2 Ways to Overcome a Summary Suspension with the Arizona Nursing Board
If the Arizona Board of Nursing believes a nurse is not able to practice safely, they can initiate a summary suspension. The legal standard in Arizona is that the public health, safety or welfare imperatively requires emergency action necessitating the immediate suspension of a nurse’s license. Examples of actions that can lead to a summary suspension:
- Substance Abuse
- Sexual Misconduct
- Mental Health Concerns
- Refusal to Follow Board Order
Summary Suspension Meeting
The Board will oversee the summary suspension proceeding and vote to whether suspend the nurse’s license or not. Two ways to avoid the summary suspension include:
- Consent Agreement: Agree to and sign a Consent Agreement prior to the Summary Suspension proceeding. If the nurse can come to terms on a Consent Agreement without a suspension the Board will likely accept the signed Consent Agreement.
- Convince the Board: The nurse (or their attorney) would attempt to convince the Board that the legal standard is not met and a summary suspension is unnecessary.
License Suspension
There are 3 ways the Arizona Nursing Board can Suspend Your License. The Arizona State Board of Nursing (“Board”) protects the medical welfare of the people of Arizona. They do this by ensuring each professional who holds a license as a nurse in Arizona can practice safely. The Board can suspend a nurse’s license in a number of different ways.
- Summary Suspension: A summary suspension can occur when the Board believes that the public health, safety or welfare imperatively requires emergency action necessitating the immediate suspension of a nurse’s license.
- ATD Discharge: The Alternative to Discipline program is a non-disciplinary, confidential monitoring program for nurses with substance abuse, mental health, or physical problems. A nurse who violates their ATD Agreement can have their license suspended immediately.
- Automatic Suspension from Probation Violation: If a nurse is currently completing a Stayed Suspension Consent Agreement their license can be automatically suspended for violation of the terms of the Consent Agreement.
Suspension Work Implications
If the Board suspends a nurse’s license; the nurse must immediately cease providing care as nurse.
If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Nursing Board Appeals services and how to protect your rights, set up a consultation with Chelle Law and our Arizona Nursing Attorney reach out to us today.
