Discipline and Expired License

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Specializes in Nurse.

Hello, I currently have a investigation in Indiana pending for diverting and failing a drug test. If I let my license expire and choose not to renew them in Indiana, and just work under my Kentucky license, would there be any issues? Would the investigation be halted in Indiana since I no longer have an active license?

From what I know, they will still investigate . I renewed my license twice before the Bon finally got to my case. When you renew, just include that you’re being investigated- it has a place where you can type it in. Good luck!

There are two additional considerations. First, when you renew your KY license you might be asked whether you have had action taken against a license in another jurisdiction. Second is the issue of your residency. If you are a legal resident of IN you will not be able to hold a license in KY after IN joins the nursing license compact.

Best wishes.

Indiana will still conduct the investigation and discipline your license with what they find, active or expired. If your Indiana License gets suspended or revoked, it will carry over to any other license you have as well. HOWEVER, Indiana has a professional recovery program called IPRP that is designed to help with your addiction and allow you to continue practicing and keep your license. If you dont enter this program, your license will be suspended or revoked if they find evidence against you. The positive drug test is all the evidence they need.

Not to add more stress to you, but Indiana is likely to press criminal charges as well. The state is attempting to "take a stand" and have been prosecuting every nurse who diverts in criminal court as well at with the BON and OIG.

Please take care and seek help if you need it before you try to take another nursing job. The best thing you can do for your license is to call IRPR and get enrolled.

Specializes in Nurse.

Thank you all for the comments, this is a really stressful time.

Specializes in ED RN and Case Manager.

@snoopy76I know that it is. There are many of us on this site that have been in your shoes. This is a wonderful community of support. Keep us updated!

Specializes in Med-Surg., LTC,, OB/GYN, L& D,, Office.

It seems, not without understanding your motivation, that you are attempting to dodge the accountability of your actions, which is worrisome...My advice would be to get knowledgable straightforward support and the help you require before you attempt to sidestep the course of events that will only compound your problem.

Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

Get an attorney that specializes in administrative law and professional licensure defense.

Don't try to deal with one state, let alone two, by yourself.

Specializes in Non judgmental advisor.
On 12/11/2019 at 7:44 AM, snoopy76 said:

Thank you all for the comments, this is a really stressful time.

I hope it works at well, I often put in my two cents for nurses struggling in their proffesion not sure what to say to you, but I hope you come out ontop and well

Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.
On 12/14/2019 at 11:56 AM, peachtreednurse said:

It seems, not without understanding your motivation, that you are attempting to dodge the accountability of your actions, which is worrisome...My advice would be to get knowledgable straightforward support and the help you require before you attempt to sidestep the course of events that will only compound your problem.

I can't agree more. I would strongly suggest you get talk to a lawyer just to see what they say to you in this matter. 100% positive no matter what this won't go away. If you feel that you are an addict the sooner you seek help the better. Hang in there.

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