to cease practicing because of substance abuse. In that case, the Board may require documentation proving the nurse has completed a complete year of sobriety from an inpatient or outpatient program, from a treating physician, random negative drug screenings, and so on. In scenarios where criminal activity has taken place, the Board will require verification that the nurse has complied with and completed a course of parole or probation. Moreover, the Board may want to receive multiple letters of reference from employers (whether current or former) that recommend the character and performance of the nurse, and the Board may also require copies of any disciplinary actions taken against the nurse’s license by organizations (or tribunals) other than the Board itself. And it may also require documents verifying that the nurse has performed at least 20 hours of continuing education programs in nursing during their time away from practice.
These forms of documentation will need to accompany a formal Petition for Reinstatement of Licensure.
When the Board receives this petition, it will review it. If it finds the provided evidence sufficient to do so, an informal conference may be scheduled before a panel that will consider the petition. In some cases, the panel is considered unnecessary, and the Board will issue a Reinstatement Agreed Order under which the nurse and the Board agree on the criteria of reinstatement.
At every stage of this process, an experienced nursing license defense attorney will be of great help. Our law firm helps professionals keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a Texas agency, board, or commission. With offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, we serve professionals all over the state. As experienced attorneys, well-versed in state administrative and licensure laws, we know how to win. Our results speak for themselves!
If you are facing disciplinary action, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
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