Discipline Resources

Once a complaint is filed with a board of nursing, the boards have a complaint process they follow from review to resolution. This process is summarized in the NCSBN video Board of Nursing Complaint Process: Investigation to Resolution. This video was developed by the NCSBN 2010 Disciplinary Resource Committee and produced by NCSBN. Watch now! 

The Board Action Pathway (BAP) was designed at the request of regulatory boards. The BAP is designed to assist boards of nursing in their determination of whether the action of the nurse constituted a violation of the standard of care. Specifically developed for use in the evaluation of cases of nursing practice errors or unprofessional conduct, the BAP uses a paradigm that focuses on analysis of the (1) system and (2) nurse's behavioral choices.    Additional details 

Nurses who abuse substances pose a unique challenge to the nursing profession. The behavior that results from this disease has far-reaching and negative effects, not only on the nurses themselves, but also upon the patients who depend on the nurse for safe, competent care. Substance Use Disorder among health care providers also creates significant legal and ethical responsibilities for colleagues who work with these individuals. SUD in Nursing resources provide valuable information.

The use of social media and other electronic communication is expanding exponentially. While social media is an exciting and valuable tool to nurses when used wisely, it can pose risks when used inappropriately. NCSBN’s Social Media Guidelines help minimize that risk.

Substance Use Disorder and Accessing Alternative-to-Discipline Programs (July 2012)
Regulatory Management of Substance Use (January 2012)
Medication Administration in Nursing Homes (October 2011)
Addressing Chemically Dependent Colleagues (July 2011)
Defining & Assigning Accountability (April 2011)
Understanding the Disease of Addiction (July 2010)

NCSBN offers online courses on topics that are often assigned to nurses for remediation

Nurse Practice Acts
Righting a Wrong
Upholding the Standard: Professional Accountability in Nursing