Arizona Nursing Regulatory Journal Disciplinary Action
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.
The Report lists in detail the following:
- The effective date of the disciplinary action
- Nurse’s name
- Certificate number
- Discipline taken
- Nature of the violation
AZ Nursing Disciplinary Action
Besides having your name published for all to see, the detailed listing of the nature of the violation should cause any nurse concern. Patient abuse, criminal convictions, disruptive conduct, and sexual misconduct are just a few of the possible violations listed by the Board.
The discipline taken can range from:
- Revocation
- Civil penalties
- Denial of certification/licensure
- Decree of censure
- Voluntary surrender
- Probation
- Stayed revocation with probation
Avoiding the Regulatory Journal
If a nurse wants to keep their name out of the Journal, they have two options.
The first is not to commit a violation.
The second option is to avoid disciplinary action after the Board has initiated an investigation.
The Board will initiate an investigation after a complaint is received, on its own accord, during the certification and licensure process. Or if the Board has received information about a possible violation. Once the Board has started an investigation, the nurse will receive a notice of action and have the opportunity to respond to the Board (usually within 30 days).
Most nurses wait until it is too late to retain an attorney, but I cannot stress how important it is to seek counsel before submitting your response to an inquiry from the Board.
Using a Nursing Title
In Arizona, some laws regulate who can use certain nursing titles. The nurse must follow these Arizona Nursing Title Restrictions strictly. If they’re not, they can lead to severe consequences with the Arizona Board of Nursing.
Individuals who use a title they have not legally obtained can face disciplinary actions. People who use a title of a license or have had their license revoked also fall under this category.
Arizona Licensed Practical Nurse
Only when an individual holds a valid license to practice practical nursing in Arizona may they use the title licensed practical nurse, nurse, or practical nurse or use the initials LPN after their name. They may also use those titles if registered in a state part of the Nursing License Compact.
Arizona Registered Nurses
Only when a person holds a valid license to practice as an RN can they use the title nurse, registered nurse, or professional nurse or the initials RN after their name. They may also use those titles if registered in a state part of the Nursing License Compact.
Arizona Nurse Practitioner
Only when an individual holds a valid certificate to practice in Arizona as a registered nurse practitioner may they use the title registered nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner. The person must also indicate their specialty area of certification.
A strong response can put you in the best possible position to avoid discipline and keep your name out of the Journal. If you have a question about Arizona Nursing Regulatory Journal Disciplinary Action, contact Chelle Law.
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.
Arizona 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.
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.
