What suspension means and who decides
A suspended nursing license means a nurse cannot legally practice nursing in that state for a set period of time. The suspension is temporary — different from revocation, which is permanent. State nursing boards, not the American Journal of Nursing or any national organization, hold the power to suspend or revoke licenses.
Each state has its own nursing board (sometimes called a board of nursing or board of registered nursing). That board investigates complaints, holds hearings, and issues discipline. The American Journal of Nursing publishes information about the profession but does not regulate licenses or maintain a public database of suspensions.
When a license is suspended, the nurse receives a formal order stating the length of the suspension, any conditions for reinstatement, and the reason for the action. Suspensions typically last from a few months to several years, depending on the violation.
Key Takeaways
- State nursing boards suspend licenses; the American Journal of Nursing does not regulate nurses or maintain suspension records.
- Common reasons for suspension include substance abuse, criminal conviction, patient harm, falsified records, and practicing without a current license.
- Suspension is temporary and different from revocation, which ends a nursing career permanently.
- To find whether a specific nurse's license is suspended, search your state's nursing board website, which maintains a public registry.
- A suspended nurse cannot work as a nurse during the suspension period but may be able to return to practice after meeting reinstatement requirements.
Common reasons state boards suspend licenses
State nursing boards suspend licenses for violations of nursing law and professional standards. The most frequent reasons include substance abuse (alcohol or drugs), criminal conviction, patient harm or negligence, falsified patient records, practicing without a valid license, and violations of the state's nursing practice act.
Boards also suspend licenses for unprofessional conduct, failure to report another nurse's misconduct, practicing outside the scope of nursing, and violations of patient confidentiality. Some suspensions result from failure to pay licensing fees or failure to complete required continuing education, though these are often resolved quickly once the nurse complies.
A single incident — such as a DUI conviction or a serious medication error — can trigger investigation and suspension. Other suspensions result from a pattern of behavior over time, discovered through patient complaints or workplace reports.
How to learn about a nurse's license is suspended
Each state nursing board maintains a public registry of licensed nurses and their license status. To search for a nurse's license, go to your state's nursing board website and use their online license verification tool. You will need the nurse's full name and, in some cases, their license number.
The registry will show whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, expired, or inactive. If a license is suspended, the registry usually displays the effective date of the suspension and sometimes the reason. Some states provide more detail than others about the violation and the length of the suspension.
If you cannot find the state nursing board website, search "[your state] nursing board" or "[your state] board of nursing." You can also call the board directly — the phone number is listed on their website. Board staff can answer questions about a specific nurse's license status.
What happens during the suspension period
During suspension, the nurse cannot legally work as a nurse in that state. Working while suspended is a crime and can result in additional charges, fines, and permanent license revocation. The nurse's name remains on the state registry, but the license status shows "suspended" rather than "active."
A suspended nurse may be able to work in other fields during the suspension period — there is no bar against other employment. However, they cannot perform any nursing duties, including assessment, medication administration, patient teaching, or any act that requires a nursing license.
Some suspensions come with conditions the nurse must meet before reinstatement. These might include completing a substance abuse treatment program, passing a competency exam, completing additional education hours, or undergoing monitoring by the board. The suspension order specifies what the nurse must do to become may be able to access for reinstatement.
Reinstatement after suspension ends
When the suspension period ends, the nurse's license does not automatically return to active status. The nurse must file a reinstatement request with the state nursing board and meet any conditions outlined in the original suspension order.
Reinstatement typically requires proof that the nurse has completed all required conditions — such as treatment completion letters, exam scores, or continuing education certificates. The board reviews the request and may hold a hearing to determine whether the nurse is fit to return to practice. Some boards require a fee for reinstatement.
The board may grant reinstatement, deny it, or grant it with additional restrictions or probationary terms. If the nurse's license was suspended for substance abuse, for example, reinstatement might require ongoing drug testing or monitoring for a set period after the nurse returns to work.
Suspension versus revocation and other license statuses
Suspension is not the same as revocation. A suspended license is temporary; the nurse can eventually return to practice. A revoked license is permanent — the nurse cannot practice nursing in that state again without going through a lengthy reapplication process, which many states do not allow at all.
Other license statuses include "active" (the nurse is currently licensed and can practice), "expired" (the license term ended and the nurse did not renew), "inactive" (the nurse chose not to renew but may reactivate later), and "lapsed" (similar to expired, but the nurse did not pay renewal fees on time).
A nurse with an expired or inactive license can usually renew or reactivate by paying fees and meeting any continuing education requirements. A suspended nurse cannot straightforward renew — they must wait out the suspension period and then request reinstatement.
Where to report nursing misconduct
If you believe a nurse has violated professional standards or harmed a patient, you can file a complaint with your state nursing board. Most boards accept complaints from patients, family members, other healthcare workers, and the public. Complaints are usually submitted online, by mail, or by phone.
When you file a complaint, provide as much detail as possible: the nurse's name and license number (if known), the date and location of the incident, what happened, and any witnesses. The board will investigate and may interview the nurse, the complainant, and witnesses. If the board finds a violation, it may issue discipline ranging from a warning to suspension or revocation.
You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint, and most boards do not charge a fee. The board's investigation is separate from any civil lawsuit or criminal case — a patient can file a complaint with the board and also pursue legal action if they choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the details of why a nurse's license was suspended?
Most state nursing board registries show the suspension status and sometimes the reason. However, the level of detail varies by state. Some states publish full disciplinary orders online; others show only that a license is suspended. You can contact the nursing board directly to ask for more information about a specific case.
Does a suspended license show up on background checks?
Yes. Employers, credentialing agencies, and background check companies can see that a license is suspended when they search the state nursing board registry. A suspended nurse cannot be hired to work as a nurse during the suspension period.
Can a nurse work in another state while their license is suspended in one state?
That depends on the other state's rules and the reason for suspension. Some states have agreements to share discipline information. A nurse suspended in one state for patient harm or criminal conduct may find it difficult to obtain a license in another state. However, a nurse suspended only for administrative reasons (like late renewal fees) might be able to get licensed elsewhere.
How long does a typical nursing license suspension last?
Suspension length varies widely depending on the violation and the state. Some suspensions last a few months; others last several years. The suspension order specifies the length. You can find this information in the state nursing board's disciplinary order or by contacting the board.
What is the difference between the American Journal of Nursing and the state nursing board?
The American Journal of Nursing is a professional publication that covers nursing news, research, and practice. It does not regulate nurses or issue licenses. State nursing boards are government agencies that license nurses and discipline those who violate nursing law. Only the state board can suspend or revoke a license.