Change to License Requirements???

It was in the news. It is part of the FL law that states that one cannot get a license unless you are felony free for 15 years. (I guess that is what they mean by level 1...)



If you look at the license application dated August 2009, it contains the following:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective July 1, 2009, section 456.0635, Florida Statutes, provides that healthcare boards or the department boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination in the applicant has been:

1. Convicted or plead guilty or nolo contendre to a felony violation of: chapters 409, 817, or 893, Florida Statutes; or 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 or 42 U.S.C. ss 1395-1396, unless the sentence and any probation or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the application

www.doh.state.fl.us/MQA/nursing/ap_licensure-RN-LPN.DOC

BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!

I was just kicked out of the Polk State College nursing program over this new bill. I'm an honors student (Phi Theta Kappa) and I'm very passionate about nursing, but because I caught a possession of Xanax without a prescription six years ago I can't apply for a license in the state of Florida.

I'm not a freakin' junkie. I was first diagnosed with GAD and Panic Disorder when I was 13. I had an Rx prior to and since I was convicted. If it wasn't for the fact that we have a broken healthcare system in this country I would have had an Rx then.

I'm so hurt by this situation. I'm a good nurse. I made a mistake when I was still a jitterbug. My conviction was unadjudicated. I still have all of my rights. I guess the State of Florida deems me fit to carry a pistol, but unfit to apply therapeutic touch to a sick person.

Does anyone know if this statute still applies to applicants if the charge is expunged or if your record is sealed?

If not, it's time to rent a UHAUL.

Joshua Drake Monroe