Can NY BON request medical records?

[newjourney2011]

Hello all!

I am just starting the process of applying to nursing school, and am starting the pre-reqs in a few days. I'm a little concerned, as I had addiction issues many years ago. I've been sober for over 8 years, but before sobriety I was in outpatient rehab programs, a methadone program and in a psychiatric facility. I was also arrested a few times, with only disorderly conduct charges as a result, no misdemeanors.

I contacted the BON to ask about the disorderlies, and was informed that they are only concerned with misdemeanors and up. However, are they able to access my medical records (in NY at least), or do they request them? On paper, that time frame in my life looks like a train wreck, so I was hoping it would be protected by HIPAA.

I'm not asking for legal advice, just people's experience with the application, or the process. Are medical records asked for on the application? Can they somehow access it? Any feedback would be appreciated, as I would hate to spend the next 2-3 years working on this dream, to have it shattered by my past!

Thanks.

[all_over_again]

I cannot offer legal advice. What I can offer is reassurance that no one has requested unlimited access to my medical records. Ever. I have been a nurse since 2004.

Nursing is a job, just like any other. Don't fool yourself and think you're special... You aren't. There as just as many people who want to be policemen and bus drivers et al who don't have sterling background histories but still want honest work. That is the American way. Although we are not all perfect, we still have a great deal to offer to American society. If one employer doesn't take you, another one will.

Take that and run, Forrest! Run Forrest, run!