TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING BULLETIN
Dr. Dru Riddle Appointed to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Research Advisory Council
On April 16, 2024, Dru Riddle, Ph.D., DNP, CRNA, FAAN, who represents Advanced Practice Registered Nursing for the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), was appointed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Research Advisory Council by Secretary Denis McDonough. This appointment recognizes Riddle’s significant contributions to health care research and his dedication to improving the quality of care for veterans.
Dr. Riddle holds multiple positions at Texas Christian University, including Professor of Professional Practice in the School of Nurse Anesthesia, Associate Professor of Medical Education at the Burnett School of Medicine, and director of the Center for Translational Research.
“I look forward to bringing my perspective as a veteran, a researcher and an anesthesia provider to the council and help ensure the department is utilizing current, evidence-based research in setting its policies and practices. I’m honored to be chosen to serve on the council and assist the VA with a national research program that is focused on providing quality health care to our veterans,” said Riddle.
In his new role, Riddle advises the VA Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health (USH) on essential matters related to the VA’s research and development programs. Responsibilities include offering recommendations on the policies and projects of the Office of Research and Development (ORD), guiding the focus of research on high-priority health needs of veterans and ensuring a balanced approach between basic, applied, and outcomes research. The Council also evaluates the scientific merit review process and suggests ways to enhance the research financial base.
The National Research Advisory Council consists of approximately 12 members appointed by the VA Secretary. Members are selected for their knowledge and competence in various research fields, including clinical research, geriatric care, and mental health. The council advises on all aspects of the VA’s research program, ensuring that research initiatives align with the department’s goals and address the pressing health issues faced by veterans.
Riddle’s extensive qualifications make him an invaluable asset to the council. As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), he has significant experience in anesthesia care, both in military and civilian settings. His role in advancing evidence-based practices and his leadership in organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), where he currently serves as president, further establish his expertise.
Riddle’s appointment is the result of a rigorous selection process, including applications, interviews, and background checks. His nomination came from AANA and was thoroughly vetted before being finalized. His term on the council will conclude on March 31, 2026.
The council is expected to tackle critical issues such as veterans’ mental health — including post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, access to care, and care delivery. Riddle’s active involvement in patient care, combined with his advanced practice nursing training and expertise in evidence-based research, will provide valuable insights and contributions to the council’s work.
Reprinted with permission from Texas Christian University, Professor Appointed to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Research Advisory Council by Kelly Kjetsaa, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences Stories, Aug. 8, 2024, https://harriscollege.tcu.edu/stories/2024/dru-riddle-va-appointment.php.
The Texas Board of Nursing BOARD MEMBERS
Officers
Kathy Shipp, MSN, APRN, FNP President, representing Advanced Practice Nursing Lubbock
Allison Porter-Edwards, DrPH, MS, RN, CNE, CDDN, FAAN Vice-President, representing BSN Education Bellaire
Members
Kathy Boswell, MS, RN representing ADN Education Mineral Wells
Manny Cavazos, JD, CPA representing Consumers Manor
Daryl Chambers, BBA representing Consumers Grand Prairie
Laura Disque, MSN, RN, CGRN representing RN Practice Edinburg
Carol Kay Hawkins-Garcia, MSc, BSN, RN representing RN Practice San Antonio
Mazie M. Jamison, BA, MA representing Consumers Dallas
Kenneth D. "Ken" Johnson, BSN, RN representing LVN Education San Angelo
Mary Grace Landrum, ME, BA representing Consumers Houston
Kathy Leader-Horn, LVN representing LVN Practice Granbury
Nancy Lewis, LVN representing LVN Practice Buchanon Dam
Dru Riddle, PhD, APRN, CRNA representing APRN Practice Fort Worth
Melissa D. Schat, LVN representing LVN Practice Granbury
Rickey "Rick" Williams, AA representing Consumers Killeen
Executive Director
Kristin K. Benton, DNP, RN
The Texas Board of Nursing Bulletin is the official publication of the Texas Board of Nursing and is published four times a year: January, April, July, and October.
Published by: TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING VOLUME LV - No. 4
Publication Office: 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200 Austin, Texas 78701-3944
Phone: (512) 305-7400
Fax: (512) 305-7401
Publication Date: 10/8/2024
Summary of Actions
A regular meeting of the Board of Nursing was held July 17-18, 2024, in Austin. The following is a summary of Board actions taken during this meeting.
