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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING
REINSTATEMENT OF A REVOKED LICENSE


 

  • REINSTATEMENT-REVOKED LICENSE

    GENERAL INFORMATION ON REINSTATEMENT OF A REVOKED/VOLUNTARY SURRENDERED LICENSE


    The loss of one’s license to practice nursing is a very serious matter. The Board of Nursing will reinstate a license only if the applicant can present substantial evidence to the Board of Nursing that his or her license should be reinstated.

    While the Board of Nursing has the authority to reinstate a nursing license, reinstatement is NOT A RIGHT. The burden of proof rests with the individual to demonstrate his/her fitness to return to the safe practice of nursing. Issues which may be considered by the Board are:
    • The nature of the Nurse Practice Act violation that led to loss or denial of the license;
    • Whether the factors that led to the loss or denial of the license are likely to reoccur;
    • Whether the individual is currently competent to practice his or her profession safely and in accordance with the requirements governing such practice;
    • The length of time since revocation/relinquishment/denial;
    • Whether or not re-licensure would present any undue risk to the public;
    • Evidence of rehabilitation;
    • and Continuing education.

A completed application may be accepted in the Board office no sooner than one year from the date of service of the Board’s Order upon the licensee. Applications received prior to that date will be returned. Following receipt and review of your application and supporting materials, you will be contacted and scheduled for a personal interview. Questions about this process should be directed to the legal division at (334) 353-8451.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q.    What do I need to do to reinstate my license?
R.    In order to apply for Reinstatement of a revoked/voluntary surrendered license, an Application to Reinstate a Nursing License must be completed and submitted. An applicant must wait a minimum of 1 year from the date of revocation prior to applying for reinstatement. The Board of Nursing will reinstate a license only if the licensee can present substantial evidence to the Board of Nursing that his or her license should be reinstated.

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Q.    Do I have to do this if I voluntarily surrendered my license?
R.    Yes, Revocation/Voluntary Surrender is disciplinary action and as such, reinstatement occurs through the rules for Disciplinary Action.

Q.    How much does it cost?
R.    The reinstatement fee associated with a revoked license can be found in the Licensure Chapter of the Administrative Code (610-X-4-.14). The fee is non-refundable. If the application is approved, the license status will be reinstated to a “lapsed status.”

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Q.    Who should payment be made to?
R.    Make checks/money orders payable to Alabama Board of Nursing. Personal checks must be imprinted with the name, address, and account number of the applicant. Personal checks by third parties (spouse, friend, parents, etc.) and personal checks on out-of-state banks are not accepted.

Q.    What are my chances of getting my license reinstated?
R.    Applications are reviewed on an individual basis. The Board may consider the severity of the action that resulted in the revocation, the applicant’s conduct subsequent to the revocation, the lapse of time since revocation, the applicant’s compliance with reinstatement requirements stipulated by the Board, evidence of rehabilitation, and violations of any applicable statute or rule.

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Q.    How long does it take?
R.    It is not possible to give a specific time line for reinstatement following revocation. Applications cannot be submitted any sooner than one year of the revocation. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Delays occur when an incomplete application is submitted. Once a completed application is on file, a determination will be made regarding the disposition. Disposition may occur informally through a consent order or formally through an administrative hearing. For informal disposition, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an interview with the Legal Division. Should formal disposition be indicated, the applicant will be notified of the hearing date and time. Following informal or formal disposition, the case is placed on the agenda of the next scheduled Board meeting for action. Notification of the Board’s action is sent to the applicant by certified mail the following week.

Q.    Do I really have to do all this?
R.    The criteria for reinstatement is taken from the Administrative Code which is the law governing the Board of Nursing. Applications cannot be processed without all appropriate supporting documentation.

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Q.    How do I get my CE’s?
R.    You may search for CE providers in your area on the Board’s website. You may also want to search the Internet.

Q.    Where do I find information on Treatment Providers?
R.    A list of Board-recognized treatment providers can be found on the Board’s website by selecting “Alternative Program.”

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Q.    Where do I go for urine drug screens?
R.    A minimum of one random urine drug screen per month is required. Following completion of initial treatment, urine drug screens must occur randomly on a continuous basis, for a minimum of 12 months preceding submission of an application. The screens must also continue while the application is under review. Proof of the randomness of the urine drug screens and the test results must be submitted with the application. To enroll in a Board-acceptable program for random biological fluid testing, contact the FirstLab PHM Department at 1-800-732-3784.

