Indiana Licensure Question

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I have searched and searched the Indiana State Licensure's website and cannot find this information, at least I cannot find it written in english.... I am working on a homework assignment for my final semester of nursing school. I need to know if there is an impact on an Indiana Nursing license for criminal charges involving drugs or alcohol? I found the ISNAP program and read about it, and self reporting, but it does not really explain the penalties faced, especially if there are criminal charges.

I also need to know Norton's policy concerning drugs and alcohol (my clinicals are at a Norton facility).... but I can ask my preceptor if needed, this part of my question is a long shot.

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, LTC, OB, CCU, Occ Hth.

Just from having read other state nurse practice acts, I can say with some certainty there absolutely is some impact on an Indiana nursing license when there is a criminal charge involving drugs or alcohol. Take a close look at Indiana's nurse practice act and administrative code. Those documents should contain the information you're seeking. Particularly in codes and sections pertaining to denial, revocation, or suspension of one's nursing license.

As for your clinical's policy, that should have been provided in the mess of paperwork they had you fill out and sign prior to beginning.

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Specializes in Occupational Health/Legal Nurse Consulting.

I am a nurse in Indiana and I too faced this situation. I had a trespassing charge (dumb kid), and underage drinking charge (dumber kid) and some polygraph results floating out there that I would never want my mom to see (Dumberer kid). Having said all that, at the time of my NCLEX it has been greater than 5 years since any of those problems. ISNAP is not a punishment. It is a support system to keep nurses able to perform their duties. I was able to avoid ISNAP without even a personal appearance. My secret? Be as completely freaking honest as you can. Write a letter of explanation and own your mistakes. Good Luck!

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I read the handbook given to me, but it does not specify what penalties employees face in these situations. It refers students to their school for disciplinary actions. I need this for a homework assignment. But thank you I will look through the administrative code for Indiana for my answer.

I need to know what happens to people after they are licensed. This is a homework assignment. I am fortunate and had scary parents that kept me out of trouble :)

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Specializes in Occupational Health/Legal Nurse Consulting.
I read the handbook given to me, but it does not specify what penalties employees face in these situations. It refers students to their school for disciplinary actions. I need this for a homework assignment. But thank you I will look through the administrative code for Indiana for my answer.

I need to know what happens to people after they are licensed. This is a homework assignment. I am fortunate and had scary parents that kept me out of trouble :)

Okay, I understand what you are looking for now. I can still help you with this.

One of my instructors sat and still sits on the Indiana State Board of Nursing. I have been to multiple hearings. There is no set punishment for a crime or infringement. Having said that, the punishment typically fits the crime. The Nursing Board has power to use discretion and implements the punishments. Lesser charges such as DUI or drug charges typically get referred to ISNAP and the license holder operates on an impinged license. For more serious charges, such as narc theft, violent crimes, etc. the license can be suspended for some time, including 99 years. A revoked license can file an appeal to be reinstated after 7 years, so a 99 year suspension is the mac daddy punishment. And yes, I have seen one in person and it isn't pretty.

Check out this website: PLA: Board Minutes & Agendas. Look through the minutes of a few meetings. They often detail the crime and punishment of infractions.

For prospective nurses, see my last post. They may not be allowed to take the NCLEX until completing the ISNAP program.

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Thank you! That answers my question. I have been all over that website, except of course the Minutes and Agendas. I will be reading that next!.

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