Common Reasons Nurses Lose Their Nursing License

As a law firm with expertise in professional license defense, Lype Dest Smith Lawyers understands how critical your nursing license is to your career and livelihood. In Texas, nurses face unique challenges that could lead to nursing license revocation. It’s important to be aware of the common reasons nurses lose their nursing license, as this knowledge can help you avoid situations that may lead to suspension or revocation. Below, we’ll outline the primary causes of disciplinary action against nurses to help you safeguard your license and career.

Why Do Nurses Lose Their Licenses?

The common reasons nurses lose their nursing license include violations of state and federal regulations, unethical conduct, breaches of an existing Board order, or criminal activity that violates the standards of the nursing profession. While every case is unique, regulatory boards in the state are highly strict when enforcing compliance. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has the authority to suspend or revoke a license after thorough investigations, particularly for actions that jeopardize patient safety or undermine the integrity of the profession.

In general, the Board does not revoke a nurse’s license for a first offense. There are exceptions for cases involving felony offenses. Conduct the Board deems to be particularly egregious, such as physical abuse or sexual contact with a patient, can also lead to revocation for even a first-time offense. The Board will also sometimes consider revocation in situations where the nurse already has a disciplinary history.

Patient Abuse

Allegations of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse toward patients can result in the suspension or revocation of a nursing license. Nurses are held to a high standard of care, and abuse of vulnerable individuals is among the most severe violations, according to insights from Nursa.

Unprofessional Conduct

Unethical behavior or conduct that is unbecoming of a nursing professional can lead to disciplinary action. Examples include inappropriate social media activity, dishonesty, or rude behavior toward colleagues or patients. The Texas BON defines unprofessional conduct broadly, meaning even seemingly minor missteps could compromise your license. Speaking broadly, this category of violations typically does not lead to license revocation unless the Board considers the nurse’s conduct to be particularly egregious or if the nurse already has a disciplinary history with the Board.

License Application Fraud

Providing false information or omitting critical details on a nursing license application can result in your license denial, suspension, or revocation. This includes failing to disclose prior convictions, falsifying credentials, or lying about past disciplinary actions. The Board of Nursing considers integrity to be a non-negotiable expectation in the nursing profession.

Drug Diversion

Illegally taking or misusing prescription drugs, whether for personal use or distribution, is a serious offense that can result in license revocation. The Texas BON monitors drug diversion closely, as it directly impacts patient safety and violates professional ethics. In cases involving first or even second-time offenses, it is often possible to keep the nurse’s license subject to their participation in TPAPN or other types of Board monitoring.

Falsifying Patient Records

Altering, fabricating, or omitting information in patient records is a breach of trust and a violation of nursing standards. Accurate documentation is fundamental for ensuring continuity of care and legal compliance. Nurses who are caught falsifying records can face severe consequences. In severe cases this can include losing their nursing license.

Committing Fraud

Engaging in fraudulent activities, such as insurance fraud or billing for services not rendered, can lead to criminal charges and license revocation. As mentioned in  RN Guardian, fraud undermines the healthcare system and violates the ethical principles of nursing.

Inappropriate Relationships with Patients

Engaging in personal, romantic, or sexual relationships with patients violates professional boundaries and can lead to license suspension or revocation. Nurses are expected to maintain clear ethical boundaries, as crossing them risks trust and patient safety.

Mistakes in Patient Care

Errors in patient care, such as administering incorrect medications or failing to follow proper protocols, can result in disciplinary action. While some mistakes are unavoidable, significant errors that cause a patient’s death or lasting harm can be grounds for suspension or revocation of a nursing license.

Crimes Committed Outside of Work

Criminal activity, even outside of a nurse’s professional role, can lead to license revocation. Convictions for offenses such as DUI, theft, or assault may prompt the Texas BON to question a nurse’s judgment and professional integrity. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, any criminal conduct that violates the Nurse Practice Act or reflects poorly on the nursing profession could result in disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation. In most instances, license revocation or suspension can be avoided in cases not involving felony offenses.

Violation of HIPAA

Failing to protect patient privacy and confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can result in disciplinary action. Nurses must handle patient information responsibly, and improper disclosure—intentional or accidental—can lead to serious consequences. According to the American Medical Association, HIPAA violations are strictly enforced, with penalties ranging from fines to professional license revocation, depending on the severity of the breach.

Practicing Beyond the Scope of Their Licensure

Performing medical procedures or tasks outside the scope of a nurse’s licensure is a violation of Texas Board of Nursing (BON) regulations. Nurses are required to adhere strictly to their authorized scope of practice as defined by the BON. Taking on responsibilities reserved for a higher level of certification or failing to consult with supervising physicians can result in disciplinary action. The Texas Board of Nursing emphasizes that such violations not only endanger patient safety but also undermine public trust in the nursing profession. Again, in cases involving particularly egregious conduct or significant patient harm, the Board may consider revoking or suspending the nurse’s license.

Protect Your Nursing License with Legal Support

Any nurse facing a Board complaint should swiftly consult with an experienced Nursing Board attorney. At Lype Dest Smith Lawyers, our team focuses on defending nurses before the Texas Board of Nursing. Call us at 512-881-3556 for a confidential consultation today.

Dan Lype

Not afraid to go to court when necessary, Dan has successfully litigated cases all the way to the Supreme Court of Texas. Dan also prides himself on being readily available to clients throughout their cases. He strongly believes effective representation should be a collaborative effort between a client and their attorney.

Years of experience: 15 years
Bar number: 24065658
Location: Austin, TX

Dan Lype

Not afraid to go to court when necessary, Dan has successfully litigated cases all the way to the Supreme Court of Texas. Dan also prides himself on being readily available to clients throughout their cases. He strongly believes effective representation should be a collaborative effort between a client and their attorney.

Years of experience: 15 years
Justia Profile: Dan Lype
Bar number: 24065658
Location: Austin, TX