Discipline & Complaints

Definitions

Non-Disciplinary Action

  • DISMISSAL: A dismissal may be granted by the Board when the evidence currently in the Board’s possession does not support that the allegations occurred, or that there has been a violation of the Nurse Practice Act. Board staff may also dismiss certain allegations based upon Board-approved policies.
  • LETTER OF CONCERN: A letter from the Board expressing concern that a licensee, certificate holder or applicant may have engaged in questionable conduct, although the conduct does not necessarily violate the Nurse Practice Act. Letters of concern are not reported to NURSYS or other national data banks.
  • ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY: A monetary penalty assessed in limited circumstances. The amount of the administrative penalty is based on the Board's approved policies and substantive policy. Administrative penalties are not reported to NURSYS or other national databanks but are posted on the Board’s website, as required by statute.

Disciplinary Action

  • CIVIL PENALTY: A monetary fine issued by the Board, not to exceed $1,000, per incident, given singly or in combination with any disciplinary action for a violation of the Nurse Practice Act.
  • DECREE OF CENSURE: A public reprimand by the Board for a violation of the Nurse Practice Act. It is a written document and does not impose any conditions or encumbrances on the license or certificate.
  • DENIAL: The Board denies an application for licensure or certification. The applicant may not practice and may not reapply for five years.
  • PROBATION: All licensed nurses (LPN, RN, or APRN) on probation have work conditions and may have other mandated requirements, such as drug testing or treatment. Licensees must present employers with a complete copy of the Probation Order, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, and terms of the order.
  • REVOCATION: The licensee's or certificate holder's license, certificate, or privilege to practice is revoked for five years. A person whose license/certificate has been revoked may apply to the Board for reinstatement after the five-year period. The applicant must show that they have taken steps to remediate the reason for the revocation to reduce the potential for harm and unsafe practice. (A.A.C.R4-19-404 and R4-19-815)
  • STAYED REVOCATION OR STAYED SUSPENSION: These are actions typically part of a probationary period. The stayed action will not go into effect unless the licensee violates any conditions of an order. For example, a nurse on probation with a stayed suspension can work under the stipulations of the probation order. If the nurse violates any condition of the order, after review and a determination by the Board’s Executive Director, the license may be immediately suspended.
  • SUSPENSION: A suspension period prevents the licensee or certificate holder from using their license, including working. A person whose license or certificate has been suspended may not practice during the suspension period and must fulfill terms/conditions before being allowed to resume practice.
  • VOLUNTARY SURRENDER: A nurse or nursing assistant may voluntarily sign a consent agreement to surrender their license or certificate for an agreed-upon period of time, normally for three years after which they may apply for reinstatement at the discretion of the Board.

Others

  • IMPOSTOR: Individuals who have represented themselves as nurses, advance practice nurses, or nursing assistants but lack the corresponding, active license/certificate in Arizona.

Disciplinary Actions Publicly Available

Arizona law and the Nurse Licensure Compact require reporting of all nurse disciplinary actions to a national database, nursys.com, which in turn reports the actions to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). The Board also publishes disciplinary actions against nursing assistants on its License/Certificate Verification Portal.

Felony Convictions

The Board is required to revoke any nursing license or certificate or deny licensure if the licensee or applicant has one or more felony convictions that have not received an absolute discharge from the sentences three or more years prior to the date of consideration.