Criminal Charges And Their Impact On Your Nursing License

Do you need to consult with an attorney regarding your nursing license or other professional licensing matter? Call (503) 232-9280 to schedule a free consultation with a nurses attorney.

If you apply for a nursing license or renew a nursing license in Oregon, Washington, or Texas, part of the approval process includes a national criminal background check.

If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, these come up as “hits” in the background check, which underscores the importance of truthfully reporting everything on your application or renewal form.

All arrests and convictions (misdemeanors and felonies), must be reported, whether they occurred in Oregon, Washington, Texas, or another state or territory. The only exception is minor traffic violations, which don’t have to be reported.

When renewing your nursing license, you should read the renewal questions carefully to answer them accurately. Renewal questions may change over time. You are now 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 you have a conviction on your record, you still might be able to obtain or maintain your nursing license, but the determination is made on a case by case basis. The nursing board takes into account the type and severity of the offense, when it took place, rehabilitation, and other factors.

Even if you completed a court diversion program and charges were ultimately dismissed, you’ll need to report the offenses to the board.

If your nursing application or renewal is denied, you can appeal the board’s decision and request an administrative hearing.

For information about a criminal charge or conviction, or to talk to a nurses attorney about your specific situation, call (503) 232-9280, or e-mail .

Please note: We help nurses with all aspects of nursing license defense, including allegations, investigations, stipulated agreements, and more. In addition to helping nurses in Oregon and Washington defend their licenses, nurses attorney Kevin Keaney helps nurses in Texas.