Can you lose your nursing license if you get a DUI?

On Behalf of | Jan 24, 2025 | Criminal Defense |

Getting a nursing license is not easy. It’s years of schooling, clinical rotations and passing the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) Exam. It’s an achievement, and you should be proud of it.

As a nurse, you must provide excellent care to your patients. Therefore, you are held to a higher standard than many of your peers. But even the best nurses can mess up sometimes, such as being charged with DUI. If that happens, one of your primary concerns is how it will impact your ability to continue in a nursing career that you love.

Louisiana, just like any state, considers a DUI to be a serious offense. It puts the public at risk and can result in fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension and a mandatory substance abuse program.

What does the LSBN require?

Nurses need to report a DUI arrest or conviction to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN). That has the potential to trigger disciplinary action, depending on factors such as if it’s part of a more significant problem, like as a substance use disorder.

The LSBN requires nurses to self-report any arrests or convictions within 30 days. Failure to report could be considered dishonest behavior and a violation of licensing rules. This could result in further disciplinary action.

When submitting a report, it should include details such as:

  • Was it a first or repeat offense?
  • Was anyone else harmed?
  • Is there a history of substance use disorder or other disciplinary issues?

Considering the implications of a DUI conviction, it’s essential to take action to minimize the professional damage it could cause. You will need to work with someone who can protect your rights and work toward the best outcome based on the specific circumstances.

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