Substance-related violations — including being charged with a DUI — can jeopardize a medical career and may lead to the end of your nursing certification career.

DUI charges remain among the most serious misdemeanor criminal charges affecting nurses. Arizona’s top five reasons for disciplinary action against nurses.

For Arizona nurses, even a first-offense misdemeanor DUI charge or conviction can trigger a license investigation by the Arizona Board of Nursing. The board may treat any DUI charge as a possible sign of substance abuse, which could affect patient safety and the nurse’s ability to practice safely.

This article will cover the following subtopics:

• DUI and Substance Violations Among Arizona Nurses
• Why Arizona Nurses Face Disciplinary Action for DUI Convictions.
• Arizona Board of Nursing’s Process After a DUI Conviction.
• Protecting Your Nursing License After a DUI Charge
• 5 Frequently Asked Questions for Arizona Nurses Facing DUI Charges
• Shah Law Group: Your Trusted Advocate for Nurses Facing DUI Charges

This article explains how the Arizona Nursing Board handles criminal charges related to DUI. DUI charges can result in losing your nursing license if not appropriately addressed. This is why Shah Law Group, led by experienced DUI and license defense attorney Arja Shah, can help protect your nursing license in Arizona. Whether you are a nursing student, an Arizona nurse with a past DUI, or a nurse whose license is at risk, knowing your obligations under the Nurse Practice Act and your options for professional license defense can make all the difference.

DUI and Substance Violations Among Arizona Nurses

Substance-related violations, including DUIs, consistently rank among the top reasons for losing an Arizona nursing license. Arizona’s top five reasons for disciplinary action against nurses. For a licensed nurse, a DUI charge — even a first offense — can prompt immediate review by the Arizona nursing board, with the board possibly initiating a report to the board is crucial for maintaining standards. Substance abuse evaluation and formal disciplinary action.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing is tasked with protecting patient care and ensuring every nurse in Arizona can safely perform their duties within 10 days after a DUI charge. Any misuse of alcohol or substance abuse issue can raise concerns about patient safety and may lead to misdemeanor criminal charges. Even if the DUI happened in another state, Arizona nurses must report the incident within 10 working days of the charge being filed.

Why Arizona Nurses Face Disciplinary Action for DUI Charges

The Arizona nursing board sees DUI charges as red flags for licensure issues related to DUI. Substance abuse problems could affect patient safety and a nurse’s ability to practice under the Nurse Practice Act. For nurses in Arizona, even a misdemeanor DUI can be seen as unprofessional conduct, triggering a license investigation.

 Reasons why nurses in Arizona face disciplinary action for DUI charges include:

• It may affect patient safety if the nurse suffers from substance abuse issues. Impaired judgment from substance abuse can compromise patient care.
• Professional reputation: A nursing license in Arizona requires adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Public trust: As licensed health care workers, nurses must uphold public confidence in nursing.

The board may consider factors like criminal history, substance abuse evaluations, and cooperation with self-reporting when deciding on disciplinary action by the board.

Arizona Board of Nursing’s Process After a DUI Charge

When the Arizona Board of Nursing becomes aware of a DUI charge, it initiates a license investigation to determine whether the nurse poses a risk to patient care.

This process is entirely separate from any criminal defense proceedings related to DUI, which can affect their ability to practice nursing.

The board may:

• Require a substance abuse evaluation.
• Imposing probation: Suspending a medical license can lead to significant consequences, such as revocation of the nursing license.
• Issue a decree of censure if the DUI charge reflects poorly on the nursing profession.
• Enroll the nurse in the Chemically Addicted Nurses Diversion Option, allowing them to receive treatment without going through formal revocation proceedings.

The board may require the completion of specific treatment programs if substance abuse issues are confirmed for severe cases like felony aggravated DUI or felony DUI charges, or extreme DUI, suspension, or revocation becomes far more likely.

Protecting Your Nursing License After a DUI Charge

If you are a nurse in Arizona who has received a DUI charge, working with an experienced DUI and criminal defense lawyer is critical. Shah Law Group, founded by Arja Shah, offers comprehensive professional license defense services to nurses whose licenses are at risk.

Steps to Protect Your Nursing License

1. Consult a Licensed Defense Attorney Immediately
   With decades of criminal defense and professional license defense experience, Arja Shah understands how to defend Arizona nurses facing disciplinary action.
2. Comply with self-reporting obligations to maintain your nursing certification after a DUI charge.
   Under Arizona law, nurses are required to report any DUI charge within ten days of being charged.
3. Undergo Substance Abuse Evaluation if Required
   The board may require you to undergo a substance abuse evaluation to assess the risk of harm to patient care.
4. Proactively Seek Treatment if Needed
   Demonstrating your commitment to patient safety through voluntary treatment programs can influence the board’s decision.
5. Be Transparent with Employers
   Employers often run background checks, and failing to disclose a DUI or substance abuse issue can further jeopardize your nursing license.

5 Frequently Asked Questions for Arizona Nurses Facing DUI Charges

1. Can a DUI result in immediate revocation of my nursing license?
   While not automatic, the Arizona nursing board can impose revocation if the DUI charge reveals a pattern of substance abuse or poses a risk of harm to patient care.
2. Are Arizona nurses required to self-report DUI charges?
   Under the Nurse Practice Act, nurses must report any DUI charge within 10 working days.
3. What if the DUI happened in another state?
   The requirement to report extends to DUI charges in another state.
4. Can Shah Law Group help me protect my nursing license?
   Yes. Shah Law Group specializes in defending nurses in Arizona who are facing a DUI and related disciplinary action by the board.
5. Does a DUI automatically mean the end of my nursing career?
   Not necessarily. With strong legal representation, many nurses in Arizona can protect their nursing licenses and continue their careers.

Shah Law Group: Your Trusted Advocate for Nurses Facing DUI Charges

At Shah Law Group, we understand the high stakes nurses in Arizona face when dealing with DUI charges and potential disciplinary action by the board. With over 3,000 successful cases, Arja Shah has earned a reputation for providing compassionate, aggressive, and highly effective professional license defense. Whether you need help self-reporting, navigating a substance abuse evaluation, or presenting your case to the Arizona nursing board, Shah Law Group is here to protect your career.

Contact Us Online for a Confidential Consultation

Call (602) 560-7408 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss your DUI charge, criminal defense, and professional license defense needs. Let us help safeguard your future and your Arizona nursing license.