Criminal Charges And Their Impact On Your Nursing License

Are you worried about criminal charges and their impact on your career? Please 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 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, including misdemeanors, must be reported, whether they occurred in Oregon, Washington, Texas, or another state. The only exception is minor traffic violations, which don’t have to 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.