Nursing Discipline/DUI/ Multi State

[Nurse19961996]

Disclaimer*** I do have an attorney presently but seeking additional anecdotal information.

Recieved DUI in primary state - hold multiple nursing licenses (3 total). My understanding currently is that even though my state may not impose sanctions on license that I am obligated to report to other states BON as well. Do I need to report to the other states if I do not plan on renewing license?  If these states BON impose discipline at the same time is it even possible to carry out the discipline simultaneously? My research suggests that the alternative would essentially lead me to have to voluntarily surrender my license leading me to be placed on OIG exempt list and not able to practice nursing for the foreseeable future. I know this is complex and seems I am in the weeds but just trying to strategize my life at this point. Thanks for any information in advance.

[SheelaDavis]

You can let the other state licenses expire and not say a word to them IF....IF....your current home state takes a while to impose discipline on you. Your home state will be the first to act, but it can take a while. Then, your home state enters it into the Nursys system where other states can and will see it. It depends on WHEN your license expires in the other 2 states. If you still have 7 or 8 months left for them to expire, that is cutting it close. If they expire in the next 3 or 4 months, then I wouldn't say a word to them.

Let say your licenses in the other 2 states are set to expire and you tell them about the DUI in your home state? Guess what? They now put you under investigation and Do Not allow your license to expire and require you to renew pending the investigation. Yes, they can legally do that.

It takes a while for your home state to impose discipline and then for that discipline to reach Nursys system. If I were you, I would draw it out. Delay, reschedule meetings, make meetings with the BON, have your attorney go slow, anything you can do to buy you time to reach the point to where the other 2 licenses will expire. Once they expire, you won't have to fool with either one. Important, you do have to notify in writing that you are going to allow your license to expire. That's required in every state to my knowledge.