In the September 20, 2024, edition of the Texas Register: The Board of Nursing (Board) proposed amendments to §211.7, relating to Executive Director. The Board has established an agreed order to inactivate a nurse’s license if it is found that their education is not substantially equivalent to a Texas approved nursing program’s requirements. Traditionally, such orders have been ratified during a regular Board Meeting or a meeting of the Board’s Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee. However, certain agreed orders are currently accepted on behalf of the Board by the Executive Director. The proposed amendment aims to include inactivation orders, based on educational deficiencies, among those that the Executive Director can accept. This delegation of authority is intended to reduce the time between a nurse’s agreement to inactivate their license and their removal from practice. The Execu-
Reviewed Reports:
tive Director will provide summaries of these actions at regular Board meetings. Additionally, the amendments clarify the Executive Director’s authority to accept orders for nurses facing temporary suspension under the Occupations Code §§301.455 & 301.4551. These changes aim to improve regulatory efficiency by processing monitoring or suspension orders signed by Respondents without waiting for a temporary suspension hearing or other Board meeting.
The Board also proposed amendments to §213.33, relating to Factors Considered for Imposition of Penalties/Sanctions. On January 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and law enforcement partners executed a coordinated, multi-state operation to apprehend individuals involved in selling fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts. The scheme allegedly
involved the sale of fake nursing diplomas and transcripts from accredited Florida-based nursing schools to Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/ VN) candidates. Those who obtained these fraudulent credentials used them to qualify for the national nursing board exam. Upon passing the exam, these individuals were eligible to obtain licensure in various states, including Texas, to practice as RNs or LVNs.
The Board has begun disciplinary actions to revoke or deny the renewal of licenses and to deny initial licenses to individuals implicated in the scheme. According to Tex. Occ. Code §301.451, it is illegal to practice nursing with a diploma, license, or record obtained unlawfully or fraudulently. Tex. Occ. Code §301.452(b) (1) authorizes the Board to take action on violations of Chapter 301 or
continued on page 11
Nursing Education Actions - July 2024 Board Meeting
Five-Year Report on New Nursing Programs and Currently Active Proposals
Changes in Approval Status of Programs
Report on Communication Activities with Nursing Education Programs
Approved Reports of Survey Findings:
• Lamar State College in Port Arthur – Vocational Nursing (VN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Programs
• Southwest University in El Paso –ADN Program
• Weatherford College in Weatherford – VN Program
• Concordia University in Austin – Baccalaureate Degree Nursing (BSN) Program
• Panola College in Carthage and Center – VN Programs
Approved Notification of Closure of Programs:
• El Paso Community College in El Paso – VN Multiple Entry/Exit Program (MEEP)
• Lee College in Baytown – VN Program
Approved Proposal to Establish a New Nursing Education Program:
• Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene – BSN Program
• University of North Texas in Fort Worth – BSN Program
• University of North Texas in Fort Worth – Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
• Odessa College in Odessa – BSN Program in a Public Junior College
Approved Proposal to Establish an Apprenticeship Track:
• South Texas College in McAllen –ADN Program
New BON Team Member Introductions
Kathy Smith, Ed.D., APRN, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, joins the BON as Director of Nursing effective July 1, 2024. In this role, Dr. Smith will lead the Nursing Department Team in policy development, regulatory activities in education and nursing practice, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensing operations. Dr. Smith has over 21 years of experience in nursing practice, education, and higher education administration. Dr. Smith has served as a faculty member, a curriculum expert, and as a nursing director in vocational nursing, associate degree nursing (ADN), and graduate degree nursing programs across Texas. She has published articles related to academic nursing administrators and graduate nursing education in peer-reviewed national journals. Her nurse practitioner clinical practice has included family and integrative settings, occupational health, and university clinics. Dr. Smith has ADN and baccalaureate nursing degrees from New Mexico State University, an masters in nursing (MSN) from Texas Tech University Health Science Center and a Doctor of Education in Education Administration from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. She is dual board-certified in Acute Care and Family Practice as a Nurse Practitioner. Prior to coming to the Board, she served as the Graduate Program Director at Texas State University in Round Rock, Texas.
Mary Jane Philpy-Dollins, MSN, RN, joins the BON as Consultant for Nursing Practice. Ms. Philpy-Dollins has worked as an inpatient nurse in women’s services and in an outreach role related to maternal/neonatal transport and maternal-fetal telemedicine. She has a Masters of Science in Maternity Nursing, with a Role Specialty in Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, a Bachelor of Arts in English and Women’s Studies from Vanderbilt University, and a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Originally from West Texas, she has a heart for rural and community hospitals and for the health care needs of women and families. She lives with her husband and dog in the Austin area.
Danette Ver Woert, PhD, MN, RN, joins the BON as Nursing Education Consultant. Doctor Ver Woert grew up in Iowa and spent the last 16 years in Seattle, Washington. She received her BSN at Northwest University and MN at University of Washington. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Higher Education at Northwest University, and researched nursing ethics and accreditation. She taught pre-licensure nursing students at Northwest University since 2017, and brought nursing students to Kazakhstan and Taiwan for cross cultural nursing clinicals. One of her passions is supporting the advancement of nursing education around the world. She recently moved to Austin and is enjoying the daily promise of sunshine. She enjoys baking, reading, and riding her bike.
