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The Arizona Board of Nursing (“Board”) specifically designates a number of acts that are considered unprofessional conduct. If the Board determines that a licensed or certified nurse has committed an act of unprofessional conduct the Board may impose disciplinary action. The disciplinary action can include probation, suspension or revocation of a nurse’s license or certificate. The laws specifically state that the acts leading to a finding of unprofessional conduct do not have to occur in Arizona, they can occur anywhere else.
Some of the acts of unprofessional conduct include (this is not an all-inclusive list):
- Committing a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
- Any conduct that is harmful to the health of a patient or the public.
- Having a license or certificate denied, suspended, limited or revoked in another jurisdiction and not reinstated by that jurisdiction.
- Failing to comply with a board order.
- Failing to self-report a conviction for a felony or undesignated offense within ten days after the conviction.
- Cheating on a licensure or certification examination.
There are some very specific reporting rules regarding self-reporting criminal charges to the Board. Be aware that you must report most criminal charges to the Board within 10 days or you will likely be disciplined A licensed or certified nurse is held to a higher standard with regards to conduct and it is imperative that you don’t risk your license for simply failing to report an act to the Board.
If you have any questions regarding what act the Arizona Board of Nursing considers unprofessional conduct contact Attorney Robert Chelle.
