Good moral Character for MA licensure confusion!!!! help!

rammstein · Nov 21, 2012

you only have to fill out the good moral character form if you answered yes to one of the questions that would be acting against good moral character. the questions are:

1. Has any disciplinary action ever been taken against you by a professional and/or trade licensing/certification board located in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any country/foreign jurisdiction, including removal from a long-term care nurse aide registry program?

2. Are you the subject of pending disciplinary action by a professional and/or trade licensing/certification board located in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any country/foreign jurisdiction?

3. Have you ever applied for, and been denied, a professional and/or trade license/certification in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?

4. Have you ever surrendered or resigned a professional and/or trade license/certificate in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?

5. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any other country/foreign jurisdiction?

6. Are you the subject of any pending or open criminal case (s) or investigation(s), (including for any felony or misdemeanor) in a jurisdiction in the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territory, or any country/foreign jurisdiction?

If you didn't answer yes to any of those, you don't have to answer the other worksheet or submit those other documents.

MA does all their licensure through PCS now, here's the link you need in case you don't have it: https://www.pcshq.com/?page=health,uregisterednursesrnu

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2012

my question is, how would they deal with someone denied licensure d/t mental illness or the like? In some states it's possible. I (thankfully) was able to overturn my denial for one of my licensures, but it happens. I find it hard to believe that people denied one d/t mental illness are of poor moral character. As a matter of fact, being honest on the application that led to the denial would help prove that the person is of good moral character.

I know you were just explaining the rules, but I have always thought just the denial of a license in another state that could lead to a second denial was sad. :down:

ctrn3478 · Nov 23, 2012

Thank you for the simple straight forward answer! In this case I have to send nothing in for good moral character even though I did already send the CORI check form (since I was unsure so i figured i would in case they needed it to speed things up). My app is on its way to PCS now thanks : )

ctrn3478 · Nov 23, 2012

I believe in massachusetts good moral character as far as licensing pertains to criminal violations, misdemeanors, disciplinary actions against your license etc....but thats interesting you bring that up since I also suffer from mental illness (bipolar) I've had it since a very young age and try my best to take VERY good care of myself and know when somethings up that I need to take control over... for the most part I feel I now and for the past couple of years have had great control/judement over it. Which states were these (if you dont mind) and how did they go about doing that?

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2012

I don't know all of them, but I know VA, TX, and TN all ask in some form or fashion about mental illness. There's more states that do, just don't know them all. It's on the application for licensure with the Board of Nursing. I was honest and sent a letter from my psychiatrist and everything, was approved contingent that I signed up with HPMP and follow my contract. I was denied, initially, my pharmacy tech license, but got it overturned. It was the same info and everything that was given to the BON. So, that's why I said that I didn't think one denial for licensure should weigh so much. Different people, different opinions. Being honest to the Boards should actually be a sign in itself that you are probably of good moral character (it goes along with integrity).

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 24, 2012

I believe in massachusetts good moral character as far as licensing pertains to criminal violations, misdemeanors, disciplinary actions against your license etc....but thats interesting you bring that up since I also suffer from mental illness (bipolar) I've had it since a very young age and try my best to take VERY good care of myself and know when somethings up that I need to take control over... for the most part I feel I now and for the past couple of years have had great control/judement over it. Which states were these (if you dont mind) and how did they go about doing that?

Did you have to disclose your BP to the board of nursing? I picked up this diagnosis earlier this year, and now I've got to renew my RN license. To say the least, I'm more than a little nervous about this, even though I've probably had the disorder for most of my life and have never been accused of being unsafe to practice. My state does ask the question of whether one has a physical or mental illness that could interfere with their ability to practice nursing.....not if it does interfere, or has interfered, but only if it could. That's some dangerous territory IMO.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2012

Viva, that's the way VA asks it too. I hated it because I didn't understand whether I answered what they were asking or not. I don't think I am a danger, but it says "could". Well, mental illness "could" cause problems...There needs to be better wording on these applications because to this day, I have no idea if I answered the question the way that the BON intended it to be understood and answered. Very subjective and opinion oriented. I prefer factual questions as in there's only one way to interpret the question. In TX, I think they say something like "have you been diagnosed or treated for Bipolar, schizophrenia, or mental illness in the past 5 years?". I understand that. There's no other way to interpret that.

Well, Viva, I was honest and put "yes" and disclosed. You see where that got me...on the other hand, I would not want to lie to the BON. Could spell trouble.

theroys88 · Jan 10, 2013

Hi im an RN in CT and I am confused about good moral character forms/ requirements. The app says itll take only 21 days but the good moral character forms say at least 8 weeks and I need my MA license asap to get this job. 1.) Is this form necessary for licensure by reciprocity if I have no hx of criminal convictions misdemeanors penalties etc. ?2.) If it is necessary, it seems as though I need to submit some type or resume? What should this resume include (character references?)?3.) Does this actually take 8 weeks and will I not have a license until its completed?ANY info on exactly how I can do this would be helpful!!! Thanks

BON equals risk management. Also HR departments at most hospital systems. Almost impossible to get a interview.

ctrn3478 · Feb 7, 2013

Sorry this is months later... havent been on in a while. I did not disclose it . I have never seen anything on MA or CT state applications or license by reciprocity. only good moral character involving criminal activity etc which in no way applies to me. So no, I've never directly been asked on an application about mental illness. If I do in the future Ill feel I need to answer yes, although I would never want to bc i feel it would be treated terribly even though I have clearence from my doctor. Its really tough :/