Restoring a Nursing License in Maryland
If your nursing license in Maryland has been suspended, surrendered, or revoked, it is possible to seek reinstatement from the Maryland Board of Nursing. State law gives the Board the power to grant or deny reinstatement.
Restoring a nursing license in Maryland can be a complex proceeding, so many nurses choose to work a knowledgeable attorney as part of the process. If a request of reinstatement is denied, it may be possible to successfully appeal the decision in court. Reach out to a seasoned nursing license defense lawyer today.
Before Beginning the Reinstatement Process
The Board will carefully examine an application for restoring a nursing license in Maryland to ascertain whether the applicant has fulfilled the established requirements. Accordingly, before seeking reinstatement, applicants must be certain they understand what it takes to fulfill those requirements and ensure that they have documentation to demonstrate their eligibility.
In addition, applicants should undergo a criminal history record check because they will need to supply proof. It can take time to complete background checks, so it is wise to have results in hand before proceeding.
The First Steps Toward Reinstatement
An applicant must submit a formal written petition to the Board seeking reinstatement. This petition for restoring a nursing license in Maryland must include:
- A properly completed renewal application
- Evidence to demonstrate compliance with the minimal practice requirements
- Proof of a completed criminal history record check
- Payment of the renewal fee
Applicants may also include supporting documentation to show that they have the ability to practice safely. This documentation should address the conduct that led to the revocation, surrender, or suspension of the license. The petition and supporting documents should be mailed or delivered to the Discipline and Compliance Department at the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Review by the Board
The next stage in the process of restoring a nursing license in Maryland occurs internally with the Maryland Board of Nursing. Members of the Discipline and Compliance Department consider all evidence submitted along with the formal petition for reinstatement.
In addition to showing that the applicant has satisfactorily addressed the concerns that led to disciplinary action, the applicant must also demonstrate satisfaction of the requirements for license renewal as set forth in Md. Code, Health Occ. §8-312. After reviewing the materials submitted, the Board could reinstate the applicant’s license, deny reinstatement, or reinstate the license subject to conditions deemed necessary by the Board. This could include a probationary period.
If the Board of Nursing Denies Reinstatement
The process of restoring a nursing license in Maryland is usually completed entirely within the administrative realm of the Maryland Board of Nursing. Because the Board exercises such control over the licensure and certification of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, certified medical technicians, licensed electrologists, and licensed direct-entry midwives, if an applicant receives notice that the Board has denied an application for reinstatement, the effect can be demoralizing.
However, it may be possible to successfully appeal the denial through a lawsuit. An experienced defense lawyer could provide more information and help with the process.
Get Assistance Restoring a Nursing License in Maryland
There are many grounds for suspending or revoking a nursing license in Maryland. In most cases, the Maryland Board of Nursing will not take such steps unless someone within the agency believes that a nurse or other medical professional under the Board’s authority has committed a wrong that poses a danger to the public.
Therefore, in order to obtain reinstatement, an applicant must present sufficient evidence to indicate that the concerns that lead to revocation or suspension have been fully addressed. An experienced attorney could assist in preparing a petition package that provides a persuasive showing and demonstrates fulfillment of all necessary requirements for restoring a nursing license in Maryland.