Complaint or grievance process for license reactivation?

[Emily Underwood]

Does anyone know if there is a way to file a complaint or grievance about the way the Iowa BON has done something? I recently applied for reactivation of my license that went inactive in 2017. I started filling out the application last May then got to the part where they wanted $225 and realized I didn't have it so I stopped right there. So literally all I did was start filling out my info online and you have to pay right then before they process anything or do anything so at that point I decided to wait until I could save up the money because my family was going through financial hardship at the time. Finally in February I had the money to pay. I got everything done and sent in but had made a mistake with the amount of CEUs needed so they sent it back. Keep in mind I had just given birth and had a lot of things going on, so anyway it ended up taking until this month (june) to get it sent back.

They rejected my app, saying I exceeded the one year deadline because instead of counting back to February, when I paid my fee and my application began to be processed, they counted back to last May when I filled my name out and stopped. They now say I have to do it all again, including pay the fee that it took me months to save for last time! I called and tried to reason with the individual that answered the phone, and I explained that a reasonable person reading the one year deadline would naturally think that time period starts when you pay and your application initially begins to process! So because I filled my name out and didn't even complete the form back in May, they want another $225! I'm devestated and I think it's completely unreasonable!

Is there some way that I can file an official grievance about this? I realize I'm probably going to be out the $225, but I at least want to encourage them to change the policy to start the clock ticking only when the application is actually completed and the fee is paid. $225 down the drain when my family is dealing with being medically poor and barely avoiding eviction with a new baby is just devastating and it's so completely asinine I can't stand it.

Advice appreciated. Thanks for reading.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Sorry you are going through this.

I can't comment on the Iowa BON. I can tell you that any time you tilt at a government agency that has control over your future, you want to proceed with caution. Pay the $225 and get started working, then revisit this when you are less emotional and more financially stable. Right now you just need to get back to work and to do that you need the Iowa BON. Don't poke them in the eye right now. Take care of you first. There will be time to address this later.