THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS APPEARED ON THE FLORIDA BOARD OF HEALTH’S WEBSITE .  WE ADVISE ALL POTENTIAL APPLICANTS TO VISIT THE DOH WEBSITE AS IT IS CONTINUALLY UPDATED.

Question: What crimes or license discipline must be reported on the (Florida nursing) application?

Answer: All convictions, guilty pleas and nolo contendere pleas must be reported, except for minor traffic violations not related to the use of drugs or alcohol. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, “driving while intoxicated (DWI)” and “driving under the influence “(DUI).” Crimes must be reported even if they receive a suspended sentence. All prior or current disciplinary action against another professional license must be reported, whether it occurred in Florida or in another state or territory.

Question: Can a person obtain a license as a (Florida) nurse if they have a misdemeanor or felony crime on their record?

Answer: Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The (Florida) Board of Nursing considers the nature, severity, and recency of offenses, rehabilitation and other factors. The Board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and the supporting documentation.

Question: Do I have to report charges if I completed a period of probation and the charges were dismissed or closed?

Answer: Yes. Offenses must be reported to the (Florida) Board even if you received a suspended sentence and the record is now considered closed. Applicants with previous arrest or disciplinary action on a license will not be authorized to practice nursing until all documentation is cleared by staff or reviewed by the Board. 

This ends the information obtained from the DOH’s website.

This information should not replace the valuable and current information obtained from the above mentioned organizations. Always check with them to get the latest and most updated information.

Attorney Lars Soreide, of Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Nursing if you are a Florida nursing student or a Florida nurse with licensing issues. To speak to a lawyer regarding your nursing license please call: (888) 760-6552, or visit our website at www.floridaprofessionallicense.com.