Sherry Weaver-Morales, MSN, RN, joins the BON as Consultant for Nursing Practice. Ms. Weaver-Morales is from Pennsylvania and moved to Texas in 2010 and fell in love with the Texas culture. She has over 25 years of nursing experience that includes emergency/trauma nursing in Level I Trauma Centers, teaching in ADN, BSN, and BSN accelerated nursing programs, working as a Legal Nurse Consultant on personal injury cases, and volunteering in bilingual health clinics, as she is fluent in Spanish. She has worked in nursing administration and management in both hospital and academic environments and in nursing research in the military setting. She received a diploma in nursing from Brandywine School of Nursing in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and her BSN with a Minor in Spanish from Immaculata College in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. She received her MSN from Widener University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a focus as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in emergency, trauma, and critical care. Her graduate work concentrated on language barriers in trauma nursing care at the University of Maryland Medical Center Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore, Maryland, and emergency nursing research and education in the emergency departments at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate in Public Health at Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, online. Her doctoral study focuses on perpetrators of mass shootings and their motives as it relates to the outcomes of the event. She has a passion for public health and community nursing. She enjoys dancing, watching movies, rollerskating, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband, son, and two chihuahua dogs.
BON Protects Public Safety in Court - Omietimi v. BON
On August 1, 2024, Judge Gamble of the 459th Judicial District Court of Travis County denied Plaintiff Omietimi’s application for a temporary injunction. In effect, Plaintiff Omietimi will not be able practice nursing during the process of her appeal of the Texas Board of Nursing’s Order denying the renewal of her license.
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON or Board) initiated proceedings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) against Mrs. Omietimi, when the FBI notified the Texas BON that Mrs. Omietimi had participated in the nationwide Operation Nightingale scheme. Through Operation Nightingale, the FBI discovered several Florida based nursing schools which fraudulently sold nursing transcripts and diplomas to aspiring nurses, without providing meaningful education. These nurses then used false credentials to apply to be licensed nurses. The FBI and NURSYS alerted the Texas BON that numerous nurses licensed in Texas, as either Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs), had attended
one of the implicated schools. These schools include Palm Beach, Quisqueya, Sacred Heart, Siena, Florida College of Health Science, Enfimye Institute, and Carleen. Six hundred and seventy Texas licensees and applicants for licensure in Texas have been reviewed so far which has resulted in 181 investigations regarding nurses who were licensed based on fraudulent education.
Apprised of this information, the Board took action. On September 25, 2023, an administrative hearing occurred before SOAH. The Texas BON argued before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that Mrs. Omietimi’s LVN license should be revoked, or her renewal of such license denied, because she fraudulently obtained her nursing diploma and she did not complete an approved nursing program, nor receive a substantially equivalent education to a Texas approved LVN program. While the ALJ did not find fraud on Mrs. Omietimi’s part, the ALJ did agree that Mrs. Omietimi did not receive an adequate nursing education. Specifically, Mrs. Omietimi did
not receive instruction in all five areas required by the Board, nor did she complete any clinical hours with live patients.
Based on Mrs. Omietimi’s lack of nursing education, the ALJ recommended that Mrs. Omietimi’s LVN renewal application be denied. The Texas BON agreed with the ALJ’s recommendation and denied Mrs. Omietimi’s LVN renewal application in its Opinion and Order of the Board issued on April 18, 2024. In its Opinion and Order, the Texas Board found that Mrs. Omietimi posed a risk to public safety while practicing as a nurse without proper nursing education.
Counsel for Mrs. Omietimi appealed the Texas Board’s decision, filing a suit for judicial review in Travis County. A final hearing on the merits of the suit for judicial review is currently set for December 19, 2024. The Texas BON seeks to protect the public by defending its Opinion and Order at Travis County District Court.
BON Staff and Board Member Provide a Texas Perspective on Nursing Regulation at NCSBN
Two staff members and an appointed member of the Board for the Texas Board of Nursing (BON or Board) are providing representation for Texas (NCSBN Area 3) through committee work at for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Ken Johnson, BSN, RN, who represents LVN Education for the Board, and Beverly Skloss, MSN, RN, BON Education Consultant, serve on the
NCLEX Item Review Subcommittee.
Mr. Johnson is newly appointed to the committee and Ms. Skloss was reappointed to serve a second two-year term.
Kristin K. Benton, DNP, RN, Executive Director of the BON, was reappointed to serve a second, three-year term in August, 2024, on the NCLEX Examination Committee. The Examination Committee advises the NCSBN Board of Directors on matters related to the
NCLEX examination process, including examination item development, security, administration, and quality assurance to ensure consistency with the Member Board’s need for examinations. Dr. Benton's new term runs from October 2025 to October 2028.
