Ohio Nursing Licensure Question

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 31, 2009

Hi,
I am planning on returning to school soon to get my RN and I am wondering if anyone knows whether or not there are any rules against getting licensed in OH if you have been under the care of a psychiatrist? I have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, which I control well with medication, but my family doctor wants me to see a psychiatrist. I do not want to go if it will ruin my chances of becoming an RN. Does anyone know? I tried reading the licensing web page and they only mention that one's license could be revoked if they were judged by a court to be incompetant, and that it could be restored if one could later prove competance. Thanks for any help that anyone can give me. I do not want to waste my time and money going back to school if I won't be able to get a license to practice.

When applying for initial licensure in Ohio, there are a couple bipolar disorder related questions:

7. Within the last five years, have you been diagnosed

with or have you been treated for bipolar disorder,

schizophrenia, paranoia, or any other psychotic

disorder?

8. Have you, since attaining the age of eighteen or

within the last five years, whichever period is

shorter, been admitted to a hospital or other facility

for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia,

paranoia, or any other psychotic disorder?

If you answered “Yes” to question 6, 7, or 8, you are

required to provide a written explanation, including date(s)

of diagnosis or treatment, and a description of your present

condition. Include the name, current mailing address, and

telephone number of each person who treated you, as well as

each facility where you received treatment, and the reason

for treatment. Have each treating physician submit a letter

detailing the dates of treatment, diagnosis and prognosis.

From what my class was told a couple years ago by an Ohio BON representative, they may require that you undergo evaluation by a BON specified psychiatrist, and also undergo followup visits for a perod of time (??1 year??). This is apparently the case even if your bipolar disorder has been well controlled for years & years & years.

I'm not sure if a nurse attorney would be able to advise you on this matter, but that's one more thing to consider.

Good luck!

anniebee62 · Sep 1, 2009

Thanks for the info. I don't mind providing information. I certainly wouldn't want someone caring for me who had bipolar disorder that was untreated, so I would assume that no one else would either. I just hope that it won't prevent me from getting licensed. I guess since I have only been diagnosed by my family doctor, a psychiatrist visit would be a good idea so I can get a definitive diagnosis and someone to provide me with the documentation. Thanks again for your help!:wink2: