**Alert**Our Right to Privacy as nurses???

[bchboy]

I am not sure if anyone has discussed this before but I think this needs action from us all....

I just went to the Secretary of State website to find out the status of my license and realized I could type a last name of any licensed nurse and find there home address. Give it a try, I could find any of my coworkers old classmates etc... (this is in Ga., I am not sure about other states)

I dont have much of a problem with it because I am a guy and dont think I will be stalked anytime soon but for the 75% of the female nurses out there it is a tragedy waiting to happen.

As nurses, we deal with all sorts of people, both good and bad. I for one do not want my patients having my home address without my knowledge.

I am going to send a letter to the Secretary of State to ensure this matter gets resolved but this is a heads up that I may need your help.

Thanks

Jim

[veegeern, BSN, RN]

I think city and state is a little better but not if your from a town of 1200 folks. Anyway, I think it should just show your name, state, license number and if it is valid or not, any other info needs to be protected.

I am going to start a push in the state of Ga. I have good back up from the people who started the movement that just allowed nurse practitioners to write prescriptions in Ga., just be aware of what your state is doing to you, it could be endangering you and your family.

Thanks and I will keep you all updated.

Jim

It was announced a few months back that GA nurses can now use a work address instead of a home address for their license posting on the internet. I'll see if I can find the source...

Oops! Just read the rest of the posts!

[Sheri257]

I always use a post office box for mail just for this reason. It is a small price to pay for a little PEACE OF MIND and SECURITY!

True but, P.O. boxes are a hassle. This is why I have BIG dogs on my property. If someone wants to come to my house ... feel free. Good luck getting past my dogs.

These Christian door knockers came into the yard once, ignoring the warning signs. The dogs nearly ate them alive. I'm pretty sure they won't be bothering us again.

[txnurse317]

Thank goodness all Texas lists is name, city, and zip. It does list the expiration date, date of licensure, and disciplinary actions if any.

[RedSox33RN]

NH also lists the license number and exp date, and will detail any disciplinary action taken on your license.

We try so hard to protect ourselves, I can't imagine the BON in some state just throwing that all away and putting names and addresses out there. I'd be furious.

[GatorNurse84]

I looked up myself, and it has my full name (First, middle, and last), my license number, and my home address. What's next? My driver's license number and social security? Anyone from Florida know how/if I can change my info so that my address doesn't show? Or put the address of my work?

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

In Florida we're allowed to use our employer as our home address. I didn't know that until recently and will be doing that the next time I renew.

Tweety you dont have to wait to renew you can change it any time online.

Rj

[grace90, LPN, LVN]

Michigan just lists our town and zip code.

[MemphisOBRNC, BSN, RN]

TN must have recently changed. Today, only name, city, state and zip came up. In the past, the complete home address was there and years ago, your BIRTHDAY was listed!

[jpribble]

In IA you have to have a license number to proceed into the verification area, then very basic information is given. I am told that not so long ago all was revealed though!

[sam12]

Wow? This is scary. Somebody can get in "big" trouble.

[nurse1995]

i just checked for my license, in the state of Pa. they have my town and state where i live, listed next to my name and the status of my license, you are right, any crackpot can find out where you live! I just went to the portal and i only had to list my last and first name , and, viola! there everything was! from my graduate licence number to my professional number!:angryfire What happened to our right to privacy? I agree.

[MemphisOBRNC, BSN, RN]

Not only can you find out information on nurses, it's ANY licensed person! Cosmetologist, EMT, Accupuncturist, Vet. Tech etc. This is exactly why our hospital has allowed certain departments to take our last name off our badge: ER, ICU and L&D.