Are you facing disciplinary action against your nursing license? The thought of having a disparaging detail added to your record can be heartbreaking, especially if you feel it is unjust.
The bad news is that the information may be permanent, but the good news is that you can move on and rebuild your professional reputation. Learn how long disciplinary action stays on your license and how a nursing license defense team can help protect your career.
Types of Disciplinary Actions
The California Board of Registered Nursing has the authority to impose discipline and take punitive measures against nursing licenses. Nurses in California can face different types of disciplinary actions, such as:
- Reprimand: This formal written action does not affect your ability to practice, but it demonstrates that the board addressed a concern
- Probation: You can continue working under specific supervision and conditions
- Suspension: You will be temporarily prohibited from practicing
- Revocation: Your license is taken away, and you can no longer practice
- Fines: Monetary penalties can accompany other types of disciplinary action
- Mandatory Remedial Education: You can be required to complete additional training to address specific deficiencies
For nurses, a license revocation is typically the end of their careers. If you are facing a potential revocation or suspension, mounting a strong nursing license defense is necessary.
How Long Does a Disciplinary Action Stay on Your Record?
Typically, a reprimand will be on your record permanently. Other forms of disciplinary action will also stay on your record. However, the duration of any punitive measures will vary.
For example, a probationary period may range from one year to several years. A suspension could last for several months or up to multiple years. Revocations are typically permanent, although you may be able to appeal the decision and request a suspension in lieu of revocation.
Fines and remedial education measures are rarely ordered as standalone punishments. Instead, the Board of Registered Nursing may order you to complete these requirements in addition to a probationary period or suspension.
How California Differs
The California Board of Registered Nursing is committed to public transparency. It makes most disciplinary actions viewable via its online verification system. If someone conducts an inquiry into your license, actions like a suspension or probation will be associated with your license number.
According to the current published policy for the Board of Registered Nursing, which is subject to change, online documents are retained as follows:
- The Final Decision Upholding Fines/Citations After an Administrative Hearing: 3 years after the resolution date
- The Final Decision That Upholds Citations and Fines for an Unlicensed Individual: Indefinitely
- Final Decisions Leading to a Public Reprimand: 3 years after completion
- Final Decisions That Lead to Probation (Whether the License Is Suspended or Not): 10 years from the completion date
- The Final Decision That Leads to a Tolled Probation: 10 years from the completion date
- The Final Decision That Leads to a License Being Revoked or Surrendered: Indefinitely
- Other Forms of Final Decisions: 10 years from the date of completion
License statuses also remain on the site indefinitely.
Can Your Nursing Disciplinary Records Be Expunged?
Unfortunately, you cannot get a disciplinary action by the California Board of Registered Nursing expunged. The board prioritizes transparency and makes disciplinary records available to the public as part of its efforts to build trust in the healthcare profession.
However, your disciplinary history does not define you. What you do following a disciplinary action matters. Focus on rebuilding your professional reputation and conducting yourself in a manner that you can be proud of.
Proactively take continuing education and leadership courses to demonstrate your commitment to growing as a healthcare professional. Over time, you can put the disciplinary action behind you.
What to Do Next
If you have been subject to disciplinary action and it is on your record, you can still move forward on a positive note. First, identify any terms associated with the action, especially if you are put on probation or subject to a suspension. Strictly adhere to the conditions set forth by the nursing board.
Stay current with all continuing education requirements and demonstrate to the board that you are committed to your profession. If the board sees that you are focused on becoming more skilled and well-rounded, this can work in your favor during any future hearings.
Continue to maintain high standards of professional behavior in the course of your work, and seek outside support when you run into challenges.
Minimizing the Impact of Disciplinary Action
Whether the action has already been levied against your license or you are in the midst of a board inquiry, you need a nursing license defense lawyer. Your attorney can represent you during any hearings, file motions on your behalf, and provide critical guidance that allows you to move forward.
Seeking Legal Guidance
At S J Harris Law, we provide nursing license defense services for California nurses. Our goal is to protect the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build and preserve your license. If disciplinary action is inevitable, we advocate for lesser punishment to minimize the disruption to your life and career.
Don’t face disciplinary action alone. Let S J Harris Law stand up for you. Contact us for a free 30-minute phone consultation.
