Arizona Nursing Board Administrative Violations
The Arizona Board of Nursing can or will impose sanctions when nurse administrative violations occur.
Awareness of the possible penalties or consequences of violations can help you maintain your Arizona nursing license and a good reputation in your career.
Administrative Violations
In Arizona law, nurses can receive an administrative penalty from the Arizona Board of Nursing for a few reasons. These include:
- The failure to renew a nursing license or nurse assistant certificate. Nurses must renew their licenses on time while continuing to practice nursing or face consequences.
- Failing to notify the Arizona Board of Nursing in writing within thirty days after an address change.
Administrative Penalties
When a nurse receives a fine from the Arizona Board of Nursing, it can be as much as $1,000.00.
The amount the Board can impose upon a nurse depends on the violation. For example, if a nurse fails to notify the Board of a change in address, the nurse will most likely get a warning or a small fine. Another example is when a nurse is practicing without a license. But they haven’t intended to deceive the Board of Nursing by failing to renew. In this instance, there are specific fines. RNs and LPNs have fines ranging from $100 to $500, while a Certified Nursing Assistant can see penalties ranging from $25 to $75.
It is important to note when there has been a violation, the Board of Nursing will refer the employer of the violating nurse to the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS).
It generally happens when the nurse fails to renew for two months or more. After being referred to the DHS, the employer can also sanction the nurse.
State Board Disciplinary Action
Once a violation has occurred, the Board determines a fine. The nurse has thirty days to pay or schedule a payment. Failure to pay the fine often results in disciplinary action and is considered unprofessional conduct.
When a nurse is applying for a renewal after their license expires, they must complete and submit an Invalid License/Certificate Questionnaire. If the questionnaire shows the nurse has continued working after the expiration of their license, the board will send the application to the Complaints-Investigations Department.
Nursing Regulatory Journal Disciplinary Action
Arizona Nursing Regulatory Journal Disciplinary Action is published.
The Arizona Board of Nursing publishes a report detailing Arizona Nursing Regulatory Journal Disciplinary Action of all disciplinary action regarding licensed nursing assistants (LNA), registered nurses (RN), licensed practical nurses (LPN), and Nurse Practitioners in the Arizona State Board of Nursing Quarterly Regulatory Journal (Journal).
The report lists currently licensed, or certified nurses and any applicants or re-applicants denied certification or licensure.
How an Attorney Can Help
When nurse administrative violations occur, it is crucial to retain an attorney to help you handle the complexities. While all Arizona nurses should renew their licenses on time, things happen.
If you are a nurse who feels wrongly accused, contact Chelle Law today.
Arizona Nursing Board Complaint
If you are a nurse in Arizona, you may have questions about how the Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) handles an Arizona Board of Nursing Complaint and investigation. A registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or nursing programs may find themselves at the center of a complaint and or investigation of their license or certificate.
Complaints can come from a patient, employer, or even another nurse. While investigations can occur because of a criminal conviction, disciplinary action by another state’s nursing board, or the self-report of a substance abuse problem.
AZ Nurses Complaint
Any discipline a nurse receives from the Arizona Board of Nursing depends upon the violation. There’s a whole range of disciplines that can occur.
Not only can a nurse’s license be revoked, but there can also be a denial of certification or licensure. There can also be civil penalties. Sometimes the Board requires a voluntary surrender of the license or a probation period.
Published Discipline Report (RN, LPN, LNA, NP)
The Arizona Board of Nursing publishes a report every time a disciplinary action takes place. It happens with any RN as well as LPNs and CNAs. It also includes applicants denied their certification or licensure. This report goes into the Arizona State Board of Nursing Quarterly Journal.
The details of the report include the following:
- Date of disciplinary action
- Nurse’s name
- Certificate number
- Discipline taken
- Nature of the violation
It is of concern to any nursing professional to have this detailed listing anyone can see.
How to Avoid Being Published in the Journal
When a nurse would like to prevent their name from being published in the Journal, they have a couple of options.
The first one would be not to commit a violation in the first place. Being aware of the consequences can go a long way to preventing someone from doing something they will regret.
The second option is to avoid disciplinary action once the Board of Nursing has started an investigation. The investigation begins once a complaint is received or the Board has received information regarding a possible violation. The nurse will then get notice of action and needs to respond to this, usually within 30 days.
Nurses often can fall victim to unfounded reports, complaints, accusations, or disciplinary issues. Every nurse professional needs to be aware of the availability of legal representation. Many nurses wait too long to retain an attorney.
The best time to get legal help is before responding to the Board of Nursing inquiry. When deciding to represent yourself in the case, you must be familiar with all the regulations and administrative procedures you must follow. It can be complex.
You must get legal representation to navigate the issues and present the best defense. Prevent an unfavorable ruling that can have a lasting impact on your professional career.
Consultation with Chelle Law
If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Nursing Board Discipline services and how to protect your rights, set up a consultation with Chelle Law and our Arizona Nursing Attorney. Reach out to us today.
