Texas Laws for those who call themselves nurse

Published

Specializes in FNP Student.

I know it’s illegal it work as nurse without a license, but is it illegal in Texas for someone to say they are a nurse without a license? Debate I’m trying to resolve with a friend of mine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Texas has a Nurse Title Protection Act which makes it illegal to refer to yourself as a nurse unless you hold a nursing license (RN, LVN, NP, etc).  

"Sec. 301.251. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) A person may not practice or offer to practice professional nursing or vocational nursing in this state unless the person is licensed as provided by this chapter.

(b) Unless the person holds a license under this chapter, a person may not use, in connection with the person's name:

(1) the title "Registered Nurse," "Professional Nurse," "Licensed Vocational Nurse," "Vocational Nurse," "Licensed Practical Nurse," "Practical Nurse," or "Graduate Nurse";

(2) the abbreviation "R.N.," "L.V.N.," "V.N.," "L.P.N.," or "P.N."; or

(3) any other designation tending to imply that the person is a licensed registered nurse or vocational nurse.

(c) This section does not apply to a person entitled to practice nursing in this state under Chapter 304.

(d) Unless the person holds a license under this chapter, a person may not use, in connection with the person's name:

(1) the title "nurse"; or

(2) any other designation tending to imply that the person is licensed to provide nursing care.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

PIcture texas nursing board as a cobra ready to strike....  don't even try it. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
3 hours ago, emmafrancis said:

PIcture texas nursing board as a cobra ready to strike....  don't even try it. 

^^ accurate^^

So - in school nursing sometimes the unlicensed clinic aide is also referred to as "the nurse". If the unlicensed person is not referring to themselves as a nurse (but other people are) it is not illegal, just irritating. I try to correct that only because some people are easily confused.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP Student.
19 hours ago, emmafrancis said:

PIcture texas nursing board as a cobra ready to strike....  don't even try it. 

I’m an RN so I was trying to tell my friend they can’t go around just calling themselves a nurse. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Tell your friend to peruse TX Imposter Alerts-- those found calling themself a nurse without active license get referred to the County District Attorney for prosecution.

https://www.BON.texas.gov/discipline_and_complaints_imposter_2020alerts.asp

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology.
On 9/16/2020 at 4:15 PM, ruby_jane said:

So - in school nursing sometimes the unlicensed clinic aide is also referred to as "the nurse". If the unlicensed person is not referring to themselves as a nurse (but other people are) it is not illegal, just irritating. I try to correct that only because some people are easily confused.

And they should have a name badge that states their position title. I know of one case where an RN in a prison setting let the inmates call him 'Doc' without correcting them. The BON somehow got wind of it and corrected him. He also called himself:

Quote

Referred to himself as the chief medical officer, failed to ensure the proper disposal, accounting and security of medications including controlled substances, and allegedly administered expired medications, while employed at the Jail.

Got one month suspension and one year of probation.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion