Ohio Nurse - June 2021

June 2021 Ohio Nurse Page 19
On the Ohio Board of Nursing’s website, they state:
“The Board works to efficiently handle complaints, investigations, and
adjudications to safeguard the health of the public and in cases involving
substance use disorder or practice issues, provide alternatives to discipline
programs, if determined appropriate. The Compliance Unit processes and
investigates over 7,000 complaints annually including criminal offenses, such as
theft of drugs, impaired practitioners, sub-standard practice, patient abuse and
neglect, and other violations of the Nurse Practice Act and administrative rules.
While the overwhelming majority of Ohio nurses practice with high standards,
the actions or deficient practice of some have the potential to compromise patient
safety and the public’s confidence in the profession. The Board plays a critical role
in impacting the safety of nursing care that touches virtually all Ohioans.”
For information about the complaint and discipline process with the Ohio Board
of Nursing, visit http://nursing.ohio.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/92719-guide-tocomplaint-and-investigation-process.pdf
The following are examples of complaints that can be addressed by the
Board, from the Winter 2020 edition of Momentum:
It is important to recognize the implications of the mandatory reporting
requirements within the context of programs like the multi-state Nurse Licensure
Compact. Ohio is not currently part of the Compact. Being a Compact state
means that nurses who hold a multi-state license can practice in that state
without going through the standard licensing procedures of each individual state.
While there are some basic background checks done on nurses who apply
for a Compact license in their home state, there is no requirement to register
with a Board of Nursing when a nurse uses a Compact license in a state that is
not their home state. The lack of registration requirements in Compact states,
coupled with not all states requiring mandatory reporting for practice violations,
some offenses and unsafe practice could go unreported. This could potentially
cause public safety concerns.
• To complete the course and receive your certificate visit ce.ohnurses.org
and register for the course titled “Mobilization Myths: Ohio Nursing Law
on Interstate Practice.” You will find this course listed in the catalog. This
course is free to ONA members.
• References available within the
ce.ohnurses.org course.
“Please refer to Section 4723.28 Ohio Revised Code and the rules in Chapter
4723 at http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4723 .
• Fraud or misrepresentation on a license or renewal application
• Action by another nursing board or professional licensing agency
• Felonies
• Misdemeanors (including drug related crimes, misdemeanors
committed in the course of practice, or misdemeanors involving gross
immorality or moral turpitude)
• Performing duties beyond the scope of the license or certificate
• Misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate money or anything of
value in the course of practice
• Failing to practice in accordance with the standards of safe nursing
practice or safe dialysis care
• Violation of standards that promote patient safety (e.g., documentation
errors, falsifying records, violation of professional boundaries, patient
emotional or physical abuse, breaches of patient confidentiality)
• Impairment (mental, physical, or substance use disorders)”
(Ohio Board of Nursing, 2020, p. 14)
Conclusion
Understanding the facts about nurse mobilization is key to making informed
decisions about their practice. The state of Ohio recognizes the need for efficient
mobilization of nurses and healthcare staff during official emergencies and public
health crises. These provisions make programs like the multi-state Licensure
Compact obsolete for Ohio. Nurses practicing in Ohio, or interested in doing so,
need to be familiar with these provisions as well as the entire Ohio Nurse Practice
Act to protect their nursing license and their patients.