Whether a celebratory drink with colleagues after a long shift or a glass of wine with dinner when out with family, an evening that ends with the flashing lights of a police car and allegations of drunk driving can lead to a whirlwind of legal troubles, especially for nurses.
The reality is, criminal charges like those related to drunk driving can have a direct impact on one’s professional license. In New York, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense that can result in fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Beyond these immediate legal consequences, nurses face additional challenges as the charges can trigger an official investigation by the state licensing board.
Impact on nursing license
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) oversees the licensing and regulation of nurses in New York. Allegations of drunk driving can trigger an investigation by the NYSED, potentially leading to disciplinary action. Nurses must understand how these allegations can affect their licenses and take proactive steps to address them.
- Disciplinary action: Depending on the results of the investigation, the NYSED may impose disciplinary measures, such as probation, suspension, or revocation of a nursing license. These actions can limit a nurse’s ability to practice and damage their professional reputation.
- Mandatory reporting: Nurses must report any criminal convictions, including DWI, to the NYSED. Failure to report can result in additional penalties and further jeopardize a nurse’s license.
As a result, it is important for nurses to take the allegations seriously and deal with all potential repercussions.
Steps to mitigate the impact on your nursing license
Nurses must comply with all reporting requirements and cooperate with any investigations. Demonstrating accountability and responsibility can positively influence the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. It is also important to seek legal counsel with experience in this niche area of law. In addition to addressing the criminal aspect of the charges, nurses should also seek an attorney who has defended professionals in similar situations. Your legal counsel can advocate for your interests during NYSED investigations and help tailor a strategy to your specific situation, better ensuring a more favorable outcome.
By taking proactive steps, nurses can mitigate the impact of drunk driving allegations on their professional license.
Attorney John Rivas is responsible for this communication.
