To find out if a nurse is under investigation, the most direct approach is to check the website of the relevant state's Board of Nursing, as many boards publicly list such information, especially when there's a significant risk to public safety.
How to Check a Nurse's Investigative Status
The primary and most reliable method for determining if a nurse is under investigation or has faced disciplinary action is through the official channels of the state's regulatory body.
1. Utilizing the State Board of Nursing Website
Each state in the United States has a Board of Nursing responsible for licensing and regulating nurses within its jurisdiction. These boards often provide online tools and databases accessible to the public.
Why Boards Make Investigations Public
State Boards of Nursing prioritize public safety. When a nurse's alleged actions pose a significant risk to the safety of others, the board may take immediate steps, such as placing their license on immediate suspension or probation alert, even before the full investigative process is complete. Many boards will also make the accused nurse's name and license number publicly available on their website, explicitly listed as "under investigation," to alert the public.
How to Navigate Board Websites
- Identify the Correct Board: Determine the state in which the nurse is licensed to practice. You will need to visit that specific state's Board of Nursing website. A quick search for "[State Name] Board of Nursing" will typically lead you to the official site.
- Locate the License Verification Tool: Most Board of Nursing websites feature a prominent "License Verification," "License Lookup," or "Practitioner Search" tool. This is your primary resource.
- Enter Nurse's Information: You will usually need the nurse's full name and, ideally, their license number for the most accurate search.
- Review Search Results:
- License Status: Check the current status of the license. Terms like "Active," "Inactive," "Suspended," "Revoked," or "Probationary" will be displayed.
- Disciplinary Actions: Many boards have a dedicated section for "Disciplinary Actions," "Public Orders," or "Enforcement Actions." This section will detail any formal disciplinary measures taken against a nurse, often including the reasons for the action.
- "Under Investigation" Listings: As mentioned, some boards specifically list nurses whose cases are actively being investigated, especially if immediate public safety concerns are present. Look for notices or specific designations related to ongoing investigations.
What Information to Look For on a Board Website
| Section/Tool | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| License Verification | Current license status (active, suspended, revoked, probation), and any associated alerts. |
| Disciplinary Actions | Formal findings, public orders, or sanctions imposed following an investigation. |
| Public Notices/Alerts | Names of nurses whose licenses are under immediate suspension or probation alert due to safety risks. |
| Specific Listings | The nurse's name and license number explicitly listed as "under investigation." |
2. Understanding Public Records and Confidentiality
While State Boards of Nursing aim for transparency, especially regarding public safety, the investigative process itself often remains confidential until a formal finding or disciplinary action is taken. This is to protect the integrity of the investigation and the rights of the accused individual.
- Pre-Decision Confidentiality: Information regarding an ongoing investigation might not be immediately available to the public until the board makes a formal determination or issues a public order.
- Post-Decision Public Record: Once an investigation concludes with a disciplinary action (e.g., suspension, revocation, probation, reprimand), the details typically become part of the public record and are accessible through the board's website or official public records requests.
By regularly checking the relevant state's Board of Nursing website, interested parties can stay informed about a nurse's licensure status and any public disciplinary or investigative actions.
