LPN with Felony

[Nurse'swife]

I also posted in the Washington State Nursing Forum, but would appreciate input from any jurisdiction.

My husband was convicted of diverting a prescription medication (lidocaine patch -- not a controlled substance). This conviction was a Class B felony. It has taken almost 2 years for the Nursing Board to prepare to consider his case. He has submitted his statement and we will wait however long for them to make a decision.

I am looking for information about what to expect and what to prepare for long-term.

Does anyone have experience in what the Nursing Board might do in such a situation? Is it most likely that he will lose his license altogether? There seem to be programs available to keep a nursing license IF there was a substance abuse problem--but that isn't the case here.

If he is issued a reprimand or a probationary license--is there any hope of him finding another job?

If he has to wait until 5 years have expired and go through the process of having the conviction vacated--would be able to renew his LPN license after that?

Any advice/experiene/opinions would be helpful.

Should he just bag it and try to retrain for another career at 56 years old?

[Nurse'swife]

We had a telephone conversation with the Nursing Board today. It isn't over till it's over, but they are expecting the case to be closed after the investigation, with a reprimand at the very most. The nature of the conviction will not require reporting to the OAG so that won't be a hurdle.

I've read through the many threads here and it appears that getting a job will be difficult at best. Does anyone know where LPN's with a felony have found work in Washington State? Tech jobs in hospitals? LTC? If LTC, is it going to be facility-by-facility based on policies?

I understand that no-one can give legal advice, but it would be helpful to know of any first or second-hand experience.

Basically--this situation arose when my husband gave a lidocaine patch to a patient who was prescribed patches--but whose insurance wouldn't cover it.

[Nurse'swife]

We spoke with the Nursing Board QAC person today. It appears that they are most likely to close the case with no action or a repriman at the very most.

I understand that no one can give legal advice, but any 1st or 2nd hand stories of people who have been able to regain employment after a felony would be helpfu. I've read through all of the threads here & what seems to be the case is that he could work in 1. a hospital as a tech, 2. a doctors office3, home health care or 4. LTC. Am I correct that nurses have been hired in those areas dispite having a felony?

If LTC, is it going to be facility by facility. My husband worked for 15 years in LTC with a good record and a good reputation--so maybe it is possible that he will be able to get his foot back in the door.

Does anyone have any stories that could give us some hope?