Criminal Arrests And Nursing Licenses

If you have been arrested, please call today to find out how to mitigate the impact on your nursing license. We offer a free legal consultation, (503) 232-9280.

For nurses, criminal convictions may result in the loss of their nursing licenses, jobs, and even their careers.

To obtain your nursing license or your certificate in Oregon, you will be required to pass a national criminal background check, and any “hits” (arrests or convictions) are sent straight to an investigations department for review.

A conviction doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t obtain your nursing license. The OSBN will review all prior arrests and convictions and weigh how those may impact your ability to work successfully as a nurse. The severity, nature, and timing of your offenses, as well as any history of rehabilitation, are considered. Some specific convictions, such as murder, manslaughter, assault, kidnapping, and rape will automatically disqualify you from receiving your nursing license.

When renewing your nursing license, you are required to disclose any and all arrests and convictions (misdemeanors and felonies), with the exception of minor traffic violations. Even if you did complete a court diversion program and all the charges were dismissed, you will still need to report the offense to the state board. It’s important to note, also, that even though minor traffic violations do not need to be reported, all types of alcohol-related traffic violations must be reported.

If your nursing license application or renewal is denied by the OSBN, you have the right to appeal that decision and receive an administrative hearing, and that’s the point at which the services of an attorney who has experience working with nurses can be vital.

Do you have questions about how a criminal arrest or conviction could impact your nursing license?  Please contact us to schedule a free legal consultation. Our phone number is (503) 232-9280, or e-mail our office at .

Please make note: Kevin Keaney, represents nurses in Oregon, Washington, and Texas. Kevin Keaney is licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington, as well as Texas, where he can also help nurses who need an attorney in matters concerning their nursing licenses.