If you find yourself in the scary circumstance of potentially having your nursing license suspended or facing other disciplinary action, RN Guardian can help you navigate through this sticky situation with an understanding of the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN).
You should know that anyone in the healthcare field can find themselves at the center of a complaint or investigation. The complaint can come from an employer, patient, or another nurse. Investigations also can occur due to a criminal conviction, self-reported substance abuse problem, or even action by another state’s nursing board.
We have helped thousands of nurses who have found themselves in this type of situation. In this article, we will walk you through exactly what the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) does and how it differs from that of the California Board of Registered Nursing. We’ll talk about who serves on the Board, how they investigate the cases brought before them, and how we can help you.
What is the Arizona State Board of Nursing?
It is the mission of the Arizona State Board of Nursing to promote and protect public welfare. They make sure everyone who has a nursing license or certificate is competent to practice safely.
What Does the Arizona State Board of Nursing Do?
The Arizona State Board of Nursing does this through their regulations and nursing education programs. Their mission comes from the Nurse Practice Act, and it supersedes the interest of special interest groups, individuals, and the nursing profession itself.
The AZBN license and discipline the following groups:
- Certified Nursing Assistants
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Nursing Assistants
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Advanced Practice (such as Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse, Certified Nurse-Midwife, and CRNA)
- School Nurse
How is AZ Board Different than CA
You may know that RN Guardian originated in California, whose Board of Registered Nursing is a little more complex and has different qualifications and rules. Here in Arizona, the Board is simplified.
Arizona’s Board has a faster license verification and processing time, which is great for travel nurses. They can typically do it in 48 hours. (In California, it can take weeks.)
Another difference is that Arizona’s Board of Registered Nurses website is more user-friendly. So, it’s easier to find the information you’re looking for regarding licensing rules, certifications, complaints, and disciplines.
Who Serves On The Board?
The Board for the AZBN comprises ten people from various medical fields. They may receive guidance from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This organization counsels state boards on shared interests and concerns affecting public health and safety, such as nursing licensure exams.
An Investigation by the Arizona State Board of Nursing
According to the Arizona State Board of Nursing, “After receiving a complaint or self-report, a nurse receives an Investigative questionnaire and notice from the Board requesting additional information as well as a response to allegations found in the complaint.” Then an investigator is assigned to the case, and they will begin collecting evidence, including:
- Patient medical records
- Criminal records
- Employment files from the nurse’s employer, and business
- Interviews from people associated with the complaint or nursing program (these people could be a patient, coworker, nursing director, etc.)
Once all the information is collected, the Board meets to review the case and vote. They could choose to close the case or file formal charges. If they decide to file formal charges, it will go to an administrative hearing.
If disciplinary action is deemed necessary, it will happen after the investigation.
Discipline possibilities include:
- Letter of Concern – This is a letter from the Board stating that while the nurse’s conduct was not ideal, it did not violate the Nurse Practice Act.
- Administrative Penalty – A penalty of no more than $1,000.
- Revocation – The licensee’s privilege to practice is revoked, typically for about five years.
- Voluntary Surrender – The nurse volunteers to give up their license.
- Suspension – This is very rare among our clients. It could be for a definite or indefinite period.
- Probation – There will be work conditions and possibly other conditions the nurse will have to follow.
- Decree of Censure – This is considered the lowest level of formal discipline. There won’t be any probation, but the Order will be listed on a website for five years.
- Civil Penalty – A fee of up to $1,000 for each violation of the Nurse Practice Act.
RN Guardian Can Help You – We Understand the Arizona State Board of Nursing!
Our expert attorneys have helped thousands of nurses with a license suspension. If you are a nurse facing the AZBN due to accusations against you, it’s essential to seek legal assistance immediately. Our team has a 98% success rate, and we have a way to defend your license to achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t face the AZBN alone.
Get the support you deserve! Let us take the weight off your shoulders and help you every step of the way. Contact us today to secure your nursing license. We will help you avoid the BRN, provide guidance, and answer your questions.