Congratulations to Mr. Johnson, Ms. Skloss, and Dr. Benton for representing Area III and the State of Texas on these national committees.
What is Public Health Nursing?
by Sherry Weaver-Morales, MSN, RN
Public health nursing positively impacts a population that serves the specific needs of that community and its neighborhoods (Kneipp et al., 2022). Public health nursing entails strategies that focus on improving the social determinants of health to its population-based communities. Public health nurses collaborate with community partners and engage with many sectors within the community to positively impact the population’s health (Kneipp et al., 2022). The collaborative efforts focus on working towards disease prevention and health promotion initiatives and activities (Kneipp et al., 2022). The fortifying and unique work that public health nurses do may include: health promotion and protection; emergency preparedness disaster recovery; environmental safety and quality; care coordination; various organizational collaboration and community engagement or partnership; research; and policy and advocacy to meet the needs of the populations and/or communities they serve (Billings et al., 2024; Kneipp et al., 2022).
The care provided by public health nurses is patient-centered, value and evidence-based care that not only addresses the individual, community, and the system, but includes medically complex and special needs populations, as well those in remote and rural communities (Castner et al., 2023). The public health nurse provides population focused care for implementation of initiatives at the levels of the individual, community, and the system, which is defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel or The Minnesota Model (Kneipp et al., 2022). Examples of initiatives may include providing care or sharing educational information related to:
• immunizations;
• healthy mothers and babies;
• breast feeding and nutrition;
• birth defects;
• infectious diseases such as
o Hepatitis;
o Tuberculosis;
o Diabetes;
o Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as
o Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
o Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
o Chlamydia;
• obesity;
• child and domestic abuse;
• suicide prevention;
• mental health; and
• dental health.
The goal for public health nurses is to have a meaningful progression toward achieving health equity with a positive impact on individual, community, and systems-level outcomes (Kneipp et al., 2022).
What distinguishes public health nursing from other types of nursing?
Public health nurses and the work they do is defined by the neighborhood that they work in, and the importance of trust built with those neighborhoods or community members that aids in encompassing change and making a positive impact on their health care. A neighborhood is considered a determinant of health because it can affect a population due to the prolonged residential environmental exposures within a community (Beese et al., 2024). The multifacet-
ed engagement and efforts, through their specialty-delineated roles and functions, distinguishes public health nurses from many other nursing colleagues in the workforce because they work within the neighborhood or community-based setting(s) (Kneipp et al., 2022). The effect that the neighborhood’s environment has on a community and its members plays an integral part in building rapport with that community for the public health nurse and the approach taken to implement change positively. These effects are due to the health risks associated with neighborhoods where people live, grow, work, and play and are an extension to the community and its members and how they interact with one another and strive to survive in their setting (Beese et al., 2024). According to Beese et al. (2024), a healthy neighborhood is described as a neighborhood where the physical and social environments promoted decreased environmental stressors, consequently improving health.
Other factors that distinguish public health nurses from their nursing peers is the involvement of frequent and often lengthy travel, especially for those who travel to remote and rural neighborhoods, and working with multiple levels of government, and private sectors or organizations (Castner et al., 2023). The diversity in a neighborhood that a public health nurse encounters is complex, encompassing a wide range of factors. These may include different employment settings within the community, such as correctional facilities, home health agencies, governmental organizations, and public health departments, as well as various cultures, languages, races, and ethnicities (Castner et al., 2023). Public health nurses need to
Public Health Nursing -
be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the population they serve, while also understanding and respecting the population’s values and beliefs (Castner et al., 2023). This is important to ensure equitable and inclusive health care is implemented (Castner et al., 2023; Kett et al., 2024). To effectively provide such care that addresses the underlying social determinants of health and overcome the barriers to health promotion, public health nurses must be unique and creative in their leadership abilities to maintain rapport with the community members (Kett et al., 2024). Public health nurses need to maintain an open line of communication with those whom they collaborate with as they may rely on other leaders, public health and governmental officials. Public health nurses must ensure the needs of the community are met positively and the ongoing efforts remain constant for improvement (Castner et al., 2023).
Public health nurses can sustain their efforts by constantly evaluating their initiatives and efforts, leverage their leadership and expertise within the community, maintain collaborative partnerships and implement ongoing change that positively impact the population served. This effort, according to Giordano et al. (2024), is built on the Nurse-led Equitable Learning (NEL) Framework. It means that public health nurses need to increase their equitable access to the knowledge, skills, and competencies that are necessary to prepare themselves to provide care to the population they serve in their practice In addition, public health nurses may face the challenges such as language barriers in the south rural regions of Texas (Billings et al., 2024). They need to foster community partnerships and professionally develop and grow to implement the new knowledge and skills gained to positively influence the health care and overcome challenges as they arise (Giordano et al.,
2024). Lastly, they need to evaluate and re-evaluate their health findings within the community to implement change that will have positive effects and replicate interventions that worked for the neighborhood and its members (Beese et al., 2024; Giordano et al., 2024).
