OIG Exclusions List + affect on nurses ability work

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Could any of you explain how it is that a RN gets put on the OIG list and what this entails. I am just curious as to what I may be facing. I am right now in the investigation process and holding my breath. I did not divert meds however I quit my job after I got a DUI and possession, I self reported myself. I am holding my breath but trying to breath. I have been able to maintain my sobriety with the help of God, great sponsor and 12step group which is anonymous. Thanks for any information.

Specializes in CRNA, Law, Peer Assistance, EMS.

OIG exclusion for actions taken (publicly, not through a diversion program) by a BON is OPTIONAL for the OIG. They have complete discretion whether to take any action to exclude you. Some are excluded, some are not. You will be notified by mail of their intention to exclude you before it happens so that you can write a response. Exclusion for license actions last as long as the action remains in effect, after which the licensee can petition the OIG for exclusion removal.

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Specializes in ICU, PICU, School Nursing, Case Mgt.

I appreciate your response and it sounds as if you know what you are speaking about,HOWEVER...I was NOT informed of the OIG's list or their intent before my name was placed on it. It took years before I knew. From 2001 to 2009. I was able to remove myself and the AG's office was helpful. To all of you who are facing this, good luck and be persistant.

sws

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Specializes in CRNA, Law, Peer Assistance, EMS.

I am confused. I thought you said you did not know when your name was placed on the list? The notice which is sent by the OIG is sent regular mail to the address on file at the BON. If there has been a change of address, or if they send to the wrong address you will never knoiw, nor will they since it is not sent certified mail. Certainly the best way to find out is to search for your name on their website. Generally it takes some months for them to take action once there is an action against your license. Again, only when there is a PUBLIC probation/suspension/revocation could there be action by the OIG. No action takes place if you are in an alternative monitoring program.

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About how long after you respond to the letter of intent to exclude does it take for OIG to reach a decision on whether or not you will be excluded? I volluntarily surrendered my license for no other reason than I left the stateand was not planning on returning and I was reported to OIG.

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Yvette,

I'm in Texas and I voluntarily surrendered as well. I was excluded from OIG not long after I received my official order from the nursing board. I was told that they excluded anyone that has had negative action taken by a board of nursing. It is a nightmare to be on the list. Fortunately I just got my license reinstated and it took about a week to be removed from the list once I was reinstated from the board! By the way the list shows up when anyone does an internet search on you so it will be with you forever! I desperately wanted off that list!

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I am a nurse that is in your situation. I have surrendered in one state and dont know how to go about telling my current state I live in about the surrender. I know I will eventually be put on the oig list.

How is IPN ?

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I noticed you posted this in 09, I was wondering what happened? Are you still clean/sober? I am a new grad who was just denied for my past indiscretions, and wondering if you were on this list and over came it maybe there is hope for me.

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Do you or anyone else have any advice for a new grad who was denied due to a past criminal history rooted in drug addiction? All of my cases where reduced and dismissed. I have been clean for 5 years and I am a very active member in my local 12 step fellowship.I worked really hard to get this far and I am afraid that if I appeal I MIGHT LOOSE.

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Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

Get a nurse atty to review your case and represent you. I know that most nurses qualify to get their license even if under special stipulations on how and where they can work, forensic psych exams, drug testing etc but, they do get it done. This is usually required for a 1-2 year period. Get all the written recommendation letters you can and get an attorney. Good luck on your return. Thank God for second chances. Take your recovery seriously and 1 step at a time. I am sure you can do it!:yeah:

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You need to hire an attorney to help you, what state do you live in?

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Hi, I'm an RN in IA. I had a charge for prohibited acts in oct 09 for forging a prescription during my active addiction. I have completed everything asked through the BON (suspension and probation) but still cannot work as a nurse for 4.5 more years b/c of the OIG exclusion list. First of all, they didn't put me on the list until almost 2 years AFTER the charge, which is BS. And I'm under a required 5 year wait even though my charge was deferred, I've completed probation and am going to get this charge expunged. I'm okay with the BON and the State judicial system BUT STILL CANT WORK!! I'm working at minimum wage job and am very down about losing my nursing career. I need ideas for places to work while on the list! There isn't much unfortunately... I've applied at the blood center of IA and Biolife plasma center and thinking I could possibly work there without issues. No luck yet. Any more ideas?? I so badly miss saying "I'm Rachel and I'll be your nurse today!" :(

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LilRedRN1973 - I know this is late but I am facing a similar situation. How did this person at the dialysis facility "clear" his name if he was restricted but working at the same time? The way I understand it, he should not have been working period. If so, the facility would be heavily fined to the tune of $10,000 per occurrence according to the Civil Monetary Penalty Law. It is $10,000 per claim filed where an excluded provider is involved in care. How did he work to clear his name without revealing that he was involved in the delivery of care to Medicare/Medicaid patients and not get into trouble?
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