Legal Considerations for RNs in Texas

Introduction

In the state of Texas, the registered nurse’s (RN) license renewal will likely be denied due to the second driving while intoxicated (DWI). Texas law requires the Texas Board of Nursing to take disciplinary action against any RN who has been convicted of a criminal offense (Nursing license requirements in Texas, n.d.). As such, the conviction of a second DWI will likely result in the denial of the RN’s license renewal. The RN could potentially reduce any potential disciplinary action by supplying evidence of successful completion of an alcohol or drug education program, as well as demonstrating a successful history of abstinence.

Main body

If an RN has relocated from New York to Texas and has applied for a Texas license, the process will be handled differently. The Texas Board of Nursing will likely consider the conviction of Medicaid fraud when deciding the RN’s eligibility for a license (Nursing license requirements in Texas, n.d.). The Board may take into account the amount of restitution that was paid, the length of probation, any rehabilitation or other measures taken to address the issue, and any other mitigating factors that may be present (Nursing license requirements in Texas, n.d.). The Board may also consider whether the RN has been able to practice without restriction in the RN’s current state. The RN may be able to avoid any potential disciplinary action by presenting evidence of successful completion of any court-ordered programs or classes, as well as evidence of a positive record of professional practice in their current state. Ultimately, the Texas Board of Nursing will weigh all the factors in deciding whether to grant the RN a Texas license.

Conclusion

However, it’s probable that the Board will adopt a stricter attitude in light of the RN’s conviction of Medicaid fraud, and may refuse to grant the RN a Texas license until the probation period is finished.

Reference

Nursing License Requirements in Texas. (n.d.). Nursing licensure. Web.