 Additional drug screen information
   
 Sample Welcome Letter
     FAQ  
     Application/Payment Form
     Payment Options and Procedures
     Tips and Reminders
     Alabama Collection Site List

Q.    What are the typical reasons an application is returned?
R.    The most frequent reason an application is returned is failure to submit all appropriate supporting documentation. Specific examples are missed urine drug screens (reasons/excuses are not accepted), insufficient or invalid CE certificates, lack of supporting documentation for a “yes” answer, and insufficient affidavits. Should a name change have occurred, failure to submit appropriate documentation of the name change will result in return of the application.

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Q.    What address do I mail my application to?
R.    The completed application should be mailed to:
Alabama Board of Nursing
PO Box 303900
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3900


INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF A NURSING LICENSE
(Revocation and Voluntary Surrender)


FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING RETURNED.


1.    Complete the “APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF A NURSING LICENSE” completely (typewritten or blue or black ink). All documents, including verifications from other jurisdictions, must be dated no more than 90 days prior to submission of your application. Application forms are:

        Form 1R—Application for Reinstatement of Nursing License
        Form 2R—Authorization to Release Treatment Records
        Form 3R—Verification of Licensure in Another Jurisdiction
        Form 4R—Supporting Affidavit

2.    Required attachments are:

a.    A Supporting Affidavit (Form 4R) from at least five unrelated persons, who have direct knowledge of the reasons for the loss or denial of your license and who can testify to your ability to practice, your character, and your behavior and conduct since your license was revoked, surrendered, suspended, or denied. All supporting affidavits must be notarized and submitted along with your application (Form 1R) in envelopes sealed and signed by the individual.

b.    If you are or have ever been licensed in another state or country, a Verification of Licensure in Another Jurisdiction (Form 3R) must be completed for each state or country by which you have ever been licensed. Follow the instructions on the form to make sure the verification is completed properly. The form must be mailed directly from the licensing authority to the Alabama Board of Nursing.

c.    Compliance with continuing education requirements. Twenty-four (24) contact hours within the preceding twenty-four (24) months of the documented date of receipt of your application is required prior to consideration for reinstatement of the RN/LPN license;

d.    If you answered “Yes” to question #9 in Part B of the Application (Form 1R), an Authorization to Release Treatment Records (Form 2R) must be completed and submitted along with your application.

Additionally, if the license to practice nursing was revoked/relinquished due to drug/alcohol-related matters, the Board requires evidence of the following:

(1)    Completion of a Board-recognized treatment program with Board consultation with the provider prior to evaluation. Submit a copy of the Admission and Discharge Summaries and a statement from the treating practitioner/facility regarding your current diagnosis and prognosis, including your ability to resume the practice of nursing, and an executed release from each practitioner or facility (Form 2R);
(2)    Participation in a Board acceptable aftercare program. Submit supporting documentation from the program;
(3)    Participation in a 12-step program. Submit supporting documentation of meeting attendance and a statement from your sponsor;
(4)    Following completion of initial treatment, documented evidence of being drug-free for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months prior to the documented date of receipt of your application. A minimum of one random urine drug screen per month through a Board-acceptable program for random biological fluid testing is required. Continue with random monthly urine drug screens after submission of the application until you are notified that they are no longer required;
(5)    A current evaluative report from a Board acceptable substance-abuse counselor/therapist, if applicable, with Board consultation with the provider prior to the evaluation;
(6)    Submission of a letter of verification from the prescribing physician if you are currently taking any prescribed medications or over the counter medications with mood-altering effects or have done so on a regular basis within the past two (2) years. The letter must describe the condition for which such medication is being prescribed, the expected duration of treatment, and the physician’s knowledge of your history of drug use/abuse/misuse/chemical dependency;
(7)    a chemical dependency evaluation performed by a Board-recognized treatment provider may also be required.

3.    You may also include a short, typed personal statement with your application.

4.    Sign the application in the presence of a Notary Public and have the notary seal affixed.

5.    Enclose the applicable non-refundable fee made payable to the Alabama Board of Nursing (payable by money order, cashiers check or a personal check).

6.    Mail the application and fee to Alabama Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 303900, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3900.

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 1-800-656-5318  |  Alabama Board of Nursing P.O. Box 303900 Montgomery, AL 36130-3900