How are Public Health Nurses servicing Texas?
It is important for the public health nurse to identify their community’s access to healthcare, as well as understand their perceptions of disease in order to best serve them (Beck et al., 2022). Texas has had 26 closures of rural hospitals since 2010 (Billings et al., 2024). Rural areas in Texas have the lowest rate of healthcare coverage in the state, with 32 counties not having any primary care providers (Billings et al., 2024). The first step for the public health nurse is to identify the needs of the community they serve and provide ongoing education and disease prevention strategies (Beck et al., 2022). Rural settings are characterized by their healthcare accessibility, educational, economic, social, and geographical areas. However, the public health nursing workforce has grown secondary to entry and graduate programs in Texas, especially in the rural regions (Concha et al., 2024). As a result of the graduates from such programs, nearly 90% of the graduates were employed in Texas on the one-year post graduation and 85% remained employed in Texas after 10 years with 89% of them working in the El Paso region in 2021 (Concha et al., 2024). Due to this transformation, the regional poverty rate in El Paso decreased to less than 20%. The surrounding communities benefitted from the increase in regional workforce productivity and workforce (Concha et al., 2024). According to Beck et al. (2022), it is recommended to increase funding to rural health departments in order to hire more
nurses, which is the key to success in promoting positive health outcomes to sustain healthy rural communities.
Public health nurses work to establish trust and relationships within their communities they serve. Often times, word of mouth among community members in rural Texas aids the public health nurse in advertising the services offered and the ease of accessibility to healthcare at clinics and private providers offices (Brusa & Bahmani-OSkooee, 2022). The wordof-mouth approach and the rapport built in those relationships can dictate the success of the public health nurse and the entities in providing health care services and the ability of being able to reach positive health outcomes for the community (Brusa & Bahmani-OSkooee, 2022). The repeat use of health care services by the community members demonstrates positive accessibility to healthcare and that loyalty and trust have been established among the public health nurse and the community (Billings et al., 2024; Brusa & Bahmani-OSkooee, 2022). It takes strong and persistent public health nurses and healthcare leadership perseverance and innovation to collaborate with community leaders and local and state officials in the public health realm to pave the path of success for healthcare access and healthy rural areas (Billings et al., 2024).
Another way that public health nurses serve Texas is through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). DSHS is an entity that provides many health services for communities in Texas, regionally (see Figure 1). In cities in North regions, such as Amarillo and Lubbock, public health nurses may help with offering low-cost vaccines for health prevention and preparing communities for natural disasters such as tornadoes (DSHS, 2024). In communities in West Texas, such as El Paso and Odessa,
Public Health Nursing -
public health nurses may help with environmental lead programs or Tuberculosis (TB) clinics to monitor and track lead poisoning and TB exposure in communities. In communities in South regions, such as Laredo and Harlingen, public health nurses may help the rural communities near the border get ready for disasters and obtain free medical, dental, and vision care through Operation Border Health Preparedness (OBHP) (DSHS, 2024). In cities of the Coastal regions,, such as Houston and Corpus Christi, public health nurses may deal with disasters such as hurricanes, which adds to the stress that the communities in those regions endure that need aid for disaster relief (DSHS, 2024). During disasters and other situations, public health nursing services may be provided by nurse volunteers via the Red Cross to meet the needs of the community to ensure the safety and health needs of the public are met (American Red Cross, 2024). Additional volunteer organizations such as the Red Cross may also assist during disasters and situations where Texas is in a state of emergency and may collaborate with the public health nurse to ensure the implementation and delivery of health care needs are met (American Red Cross, 2024; DSHS, 2024). A Public Health Nurse once said, “we never know that what we do today will have an impact years later” and that it is the small things that do make a difference (Cantu, 2024).
Public Health Nursing Links
The following section provides weblinks and various Rural and Public Health Nursing links that offers resources and publications, as well as statistical and demographical information for various areas and regions of Texas. There is information about grants for nursing education and funding available for community projects to aid in meeting the needs for different communities and populations. In addition, there is information about
Resource: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/center-health-statistics/texas-county-numbers-public-health-regions
working in rural and public health, as well as nursing education and programs offered for nurses who wish to pursue rural health nursing and understand it better. The rural health center is helpful for specific resources for rural health nursing ranging from care of communities to rural health nursing education interests. Please see the following links for more information.
