Inactive license

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 19, 2001

All facilities/agencies are required to have verified that staff licenses are ACTIVE AND CURRENT. In homecare, we are required to verify that refering doctor's license is active by checking state list ( our clerk does this, someimes I assist process when getting new Doctors name)

I know VA policies are a little different. They need to have active license in at least one state. Checked NJ Physician board site out of curiosity since my homecare agency gets referral PA/NJ/DEL and they state must have active license to practice in that state. Would discuss with your nurse manager your concern.

If lawsuit, would be a nice chunk of $$$$$$ if doctor without active license and malpractice proven. always think PREVENTION.

night owl · May 19, 2001

NRSKarenRN,

How could I find out if he is licensed in another state? Does the web have sites for other states? I'm just a wreck over this because my license is at stake I would think.

Doey, BSN, RN · May 19, 2001

night owl,

You can try www.docboard.org and www.fsmb.org/links2.htm to locate information about a doc's license.

I would think that just as with a nursing license if it's inactive then that person would not be able to practice in that particular state. Although I don't how the VA system works.

If you're carrying out orders unknowingly written by an unlicensed physician I would think that your facility would be held partly responsible along with the physician. It isn't up to us to make sure every physician has a current license. As NRSKarenRN stated, it is the responsibility of the facility or agency. But I would speak with your manager about this. It could be an error. I don't know what the legal ramifications are of this since now you are aware that he is listed as not having a current license. Let us know what happens.

SheilaK · Jun 11, 2007

The other day I was checking out the State Board of Medical Examiners-Physicians On -Line Directory to see if all the physicians I've ever been to or worked with have a valid NJ license and low and behold the Dr. on our LTC unit has an inactive license. What does this actually mean? That he didn't renew them??? Is it legal for him to be practicing with an inactive license??? Am I legally responsible for carrying out his inactive orders (ie) giving meds etc under his inactive license??? Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Someone help me here please. He works for the government(VA) does that have anything to do with it??? OOOOOOh I hope so!!! He has no disciplinary action against him, just this inactive license...

Just to clarify.... you said he works for the VA... is your LTC facility part of the VA? I am not sure if the same rules apply for MD's as it does to nurses. As a nurse who works for the VA as long as I have one active licence in any US state I can work at any VA facility in any state. So my Oklahoma licence I put on inactive status back in 96 when we moved to Ohio and I got a licence from the state of Ohio. Then I went to work for the VA in 2000. SInce then I have worked in several different VA's; in Oklahoma City, Shreveport, LA and Dallas Tx. I have worked for all of these with my Ohio licence. Or rather I did until I got hurt at work last year.. and that is a whole thread all by itself.