Differences between the Ohio Board of Nursing’s Single-State and Multi-State License Applications May Trigger Applicant Confusion
Published: Mar 09, 2023 by Monica FusterIn January 2023, Ohio implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing students who are residents of Ohio to apply for a Multi-State License[1]. It is vitally important that applicants are aware of the differences between the Multi-State License Application and the Single-State License Application with the Ohio Board of Nursing when determining which license to pursue.
There are slight differences between Multi-State License and Ohio Single-State License Application questions that may cause applicant confusion and mistakes. This is especially concerning because providing false or misleading information to the Ohio Board of Nursing (even if done unintentionally and due to misreading an application question) is a violation of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act and may result in the denial of an application and/or future sanctions.
For example, the Multi-State License Application question related to the disclosure of expunged misdemeanor convictions has a slight but significant difference when compared to the Ohio Single-State License Application. The Multi-State License Application question requires the disclosure of “crimes that have been expunged.” On the other hand, the Ohio Single-State License Application question only requires the disclosure of “crimes that have been expunged IF there is a direct and substantial relationship to nursing practice.” Therefore, as currently written, the Multi-State License Application requires an applicant to disclose to the Ohio Board of Nursing certain expunged misdemeanor convictions that an applicant would not need to disclose on the Single-State License Application.
In addition, the Multi-State License Application includes various questions that do not appear on the current Ohio Single-State Application.
For example, the Multi-State License Application requires an applicant to disclose all substance use disorder treatment occurring within the past five years[2]. If an applicant answers affirmatively, the applicant will be required to provide related documentation, including: dates of diagnosis/treatment; current condition; reason for treatment; treatment provider contact information and a letter from the treating physician. On the other hand, the Ohio Single-State License Application only requires disclosure if an applicant is “currently engaged in illegal use of chemical substances or controlled substances.”[3]
“Yes” responses are opened as complaints for the Ohio Board of Nursing to investigate. The Ohio Board of Nursing is authorized to investigate evidence appearing to show that an applicant or licensee violated a rule regulating the practice of nursing. Any resulting sanction will depend on the specifics of the disclosure.
If you are considering obtaining or converting your Ohio nursing license to a Multi-State License and need help navigating the process or disclosing a conviction or other conduct on your application, you should consider contacting one of the attorneys at Graff & McGovern, LPA. Attorney Monica J. Fuster can be reached at monica@grafflaw.com or (614) 228-5800 ext. 5.
[1] For background on the Multi-State License, please see the previous article from Graff & McGovern, LPA, discussing general requirements for and benefits of obtaining a Multi-State License.
[2] Multi-State License Application Question Language: “Within the last five (5) years have you received treatment for substance abuse, including alcohol, legal drugs, and/or illegal drugs?” and “Are you currently engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances?”
[3] Single-State License Application Question Language: “Are you currently engaged in the illegal use of chemical substances or controlled substances?” For this question “Currently” does not mean on the day of, or even weeks or months preceding the completion of this application. Rather, it means recently enough so that the use of drugs may have an ongoing impact on one’s functioning as a certificate holder or licensee, or within the past two years. “Illegal use of chemical substances or controlled substance” means the use of chemical substances or controlled substances obtained illegally (e.g. heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine) as well as the use of controlled substances, which are not obtained pursuant to a valid prescription, or not taken in accordance with the direction of a licensed healthcare practitioner.