Information about Public Health Nursing:
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regional-local-health-operations/public-health-nursing
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/ who-we-are/history/nursing.html
Public Health Nursing Resources:
https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/ success
https://ruralhealthcenter.uta.edu/ resources/
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regional-local-health-operations/public-health-nursing/publications
Texas Health Information, Statistics, and Demographics:
https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/ visualizations
https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/ states/texas
https://healthdata.dshs.texas.gov/
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/center-health-statistics
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/ default/files/chs/cnws/WorkforceReports/2019/2019_RegionalProfile_ Statewide_FINAL.pdf
continued on next page
Figure 1: Texas County Numbers and Public Health Regions
Public Health Nursing -
DSHS Regions of Texas:
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regional-local-health-operations/public-health-regions
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regional-local-health-operations/texas-border-health/border-health-news
Grants, Funding, & Services for Rural and Public Health Nursing:
https://texasagriculture.gov/ Grants-Services/Open-Grants
https://texasagriculture.gov/ Grants-Services/Grants-and-Services
https://texasagriculture.gov/ Grants-Services/RNRR
Rural and Public Health Nursing Education/Programs:
https://ruralhealthcenter.uta.edu/
Employment Opportunities for Public Health Nursing (May be Federal (CDC), State (DSHS), County Level, City Level, Private or Non-profit):
https://www.workintexas.com/ vosnet/default.aspx
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/ center-health-statistics/texas-center-nursing-workforce-studies
References
American Red Cross, (n.d.). Careers – About Us. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://www.redcross.org/about-us/careers. html.
Beck, A. M., Piontek, A. J., Wiedenman, E. M., & Gilbert, A. (2022). Perceptions of COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies between Rural and Non-Rural Adults in the US: How Public Health Nurses Can Fill the Gap. Nursing Reports, 12(1), 188–197. https://doi.org/10.3390/ nursrep12010019
Beese, S., Graves, J. M., Postma, J., & Oneal, G. (2024). The four stages of neighborhood trust:
Classic grounded theory. Public Health Nursing, 41(4), 768–780. https://doi.org/10.1111/ phn.13326
Billings, A., Parsi, K., & Sanghavi, A. (2024, August 27). Exploring Health Innovations in Rural Texas [Webinar]. Texas Primary Care Consortium. https://www.txprimarycareconsortium.org/ post/exploring-health-innovations-in-rural-texas
Brusa, J. O., & Bahmani-OSkooee, M. (2022). The influence of location accessibility on community satisfaction with the quality of Texas district public health services as intervening variables. Medalion Journal: Medical Research, Nursing, Health and Midwife Participation, 3(3), 117–123. https://medalionjournal.com/ index.php/go/article/view/49/49
Cantu, A. G. (2024). Personal reflections of a public health nurse on the small things that promote well-being. Public Health Nursing, 41(2), 198–199. https://doi.org/10.1111/ phn.13265
Castner, J., Stanislo, K., Castner, M., & Monsen, K. A. (2023). Public health nursing workforce and learning needs: A national sample survey analysis. Public Health Nursing, 40(3), 339–352. https://doi.org/10.1111/phn.13171
Concha, J. B., Umucu, E., Duarte-Gardea, M., Gonzalez, A. L., Solis, G. R., Loya, A. M., O’Dell, L. E., & Mathew, R. (2024). Hispanic-Serving Institutions Contributing to the Training and Diversity of the Public Health and Health Care Workforce. American Journal of Public Health, 114, S472–S477. https://doi. org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307655
Giordano, N. A., Phan, Q., Kimble, L. P., Chicas, R., Brasher, S., Nicely, K. W., Sheridan, T., Starks, S., Ferranti, E., Moore, E., Clement, D., Weston, J. B., Febres-Cordero, S., Chance-Revels, R., Woods, E., Baker, H., Muirhead, L., Stapel-Wax, J., Jones, K. D., & Swan, B. A. (2024). The nurse-led equitable learning framework for training programs: A framework to grow, bolster and diversify the nursing and public health workforce. Journal of Professional Nursing, 53, 25–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. profnurs.2024.04.006
Kett, P. M., Shahrir, S., & Bekemeier, B. (2024). Public Health Nurses’ proficiencies and training needs in an emergency response: a cross-sectional observational study. Journal of Public Health Management & Practice, 30(3),
354–366. https://doi.org/10.1097/ PHH.0000000000001888
Kneipp, S. M., Edmonds, J. K., Cooper, J., Campbell, L. A., Little, S. H., & Mix, A. K. (2022). Enumeration of Public Health Nurses in the United States: limits of current standards. American Journal of Public Health, 112, S292–S297. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306782
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), (n.d.). Careers – About Us. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.dshs. texas.gov/.
