This spring, all LPNs will renew their licenses in Ohio. To renew your license, you should have been sent information by mail that will allow you to renew your license on-line. If you have not received renewal information, you can contact the Nursing Board at renewal@nursing.ohio.gov and you will be mailed a paper renewal form.  All renewals must be submitted by the deadline (June 30) to avoid a late fee. For renewal instructions go to: http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/PDFS/Licensure/2012_LPN_Renewal_Instructions.pdf

On the renewal form, you will be asked a series of questions. One question that seems to concern many nurses that I am routinely asked about is the following question:

Yes or no. Do you have a  “misdemeanor in Ohio, another state, commonwealth, territory, province or country. This does not include traffic violations unless they are DUI/OVI. (Ohio Board of Nursing 2012 Renewal application, emphasis add)

If you have a DUI, even if it was reduced to a reckless operation of a vehicle, you must check YES. Even if your case has been sealed or expunged or is in another state,  … you need to check YES. A DUI or reckless operation charge is a misdemeanor and is not a simple traffic violation. Traffic violations that do not typically have to be disclosed are things like “rolling a stop sign” or “going 45 in a 35 mph zone”. However, any DUI/OVI related traffic violation should be disclosed to the Nursing Board at the time of renewal.

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor DUI or alcohol related reckless operation of a vehicle, the Board has the authority to take a disciplinary action, including suspending your nursing license, placing your license on probation,  or placing a restriction on your license.

As always, if you have any questions about this post or about the Ohio Board of Nursing in general, feel free to contact me at 614-486-3909 or email me at beth@collislaw.com.