CRNA difficulties with prior DWI

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Specializes in n/a.

Hey guys. I was inquiring about a CRNA program and I told the director that I had a previous DWI from years ago. I will graduate with my BSN this year and the BON has already reviewed my case and is letting me sit for the exam but I'll be on a TPAPN order for a while. I told all this to the director of said program. Her response was as follows.

"You are in a difficult situation. Unfortunately, we are now learning of some situations where insurance companies are refusing to pay CRNAs with a history of drug & alcohol abuse and it is also at times an issue with carriers. I am not sure a nursing career where you will rely on payment from 3rd party carriers is the best for you."

Any suggestions or information on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

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My first question would be how long ago was the conviction. Next would be, are you eligible for expungement? If you don't have other offenses, related or otherwise, and enough time has elapsed you may be able to get it wiped from your record. You will still likely be required to report it to your BON to be safe, but it shows your willingness to work past it as well as the state's willingness to let it go. Also, it's very unlikely the insurance company would be able to find a record of the case. So they wouldn't know unless they had a copy of your BON application. Of course laws vary greatly by state, but it's worth a look. Many attorney's that do these will hear your situation and generally let you know if its possible for free. Try google for expungement in (your state).

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Specializes in n/a.

Thanks Zack,

The offense occurred 4 years ago. I still have a year of my BSN program left, then two years of ICU experience I need, plus 2-3 years of CRNA school, it would be 9-10 years since the date from the offense before I'd even be licensed as a CRNA in Texas.

I am not eligible for expungement. In Texas a dwi that you've been convicted of will stay on your record until pigs fly.

The BON already knows about my DWI. It is on record. They're allowing me to practice as a nurse once I pass my NCLEX.

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Unfortunately, according to Texas Code Crim. Proc. 55.02, you're right. The only way to have it expunged is if you we're acquitted or win an appeal. Another option to look into is to see if you can get the record sealed. I'm not too familiar with this, a quick search on a Texas DUI attorney's website mentioned this as a potential option. Someone else could tell you more, but from what I understood, it wouldn't show up on a background check, however State organizations could access it. This is important because it sounds like your probablem wouldn't be getting your CRNA license, but getting insurance. An insurance company won't have the same access as a state agency would because they can still use an expunged/sealed case to justify sentencing for a future conviction, i.e. 2nd offense DUI.Again I'm not an attorney, but I sympathize with you for a 10 year old conviction causing you trouble.Best of luck to ya

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Specializes in ICU, MS & Case management.

Did you find out any more info about this ? I am in the exact same situation.

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