PA RN denied Maryland license because of PHMP contact in PA

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I need some advice. I am currently am RN with my BSN in PA. I am under contract since 2012 with the PHMP for DUI in 2003 and 2007. I don't believe I should've ever been on it so I never took it seriously. I obviously messed up and forgot to log in and missed a few random screening. PA tried to suspend my license but I fought it (I haven't drank or five drugs since 2007) and my license was reinstated within 4 months. So new contract in 2013 and thankfully I am off contact in August 2016, so only about 6 months left. (wanted to give you a little background)

I have been working with a biometric screening company for 3 years until I get off this contract. I January 2015 I got a job in Maryland at a psychiatric facility and was granted a temporary license for 90 days. I send everything in jump all the BS hoops they send me through. They give you 90 days, until the temporary license is expired to get everything in. Everything is in on time and I get no response. I call, email and even go down there in person to talk to people. I just received a letter in the mail denying my license in Maryland. Mind you it's been a full year.

Is this legal?? I feel like I've been discriminated against. It's on for me to work in PA but not in MD?? Any advice would be great ....

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I'm surprised PA let you work in another state while in their program. When I was going to switch states, I had to first get my license and then transfer to that states program before even having the possibility of working in that state.

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

Dunno whether it's legal but it's common practice. That or you have to start over in that state's monitoring program. Now you'll have to admit to two DUIs and a denial of licensure if you want to get licensed in any other state. :/

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.
I'm surprised PA let you work in another state while in their program. When I was going to switch states, I had to first get my license and then transfer to that states program before even having the possibility of working in that state.

Really?? Yea PA didn't have a problem at all. As long as I wasn't moving out of the state they were ok with me working in Maryland.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.
Dunno whether it's legal but it's common practice. That or you have to start over in that state's monitoring program. Now you'll have to admit to two DUIs and a denial of licensure if you want to get licensed in any other state. :/

Whats common practice?? .... I don't understand how they can deny me after allowing me to work in their state for 3 months and having the employeer, in MD agreed to terms of the PA contract.. Especially after PA said I was ok to practice and have been working in PA.

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I don't have experience with this, but have seen it usually happens the new state does not accept the old states monitoring program for whatever reason. And then new state will require you to start THEIR program from the start. I think I've heard about maybe one instance, when a state allowed the old states program to 'transfer' into theirs.

It seems most BON's are not very flexible, but could you write an latter and 'appeal' your case (for lack of a better word)? I assume you had an attorney years ago to 'fight it' and get you're license reinstated. Would he/she be willing to help somehow, IF they even could in another states jurisdiction? It couldn't hurt ot send a quick email or call them and inquire about it.

sorry to hear. Seems a really crappy situation.

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Yes what an exhausting mess. I am almost finished with successfully served probation here in OR. CA would not accept any of it and gave me 3 more years start from the beginning. Sucks! When I have my unencumbered license in OR in 5 months I want to apply for reciprocity in HI. NOT! HI will probably give me probation too. Each state is very different. There are no standards and each state does whatever it wants. I suck it up, jump thru the hoops they want and simply find a work site that will hire me. I learned that one can't fight the state board. I know in my heart I have suffeted, paid my dues and am strong and a success. Let them play their games...my beautiful life goes on... good luck to all...

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I understand there seems to be no reciprocity while still enrolled in a program but does anyone here have any experience with moving states once they've completed a program? Im interested in moving to WA state once finished my monitoring program but not to thrilled about starting another monitoring program....

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I understand there seems to be no reciprocity while still enrolled in a program but does anyone here have any experience with moving states once they've completed a program? Im interested in moving to WA state once finished my monitoring program but not to thrilled about starting another monitoring program....

Exactly...my question as well. Technically, I will have a free&clear unencumbered license when finished. ...but my new state will probably slap something on my request for reciprocity just for spite. The nightmare never ends for us. We are never forgiven...

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

This has occurred to me as I'm going to be applying for reciprocity in my current state of residence once I have finished my monitoring contract and apply for reinstatement.

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To the OP, did you talk to your Case Manager through PNAP before applying for MD license? If so, I'm surprised they didn't tell you that yes, you are able to apply for another state but you would then have to enter their program IF they accept you.

For some of the other questions....if you are/were in a program that when you complete your license is "clean, free, clear with no mark on it," you can apply for another state and not have to disclose that info. I was told by my case manager when I made it through that you mark no, that's the purpose of the voluntary programs. Well ok, not the "purpose" but you get my point. For people that have the "Mark" on their license, you will most likely have to go through some sort of monitoring if you apply to a new state. Depending on that state and your circumstances, it may be the whole term or a shortened term.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

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Specializes in Nursing Education; Leadership/Management.

As you probably already know, each state has its own BON so there is no 'universal' resolution for cases such as yours.

It does seem odd that your BON has not either (1) sent you a letter stating they could find no true violation of any Board rule/reg, which would mean your license is 'clear;' or (2) contacted you regarding further instructions for completing their requirements to clear your license...Unless... they are still investigating you. Some Boards take a year or two to complete an investigation if they have many nurses with violations and/or are back-logged with investigations due to lack of staff, etc.

It doesn't matter if someone has an arrest expunged by the state's governor - all state boards have access to that kind of information through a system called Nursys...along with some other online sites that can give them very detailed information about any nurse. As someone said earlier, the Board is all about patient safety and they won't take any chances. It is also a fact that while you may go through all the requirements with a probation and retain or regain your license - every infraction that a nurse incurs, no matter how large or small, stays on their Board record permanently. Question: Does your state board put results of their disciplinary hearings, with nurses' names and their infraction(s), on their website? My state does, so I was thinking you could check that site to see if your name was listed during that year/month.

In reality, your options are to (1) leave things as they are... but that doesn't allow you to work in another state; (2) contact your BON and seek some type of resolution so you can go forward with your life and professional career; or (3) give up nursing and get into something else. However, as someone also mentioned earlier, you will have much difficulty getting into any profession related to healthcare that requires a license. (Which is why I would have to get this situation cleared up before I felt secure enough to make any type of decision about my future.)

Don't give up nursing if you truly love it. We need good nurses who want to be in the profession for the patients, not the money. But get yourself squared away... Good luck!

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