Can legal issues with in one state prevent employment in another in which u r license

Published

I hold a license in several states. I am 44 years old and have been charged with using someone's credit card without their permission. This is my first charge of any kind. I have been a nurse for 6 years, as a result of this charge my FL license is suspended, but I have a license in another state. Adjudication was withheld on this felony charge. My questions are these, can this charge prevent me from getting a job in the other states in which I am licensed? Am i never going to be able to work as a nurse again? I had no money for a lawyer and got the raw end of this. The P.D told me I could put no on applications for convicted of a felony and that I could get this expunged. Now I am finding out neither is true. Does anyone have an insight into this subject?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You absolutely need a lawyer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

1. YES: legal issues in one state can carry over to affect your licensure/job prospects in another state.

2. Most--if not all--BONs require the disclosure of expunged/sealed records, so while expunging it may help you in the job search, you will still need to confess all to any BON that you apply to. In addition, you may also need to report legal arrests/charges/convictions even if you got them in another state. Check with the individual BON(s) to determine what your requirements are.

3. You really need to try to get a lawyer. Yes, it costs money but the BON is NOT the nurse's friend--and they're the ones who ultimately determine if you can work as a nurse. So you need every weapon on your side that you can get. See if there's a way you qualify for low-cost/pro-bono representation.

Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Various state laws explained here: FAQ: Nursing Licensure With Criminal History

Unauthorized credit card felony conviction can be expunged but still would need disclosure to BON.

Link to Boards of Nursing found bottom every page. Please visit 2nd states BON laws and regulations as some have reporting requirements immediately when license stipulations occur in another state, in addition to time of renewal. Failure to timely report can entail fine.

In PA, theft felony conviction due to federal laws protecting Seniors and children precludes hiring in

nursing home, personal care home, domicile care, home health and adult daily living center/daycare, state mental hospitals, intermediate care facilities, and community homes for individuals with mental retardation.

prohibitive offenses contained in act 14 of 1997

If not currently employed, it will be difficulty but not impossible to obtain a position, especially with the tight job market in many areas of the country,

Visit the National helping individuals with criminal records re-enter through employment network for advice.

Best wishes for moving forward.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion