The story of an Iowa nurse whose license was suspended indefinitely for stealing patients' painkillers on multiple occasions illustrates the severe consequences that multiple license suspensions can have on nurses' careers.

The Iowa Board of Nursing alleges that, on two different days in October of 2022, Tammie Lynn Illg gave a patient Tylenol instead of the Oxycodone that was prescribed and kept the Oxycodone for herself. The board had previously suspended Illg's license back in 2014 based on allegations that she stole 14 Hydrocodone tablets from her employer.

The board voted to indefinitely suspend Illg's license, required her to complete a chemical dependency evaluation, and also ordered her to prove to the board that she can maintain sobriety for 12 months.

Multiple Suspensions Can Lead to Permanent Loss of Nursing License

State boards of nursing regulate nursing misconduct and are charged with the responsibility of protecting the public. Whether a nurse's multiple suspensions are due to practice-related mistakes or misconduct, are drug related, or involve patient abuse, a licensing board could reasonably determine that a nurse who has multiple license suspensions is incapable of carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the job and poses a danger to their patients.

In such cases, a state board may decide that it's necessary to indefinitely suspend or permanently revoke the nurse's license in order to protect the public.

For example, in California, when deciding whether to suspend or revoke a nurse's license, the State Board of Registered Nursing considers, among other factors, the nurse's prior disciplinary record and the number of incidents they have been accused of.

Multiple Nursing License Suspensions Can Indicate a Serious Underlying Personal Problem

Nursing is a difficult and oftentimes stressful profession. Multiple license suspensions can be warning signs that a nurse is suffering from personal problems that are affecting their ability to safely and effectively perform their job. Substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues are some of the underlying causes of nursing misconduct that can lead to multiple license suspensions.

In many states, help is available to struggling nurses in the form of rehabilitation and counseling programs that are specifically designed to provide nurses with the treatment they need so they can heal, recover, and get back to work.

For example, the Arizona Board of Nursing offers the Alternative to Discipline Program that strives to protect the public by treating, monitoring, and rehabilitating nurses with substance abuse problems in order to help the nurses safely perform — and keep — their jobs.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help Nurses With Multiple License Suspensions Get Back on Track

Joseph D. Lento and his experienced Professional License Defense Team can help nurses who have multiple license suspensions protect their livelihoods and get back on track. The knowledgeable attorneys at The Lento Law Firm have years of experience successfully representing nurses before state boards around the country and will vigorously advocate for the best possible outcome for their clients. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit a confidential online consultation form.