Arizona Nurse Felony
One question our attorneys are frequently asked is whether state law allows a nursing professional with a felony criminal conviction to get a license with the Arizona State Board of Nursing? The short answer is, yes. An Arizona Felony for nurses will not necessarily prevent a nurse from obtaining a license or a career in the medical field. However, the Board has a public policy on their website which covers the details of under what circumstances a nurse (like an RN) with a case that resulted in a criminal conviction can get a license.
Criminal Charges for Nurses with the Board
When a professional applies to the Arizona State Bd of Nursing, they must disclose a felony criminal court conviction (and other similar offenses) on their application. A nurse must self report a felony no matter how much time or how many years have passed since the conviction. After self-reporting occurs, the Board contacts the nurse and initiates an investigation utilizing the law of the AZ Nurse Practice Act. The investigation helps to determine whether the nursing professional is a danger to the public, has any medical or mental health problems and whether the nurse has rehabilitated in the time since the criminal incident occurred. Simply put, the Nursing Board wants to know whether the RN, LPN or NP applicant can provide safe nursing care.
Arizona Nurse Felony Bar
If a nurse discloses a criminal conviction on their application, Board policy and state law holds Arizona nursing professionals are not eligible to apply for a license or certificate with the State Board of Nursing until three years after the absolute discharge of the court sentence. An absolute discharge from the sentence is the completion of any sentence including imprisonment, probation, parole, community supervision or any form of court supervision (no committee instructions are given).
Of note, if enough time has passed since the conviction, state law may allow a nurse have the conviction reduced to a misdemeanor (due to an undesignated designation), dismissed, expunged, set aside or something similar. The bar of three years may not apply. In this instance, a nursing professional can contact an attorney to assist the applicant in obtaining these reductions if they haven’t already pursued these options in the state where their case occurred.
Arizona Nursing Misdemeanors
The attorney’s at Chelle Law assist nursing professionals in interpreting Board policy. This information can be found on the Board website. Our attorney’s help nurses with their application to show the nursing professional isn’t a danger to the health, safety and welfare of the public and is able to give safe care. If you’re looking into a nursing career in Arizona, but have concerns about your criminal record you don’t have to worry.
Though you may have a criminal record, you may still be eligible to be a nurse. If you’re currently a nursing professional with a conviction it’s important to educate yourself on what you must do to protect your license. Chelle Law helps nurses with self-reporting a misdemeanor DUI and other related misdemeanor charges.
Arizona Nursing Mandatory Reporting
Current nurses who have received a conviction (or have been charged) since the time of licensing must self-report to the AZ Board of Nursing Examiners. When self-reporting remember to include all facts on record of the criminal charges. No matter the type of felony, you will be better off self-reporting to avoid severe penalties (like continuing education). These penalties could show up on your license verification with the scope of the offenses listed including some details.
Fingerprint Clearance Card Denial and or Suspension
A felony could also have repercussions with Arizona Nurse Fingerprint Clearance Cards. Applicants face fingerprint card denial if child abuse, welfare fraud, theft or robbery are found during the background check. Possession or use of any controlled substance can also result in a denial. These are just a few of the offenses that cause a denial. If a person already holds a fingerprint card, but they receive a new offense they face a fingerprint card suspension. Losing a fingerprint clearance card you may also result in the loss of work.
Recover the Fingerprint Clearance Card with a Good Cause Exception
The only way to get a fingerprint card after denial is by applying for Good Cause Exception. Petitioning might be the best solution if the person feels the conviction is no
longer a threat or no longer puts anyone at risk. A Good Cause Exception application must include a personal statement describing how lifestyle changes have been a positive factor, two letters of reference, evidence all sentencing requirements (such as probation or fines, etc.) were met, any police reports and any other items an attorney may think necessary.
How Chelle Law Can Help You with the Arizona Board
Whether you are answering a questionnaire about your conviction or applying to have your conviction set aside, it’s wise to hire an Arizona attorney to assist you. Self-reporting Arizona Nurse Felony convictions can be tricky and having an attorney on your side is critical. If you have questions about the services we offer or would like to schedule a consultation with an attorney at Chelle Law, contact us today.
If you’re interested in learning more about Arizona Nursing Board Criminal History laws and how to protect your rights, set up a consultation with Chelle Law and our Arizona Nursing Attorney reach out to us today.