Can You be a Nurse with a Felony in Florida?
As a nurse, one’s primary concern is to provide high-quality patient care and maintain a professional reputation. However, for individuals with a felony conviction, the road to becoming a nurse in Florida can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question "Can you be a nurse with a felony in Florida?" and delve into the requirements and regulations surrounding this topic.
Direct Answer:
Yes, it is possible to become a nurse with a felony conviction in Florida, but it depends on the nature and severity of the felony, as well as the individual’s ability to meet the requirements and regulations set forth by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Florida Board of Nursing Requirements:
The Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) is responsible for licensing and regulating nurses in the state. According to the FBON, a felony conviction can impact a nurse’s ability to practice in Florida. Here are some key requirements:
- Conviction of a felony: If an individual has been convicted of a felony, they must provide written notification to the FBON within 30 days of the conviction.
- Types of felonies: The FBON has a list of specific felonies that can impact a nurse’s ability to practice. These include, but are not limited to:
- Mandatory reporting offenses: Felonies that involve the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult or child, such as:
- Abuse of a vulnerable adult (Chapter 415, Florida Statutes)
- Abuse of a child (Chapter 827, Florida Statutes)
- Exploitation of a vulnerable adult (Chapter 415, Florida Statutes)
- Drug-related offenses: Felonies related to the manufacture, distribution, or possession of controlled substances, such as:
- Trafficking in controlled substances (Chapter 893, Florida Statutes)
- Possession of controlled substances (Chapter 893, Florida Statutes)
- Mandatory reporting offenses: Felonies that involve the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult or child, such as:
- Pardons and expungements: If an individual has received a pardon or expungement for a felony conviction, they may still be required to provide written notification to the FBON.
Licensure and Certification:
To become a nurse in Florida, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Education: Complete an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN)
- Licensure: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and apply for licensure through the FBON
- Certification: Obtain certification in a specific area of nursing (e.g., critical care, pediatrics)
If an individual has a felony conviction, they may still be eligible for licensure and certification, but they must:
- Disclose the conviction: Provide written notification to the FBON and the certification agency (if applicable)
- Meet the FBON’s requirements: Complete a background check and provide proof of completion
- Meet the certification agency’s requirements: Complete any additional requirements set forth by the certification agency
Background Checks:
The FBON requires a background check for all nursing applicants, including those with a felony conviction. The background check is conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
FBI Background Check:
The FBON requires an FBI background check for all nursing applicants. The FBI check includes a review of the individual’s criminal history, including any felony convictions.
FDLE Background Check:
The FDLE conducts a state-specific background check, which includes a review of the individual’s criminal history in Florida.
Penalties for Non-Disclosure:
If an individual fails to disclose a felony conviction to the FBON or the certification agency, they may face penalties, including:
- Licensure revocation: The FBON may revoke an individual’s nursing license if they fail to disclose a felony conviction.
- Certification revocation: The certification agency may revoke an individual’s certification if they fail to disclose a felony conviction.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is possible to become a nurse with a felony conviction in Florida, but it requires meeting the requirements and regulations set forth by the Florida Board of Nursing. Individuals with a felony conviction must disclose the conviction, meet the FBON’s requirements, and complete a background check. It is essential to note that the FBON has a list of specific felonies that can impact a nurse’s ability to practice, and individuals with a felony conviction must be aware of these requirements to ensure compliance.
Table: Florida Board of Nursing Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Conviction of a felony | Provide written notification to the FBON within 30 days of the conviction |
| Types of felonies | Mandatory reporting offenses, drug-related offenses, and other specified felonies |
| Pardons and expungements | May still be required to provide written notification to the FBON |
| Licensure | Pass the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure through the FBON |
| Certification | Obtain certification in a specific area of nursing (if applicable) |
| Background check | Complete a background check through the FDLE and FBI |
Bullets:
• Mandatory reporting offenses: Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult or child
• Drug-related offenses: Manufacture, distribution, or possession of controlled substances
• Pardons and expungements: May still be required to provide written notification to the FBON
• Licensure and certification: Must meet the requirements and regulations set forth by the FBON and certification agency (if applicable)
• Background checks: Conducted through the FDLE and FBI
