Question:

Dear Nancy,

About one year ago, I moved from one state to another. I became licensed in my new state and retained my license from the other state. My former state audited my CEUs, and I could not find proof of taking all 30 credits. I suspect my online CEUs were lost in the move or were inadvertently left at my former place of employment. A paralegal representing my former state’s board told me I could voluntarily surrender my license, and, since I have no plans to live and work in that state again, I agreed. Now, that board has informed my current state’s board and it wants to interview and investigate me. I have an excellent working record. Am I in trouble? If so, what are my options?

Priscilla

Nancy Brent replies:

Dear Priscilla,

Whenever one faces a meeting/interview with a state board of nursing or any of its agents or employees, it is essential to obtain legal counsel beforehand to obtain immediate representation before the board. Initially, the nurse attorney or attorney you hire can contact the board in your former state and ascertain more information about the meeting/interview.

There are many issues to explore, including: What is the focus of the meeting? Why did the former board of nursing contact the board of nursing in your current state of licensure rather than you specifically? Did you update your address with the former board? Did your discussion with the paralegal from the former board occur after you consulted with a nurse attorney or attorney there about the ramifications of a voluntary surrender of your license? What are the ramifications of a voluntary surrender of one's license under the former state’s nurse practice act?

After speaking with the former board of nursing representative about the basis of the meeting, the attorney can advise you how to proceed in this situation. It is important that you are accompanied by the attorney at any interview/meeting he or she advises you to attend in the new state of licensure.

Cordially,
Nancy