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-- License Renewals, Endorsement, Examination, or
-- Continuing Education for Nurses Licensing@bon.texas.gov
PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL NURSING ADVANCED PRACTICE....(512) 305-6843
-- APRN Application and -- Prescriptive Authority Procedures aprn@bon.texas.gov
NURSING EDUCATION...(512) 305-6816
NURSING PRACTICE........(512) 305-6802
-- Nursing Practice Issues
-- Legislation
-- Workshop Information....(512) 305-6844
-- Workshop e-mail inquiries workshops@bon.texas.gov
NEWSLETTER INFO..............(512) 305-6842
Administration of Over-The-Counter Medications and Treatments in School Settings
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON or Board) is dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of Texas residents by ensuring that all licensed nurses in the state practice safely and competently. This commitment is achieved through the regulation of nursing practice and the approval of nursing educational programs, as outlined by the Nursing Practice Act (NPA).
The NPA establishes clear boundaries for nursing practice, explicitly stating that it does not encompass medical diagnosis or the prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures. Consequently, administering over-the-counter medications without a valid order falls outside the scope of vocational and professional nursing practice. This regulation is consistent across all practice settings, including educational environments. The NPA is silent on the universal and standard use of safe over-the-counter medications when the parent or guardian appropriately authorizes the treatment option to be administered by a school nurse.
The BON recognizes the importance of parental authority and autonomy regarding their children's medical care. Texas’s regulatory framework is designed to prioritize patient safety while respecting parental decisions. School nurses are an integral and indispensable part of the healthcare team who work
in concert with parents and providers to ensure safe and effective delivery of healthcare to students.
The BON’s primary focus remains on ensuring that students receive safe and appropriate care in school settings.
The BON acknowledges that while some districts have standing delegation orders, others require the parent to secure orders from the student’s provider for all medications, including over-the-counter options. Orders for medications can be specific to an individual patient or generalized through standing delegation orders for particular patient populations under certain conditions. In instances where standing delegation orders are utilized, nurses must assess whether such orders apply to a given patient’s situation. The Board recognizes that requiring a parent to provide an order from a student’s provider for seemingly innocuous over-the-counter medications can be burdensome.
In response to recent inquiries and feedback, the BON is reviewing and updating its guidance on over-thecounter medication administration in schools. The Board is consulting with the Texas School Nurses Organization and other relevant stakeholders to develop guidance that aligns with legal standards and practical considerations. Not
all over-the-counter medicines and treatments are without risks, depending on the child’s specific condition. This updated guidance will revise the previous recommendations issued in 2006. While this statutory framework is not new, the updated guidance will clarify the previous direction issued by the Board. Until then, the Board will heavily weigh good faith reliance on its previous guidance.
The BON values the role of school nurses and their dedication to patient care. Nurses are encouraged to continue their essential work in stabilizing patient conditions and preventing complications. Nurses are further encouraged to monitor the Board’s communications for forthcoming updated guidance. For any questions regarding medication administration, please contact the Texas Board of Nursing at webmaster@bon.texas.gov or call the Nursing Practice line at 512305-6802.
TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING
Protecting Your Patients and Your Practice
Nursys is the only national database for verification of nurse licensure, discipline and practice privileges for RNs, LPN/ VNs, and APRNs licensed in participating jurisdictions, including all states in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). There are three Nursys services publicly available via External Link nursys.com:
Summary of Actions - cont. from page 3
any related rule, regulation, or order. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to bridge the gap between a violation of Tex. Occ. Code §301.451 and the concurrent violation of Tex. Occ. Code §301.452(b)(1).
The proposed amendments aim to clarify the Board’s stance on these violations, informing licensees and the public about the likely sanctions for such violations based on the Disciplinary Matrix’s Tier and Sanction Level analysis. The amendments also specify disciplinary actions for applicants who falsely certify that they meet Texas’s licensure qualifications. A number of applicants for renewal and
licensure have inaccurately claimed to meet educational requirements, leading to the licensure of nurses who have not completed the necessary clinical or didactic education, posing a significant public health risk. The amendments seek to ensure applicants understand the Board’s position on this behavior and to maintain consistency in applying the Board’s disciplinary matrix.
Additionally, the proposed amendments distinguish between technical and substantive requirements of a Board order. Current language misclassifies remedial education, typically required in Board disciplinary orders,
as technical, non-remedial requirements. The amendments remove this language to align with the Board’s current view of these violations.
Comments on proposed §211.7 and §213.33 may be submitted to James W. Johnston, General Counsel, Texas Board of Nursing, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200, Austin, Texas 78701, or by e-mail to dusty.johnston@bon.texas.gov, or faxed to (512) 305-8101. Comments are due no later than October 20, 2024. For further information, visit https://www.sos. state.tx.us/texreg/archive/September202024/Proposed%20Rules/22. EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#47
Empowering Change: A Workplace Violence Prevention Summit for Nurses and Stakeholders
By Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON or Board) is committed to ensuring the safety of nurses and patients through key initiatives aimed at addressing workplace violence. The Board’s mission is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas by ensuring that every nurse holding a license in the state is competent to practice safely. To support this commitment, the Board has allocated funding to address this critical issue. In fiscal year 2024, the Board of Nursing will provide $328,000 and $339,000 in fiscal year 2025 to support the grant program to reduce workplace violence against nurses. Workplace violence, in all its forms, not only affects the well-being of nurses but also disrupts communication, teamwork, and can ultimately affect patient care. Please see the Board’s Position Statement 15.30 Workplace Violence for more information (https://www.bon.texas.gov/practice_bon_position_statements_content.asp.html#15.30).
