Disclosing mental health information to board?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, new to the site here and made an account because I wanted to ask a specific question that maybe someone might be able to answer! I'm up for renewal of my license and like all licensing boards they ask the crimal and mental health questions. When I originally filed for my license I disclosed to the board that I had ADHD and was being treated for it because I wanted to be honest, despite the fact I felt like my rights were being violated and I was being discriminated against for having ADHD. They required me to obtain a safe to practice and route of treatment letter from my provider. Now I would have never disclosed this information but the question is so vague on the alaska license board which states,

"Since the date of your last application, have you been or are you currently being treated or on medication for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, psychotic disorder, substance abuse, depression (excluding situational or reactive depression) or any other mental or emotional illness?", that I felt I had no option but to disclose it.

Can an anyone answer that this is not a violation of The American Disabilities Act and do I really need to continue to provide this information to the board for the rest of my career every 2 years during renewal? It seems like such a small thing but at the same time I feel like I'm being discriminated against and punished for when it's none of the boards business. Anyone have experience with this issue or any professional law opinions out there? Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Best thing to do is contact your board of nursing directly. If you Google your state's board of nursing, then you should find contact information.

I wouldn't think that you would have to disclose any information with every single renewal, unless there has been a change.

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That's a really good question. In 30-plus years, I don't recall ever being asked those questions for license renewals, and I've been licensed in 3 states.

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Thanks for your responses, one thing I've learned about the board is they are anything but over looking or forgiving. The employees are anything but nice and considerate, and also don't hesitate to try and make you feel stupid or below them any chance they get. I have not even called the board and I already know their exact response which is, you should turn it in anyways just to be safe. My personal concern is, how does this not violate the ADA? I feel like a question so broad as, "ANY, mental or emotional illness" is some type of intrusion of privacy. The above statement in OP is word for word the question on Alaska state licensure. Anyone else have a question on license renewal this broad?

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Can you apply early without it so that if they require it you would still have time to obtain it? I would assume since you disclosed the first time that they would have this information.

I know, i know where assuming gets me and to expect sense from an agency.

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I have plenty of time, the deadline is November 30th, I've done this on my LPN license and my RN license so I know the whole process. this is just the first renewal I've had to do and can not believe I will have to obtain this new information every 2 years and renew my license in person, especially when I feel like this is some sort of PI violation. I'm just extremely frustrated, I've taken these meds for nearly half my life, nothing has changed, and I feel like I'm being treated like someone on drug probation where I have to prove that I am continually competent to do my job. Sheesh I hate the Bon :(

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Specializes in critical care ICU.

Just want to say that I relate. I have severe depression that's been in remission for 2 years. I am the best I've EVER been in my life. :) But...for my occupational health appointment (new job!) they are asking all of these intrusive questions as well.

I talked to a representative from NAMI, the ADA, and EEOC (NAMI referred me to ADA...ADA referred me to EEOC). It seems from what they told me is that it's better to disclose. But disclose in the most minimalist way possible. Lying is usually grounds for disciplinary action/termination. Having an illness...they have to prove that you're a direct and serious threat to patients before they can do ANYTHING against you. Well managed ADHD should have minimal effect on your ability to practice nursing.

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Thanks for your response kataraang, good to know I'm not the only one! I was going to contact the ADA on my next days off, their hard to contact being that their on the east coast with limited hours of operation. Honesty was the original reason why I disclosed it from the get go, and now I just feel like I'm continually being punished not to mention I have to pay for it! :dead:

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Specializes in critical care ICU.
Thanks for your response kataraang, good to know I'm not the only one! I was going to contact the ADA on my next days off, their hard to contact being that their on the east coast with limited hours of operation. Honesty was the original reason why I disclosed it from the get go, and now I just feel like I'm continually being punished not to mention I have to pay for it! :dead:

I have my occupational health screening today for my first ever nursing job...it's when they'll find out. So nervous! But it'll be okay.

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Good luck! Hope all goes well

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Specializes in critical care ICU.

It went great! She completely understood and didn't say anything bad about it. All I have to do is get my doctor to write a letter saying I'm cleared with no restrictions and I'll be good to go. :woot:

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I had to disclose my bipolar 1 diagnosis on my last renewal application. I wrote that it was well-managed and I would provide documentation from my psychiatrist if they needed it. They renewed my license without any problems. I think they just want to make sure one is safe to practice and that's why they ask for the information. I agree, personal health information really shouldn't have to be shared with the BON, but if you get caught omitting facts from your application the consequences could be dire. You don't want to risk it.

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