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Discussion

Texas: Forensic Psych Evaluation with Polygraph

When I got the letter from Texas BON saying I had to submit to a Forensic Psych Evaluation with Polygraph, I searched these boards. I found a few posts but nothing about what it's like or how it ended. So I thought I would share my experience here.

I knew I had to submit a Declaratory order, so I started the process about the same time that I applied to the nursing program back in February. I got the letter to send in the $150 for further investigation, then the one saying I had to submit to the eval.

I searched these boards and the Internet. All I really found was a couple of lawyer websites saying not to submit to the eval, but to hire them. I had neither the time nor the money to hire a lawyer, so without any information, I called every provider on the list the BON sent and decided on a Psychiatrist and a Polygraph provider. Granted, I had to go with the least expensive ($1050.00), Dr. John Lehman and Joe McCarthy. I am so glad I did.

Mr. McCarthy, especially, did his best to calm my nerves and assure me that as long as I told the truth, I would be just fine. I had no reason to lie, so I was not concerned about that. Both men were reassuring and professional. Neither man was domineering or scary and both did their best to reassure me that I would be just fine if I told the truth.

Something no one tells you, the tests took all day. My appointment was at 9am and I finished at 4pm. You should grab something to eat in between, something else I didn't do. At the doctor, there was some face to face interviewing, which was not uncomfortable at all. Aftee that was about 2 and a half hours of written exams. After that, the doctor releases you to go to the polygraph. He did give me an idea of how he though I did before he sent me away.

Then the polygraph. Sure it was a bit daunting to be connected to a machine that registers every reaction of your body, but if you are being honest, you have nothing to fear. They also tell you their result before you leave.

I have not gotten the report back, but I am confident by the information from both professionals that they will be speaking to my honesty and integrity.

The next step is that they will submit their report to the BON and the director of the BON will decide whether or not I am fit to be a nurse. I pray that they will make a decision before class starts in just over three weeks, but I have already applied to spring semester in case they don't.

I am going to be a nurse. When I get that pin, I will know that I have literally paid my dues. Please feel free to ask questions.

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    WTH? You had to take a polygraph just to go to nursing school? Do you have a criminal history? Or is this standard in TX? I've never heard of such a thing! That is crazy.

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    WTH? You had to take a polygraph just to go to nursing school? Do you have a criminal history? Or is this standard in TX? I've never heard of such a thing! That is crazy.

    I don't know of anyone who had to go through that before nursing school. I live in Texas so maybe it's an individual problem.

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    I have encountered this in my risk management work. If you have some significant findings in regards to a previous criminal, drug use, or mental health history, the Texas BON can require this as a condition of licensure. Based on my anecdotal conversations with Texas attorneys who do this kind of work, most of the exams are triggered by something in a criminal history.

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    Yes, it is based on my criminal history. I had multiple counts of theft by check from when I was young. It speaks against honesty and integrity and they have to make sure that I am safe to be around patients and their property.

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    • Expert
    most of the exams are triggered by something in a criminal history.

    Yes, it is based on my criminal history. I had multiple counts of theft by check from when I was young.
    Moved to the Nursing Licensure With a Criminal History forum for more replies.
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    Hopefully it will all work out in your favour. I would have contacted a lawyer who is familiar with nursing licensing issues as soon as i received a letter from the BON. The BON is in the business of protecting the public, a lawyer can help ensure that the conditions on your license are not too restrictive. When it comes to BON matters, you cannot afford not to seek legal advice.

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    • Author

    Thank you for caring enough to share, I promise to weigh that carefully. I had to borrow from my church just to take the evaluation and I had no reason to lie. I passed the evaluation, so the only question now is whether I get to start now or in January.

    As a single mom, struggling to keep the lights on and working full time while going to school full time and raising two amazing teenagers, it really chaps me when someone tries to tell me what I can and can't afford. My case worker at the BON has been super encouraging and assured me that as long as I was honest with them in my declaratory information and with the examiners of the test, that I had nothing to fear.

    I am not sure what your profession is or what your experience is with these matters, but here's this. I posted this so that others would know what the tests are like, should they find themselves in the same situation, there is not a decision to make any longer, so it doesn't really matter. My honesty and integrity spoke for themselves and whatever restrictions that the BON makes, I will accept and comply. Being a nurse is what is important to me here.

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    Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I'm sure that it will be helpful to many in the future as this is a question that arises alot.

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    • Author

    Update: got my copy of the eval from the docs. They suggested that I be granted the declaratory order with no restrictions. Now I just wait.

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    Got my Agreed Order! I will be starting the program next semester!

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    congrats! Will your license have any stipulations? What did the boards letter that they sent you say?

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    Hi, I just received my order to have a psychiatric forensic evaluation with a polygraph. Everything is at least $1,800. And that doesn't include the polygraph test. I'm feeling really discouraged right now. 

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