Moral character hearing NYS for Nursing license

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Nov 18, 2020

35 minutes ago, PNGrad2001 said:

I took my NCLEX passed and was never issued a license due to my previous record (conviction) 8 years ago. I’m scheduled for a hearing well now it’s virtual. I wanted to know if anyone been to a hearing, how is it like? Do they bring witness. I have some letters from family friends co workers. This is in NYS. Any advise suggestions will be appreciated. Yes I do have an attorney

As long as your attorney specializes in board of nursing issues, listen to their advice. Good luck and (((hugs)))

trixie333, ASN · Nov 19, 2020

The one board hearing I attended with a friend who was summoned happened almost 20 years ago. The day of hearings is scheduled in advance. Several different cases were heard. The hearing was open in that there were no restrictions at the door as to who may attend to listen. My friend's case was called second or third. She brought her husband and her lawyer with her. We left after her hearing.

It was in a large conference room with a large table, just like corporate conference rooms in the movies. The board members (12 or more) seated around, with the leader at the north end. The summoned nurses and their supporters were seated in a couple rows of chairs arranged at the south end of the room about 3 ft. away from the table. I recall 2 lawyers for the Board were seated at the north end against the walls.

The hearings followed an easy to understand format, an introduction, allegations and points of standards of practice presented. Then the nurse summoned was asked questions: her answers being her defense. My friend did consult her lawyer before answering one question. The Board's lawyer asked one question. In all, my friend might have had 6-8 questions asked by different members around the table. Then she was informed that the board would evaluate the findings of the hearing and contact her. It was 4 wks. , give or take, before she heard the Board's final ruling. I was not asked to speak, but was there in case I was. I did offer a point of clarification to my friend's lawyer, at one point. No communications were obstructed. In this case, my friend's ex- employer was also there (and she arrived alone), and asked and answered about 5 questions. (My friend was fired, which started the hearing.) Most of the questions were clarifying what happened against the state's standards of practice, but on a detail level, I.e. what times do you give a medicine ordered as such, etc. In essence, they kind of explore how you adhere to standards of practice, especially on your personal allegation.

Total time was 30-60 min.---time flew....

So try to imagine all of that on zoom. Seems to me you can have your supporters with you on zoom. Maybe go to your lawyer's place? With your own tablet/computer? Ask your lawyer when to present your letters.

PNGrad2001, ADN, LPN · Nov 19, 2020

Wow thank you for your reply. Hope all went well for your friend. I did the pre hearing conference which consist of the judge, prosecutor, the court reporter my attorney and there was another person there but I can't remember who she was. The hearing will be done virtually which my attorney said it would be best if I go to his office. I have 4 additional letters of reference ( church, coworker, uncle, friend) they had 3 that I submitted previously when they asked for them . None of my supporters will be able to attend virtually because of work the hearing is at 9am. I am so nervous the way it looks like I'm going to be sitting in court answering questions about a past that I left behind, now I have to go revisit what I did and some I forgot. I didn't know the members of the board asked questions, I thought they were there to listen and make decisions. The pre conference lasted about 45 minutes imagine the hearing LOL (in 2 weeks). I was hoping they would tell me the same day about their findings I waited 11 months already to wait another month OMG will be torture knowing that you're waiting on a decision.

PNGrad2001, ADN, LPN · Dec 30, 2020

Update...

I never made it to the hearing on 12/11 because on 12/9 my RN license was Posted on the website. I contacted my attorney, he advised to withdraw my LPn application which was the reason I was going through the moral character review. He also told me they were going after my RN license as well once it’s done. Sure enough I withdrew my application and the RN license became inactive. The next day I received an email from the state letting me know that they mailed me the license and registration to mail it back( worst feeling ever) which I did and I mailed it back after booboo crying for 15 minutes. I guess I want to know am I going to go through the whole process again with meeting the investigator ect.. my attorney told me the investigator would call me it’s been 3 weeks now no one. Has anyone been through this.?

SumNurse · Feb 2, 2021

Hello, I’m in a similar situation awaiting to here from the moral board. I passed NCLEX dec 2020 and they have asked for my paperwork 3 times and still nothing. Wondering if you have any updates?

PNGrad2001, ADN, LPN · Feb 2, 2021

@SumNurse I haven’t heard anything with the holidays and all in December nothing. I passed my NCLEX in Dec as well. I sent in for my certificate of relief which I never thought of getting one until my attorney mentioned it. I sent it in November I was just contacted last week. She told me she was going to call me for an interview tomorrow. Have you called to ask if they sent received your paperwork?

SumNurse · Feb 2, 2021

I submitted my certificate of relief along with some character statements from my employer and professor. They received my paper work but I had to call again to have them sent it to the moral board. As far as I’m told they have received it. There’s no determined time frame as to when it will be reviewed. I’m stressed!

PNGrad2001, ADN, LPN · Feb 2, 2021

Ohh got it. I haven’t heard anything yet since December so I don’t know if they’re backed up or maybe because if Covid. An investigator should get in touch with you or will call you if they need anything else from you. I can relate, this process is a stressful one. The waiting is no joke. Next time you call ask them when did they forward it over to the investigation Unit. Mine was sent since 12/11.

NYnurse1251, RN · Feb 3, 2021

Hi I was in a similar situation with my RN license. I had an investigator from the Bureau of Narcotics and Medicaid investigator. This happened in 5/2017. I met the investigators down at my local town hall where the police station is. It took about 3 weeks to make their decision. In my case it was Medicaid and the Attorney General of my region that made the decision to prosecute . This unfortunately is completely separate from the BON meeting.

PNGrad2001, ADN, LPN · Feb 3, 2021

I’m thinking maybe it takes this long because of Covid everyone is working from home. I just need this to be over I’m ready to work. I have so many opportunities waiting

SumNurse · Feb 3, 2021

Couple of my classmates have taken their exam and received license within 1 week. Granted they don’t have any criminal history but is seems as if they are pretty up to date with the licensing. I myself have many opportunity including a promotion at work and I’m here just stressed waiting.