It is imperative nurses understand there is license jeopardy whenever a report is filed with the Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), or with the conviction of a practice-related, or non-practice related, violation. Legal counsel, with expertise in New York state’s license provisions, may be the difference between loss and retention of license. Often a nurse may hesitate to retain legal counsel because of the costs involved, especially at a time of severe loss of income. It is always in a nurse’s best interest to obtain appropriate legal assistance; it is imperative to have an thorough understanding of rights relating to law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
Nurses are urged to obtain legal counsel if:
A nurse whose license is restored by Professional Assistance Program (PAP) and has relapsed (resumed use of substances, demonstrated by positive urines or behavior) will be requested to appear before a PAP panel. The nurse may be required to re-surrender the license. When sufficient progress has been achieved in treatment, with corroborative evidence (i.e., letters of support from treatment monitors, SPAN or a 12-step sponsor), application may be made for license restoration.
Contact NYSNA's Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses at 518.782.9400, ext. 250 or by e-mail.