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 not only lists currently licensed or certified nurses, but any applicants or re-applicants that have been denied certification or licensure. The Report lists in detail the:
- Effective date of the disciplinary action
- Nurse’s name
- Certificate number
- Discipline taken
- Nature of the violation
Arizona 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:
1. Revocation
2. Civil penalties
3. Denial of certification/licensure
4. Decree of censure
5. Voluntary surrender
6. Probation
7. Stayed revocation with probation
Avoiding the Regulatory Journal
If a nurse would like to keep their name out of the Journal they have two options. First, obviously, is to not 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 will 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 prior to submitting your response to an inquiry from the Board.
Using a Nursing Title
In Arizona, there are laws that regulate who can use certain nursing titles in the state. These Arizona Nursing Title Restrictions restrictions must be followed exactly. If they’re not they can lead to serious consequences with the Arizona Board of Nursing. Any individual who uses a title they have not legally obtained, can find themselves facing disciplinary actions. People who use a 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 he or she use the title licensed practical nurse, nurse or practical nurse or use the initials L.P.N. after
their name. If they are registered in a state that is part of the Nursing License Compact they may also use those titles.
Arizona Registered Nurses
Only when a person holds a valid license to practice as an R.N. can he or she use the title nurse, registered nurse or professional nurse or use the initials R.N. after their name. If they are
registered in a state that is part of the Nursing License Compact they may also use those titles.
Arizona Nurse Practitioner
Only when an individual holds a valid certificate to practice in Arizona as a registered nurse practitioner may he or she 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 hopefully keep your name out of the Journal. If you have a question about Arizona Nursing Regulatory Journal Disciplinary Action contact 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.
