Being a nurse in Pennsylvania means dedicating your life to helping others. However, a DUI charge or conviction can jeopardize your ability to practice. Nurses face high-pressure environments and long hours, which makes maintaining a spotless record challenging.
When a DUI occurs, it raises questions about your capability to provide safe and competent care. This can put your nursing license at risk, affecting your career and personal life.
What actions are required after a DUI charge?
Pennsylvania has strengthened its drunk and drugged driving laws in recent years. A first-offense DUI is typically considered a misdemeanor offense but can escalate to a felony in some instances. In addition to dealing with the criminal case, nurses must follow specific steps to comply with Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requirements. These include:
- Notify the board: Report your DUI charge within 30 days of filing or on your biennial renewal application, whichever comes first.
- Report convictions: If convicted, report this within 30 days of the final disposition or on your biennial renewal.
- Disclose disciplinary actions: Notify the board of any disciplinary actions taken against you by another licensing authority within 90 days or on your biennial renewal.
- Contact an attorney: Your best defense is a legal one. Make sure you’re contacting an experienced DUI lawyer to advise you.
A crucial component for keeping your license is ensuring you meet all deadlines and provide accurate information to maintain transparency with the board.
Will I lose my license?
A DUI conviction doesn’t automatically mean you will lose your nursing license. The State Board of Nursing evaluates each case individually. Several factors can influence its decision, such as:
- Previous offenses: A history of similar charges increases the risk of losing your license.
- Severity of incident: If the DUI resulted in injury or death, consequences could be more severe.
Possible repercussions from the board or your employer can include probation, mandatory participation in recovery programs or suspension of your license.
Engaging a skilled professional license defense attorney is crucial. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the legal and disciplinary processes, potentially mitigating the impact on your career. With the proper guidance, you can safeguard your license and livelihood.