Introduction
Workplace violence against healthcare workers is a global issue creating numerous consequences for the psychological well-being and retention of nurses. (Zhang et al., 2023). Worldwide, leaders are developing solutions to prevent violent incidents from occurring. In Texas, there continues to be a concerted effort to support nurses and other healthcare professionals experiencing violence in the workplace. During the 88th Legislative Session, nurses across Texas joined the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) for Nurse Day at the Capitol to advocate for key legislative changes that would improve workplace conditions. Among the priorities included: Workplace Violence. As a result, two key bills passed during the session focusing on workplace violence prevention:
SB 240, by Representative Donna Campbell (88R) requires healthcare organizations to adopt, implement, and enforce a written workplace violence prevention policy and prevention plan. In addition, each facility must establish a workplace violence prevention committee that includes registered nurses who provide direct patient care, physicians, and security services who will then establish a workplace violence prevention plan and policy. Organizations are required to provide workplace violence prevention education annually as well. The law also provides antiretaliation protections for nurses who report workplace violence incidents internally and to law enforcement. You can read more details about SB 240 here
SB 840, by Senator Royce West (88R) increases the penalty for assaulting healthcare workers from a misdemeanor to a felony. This offers protection to all healthcare workers beyond emergency department settings if they are assaulted on hospital property. Currently, the felony charge only applies to those who experience workplace violence in a hospital setting. You can read more about SB 840 here
The passing of these bills reflects Texas legislators’ support and commitment to creating a violence free work environment for healthcare workers. Starting September 1, 2024, organizations must be in compliance with the requirements of SB 240.
Bringing together key stakeholders
In response to the growing concerns about workplace violence in healthcare settings, The Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition (NLAC), administered by the TNA, held the Texas Workplace Violence Prevention Summit on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Austin, Texas. This all-day event focused on gathering nurses, law enforcement officers, and other key stakeholders across Texas to discuss the prevalence of workplace violence in Texas healthcare settings, provide education on SB 240 and SB 840, and understand the impact on key stakeholders in healthcare and law enforcement. This summit aimed to address the pressing issue of violence against healthcare professionals, focusing on new strategies, collaborative efforts, and recent legislative changes introduced in Texas
in the 88th Legislative Session. The summit emphasized the urgency of protecting healthcare workers and highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration to develop and implement effective prevention strategies.
Keynote Sessions: Bridging Gaps and Building Awareness
The summit kicked off with informing the diverse audience about the importance of key stakeholders coming together to work toward a common goal; that workplace violence is not prevented by nurses alone; it takes us all. The day included several presentations, moderated panels, and activities to understand the law, how we view this law as it is implemented today, and what we hope to see come from this law in the future.
According to the new legislation, organizations must “adopt a definition of 'workplace violence' that includes: (A) an act or threat of physical force against a health care provider or employee that results in, or is likely to result in, physical injury or psychological trauma; and (B) an incident involving the use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, regardless of whether a health care provider or employee is injured by the weapon.” This law mandates that healthcare facilities develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans, including transparency of the plan with staff, regular review and evaluation of the prevention plan, and annual education for all “healthcare providers and
Empowering Change -
cont. from prev. page
employees who provide direct patient care” (Senate Bill 240, 88 Leg., R.S. (2023). The legislation also requires the establishment of a process to respond to and report incidents.
Panel Discussions: Collaborative Approaches to Prevention
The summit featured three moderated panel discussions that facilitated dialogue among nurses, law enforcement officials, hospital administrators, and legal experts. These discussions focused on identifying root causes of workplace violence, understanding the challenges in reporting incidents, and exploring best practices for prevention and response. One panel explored the critical role of law enforcement in supporting healthcare workers:
• Ensuring staff safety
• Adequate specialized training for law enforcement officers
• Response preparedness to appropriately respond to incidents in healthcare settings
• Emphasizing de-escalation techniques
Law enforcement panelists represented large and small hospital security experts, frontline hospital security officers, and an attorney from the Prosecutors office in Harris County, Texas. Daniel Riley, former law enforcement officer, shared his own experience with workplace violence which ultimately impacted his ability to continue to serve in law enforcement. Riley stated, “Filing reports will not be easy. No matter how minor you may see the incident, report it, file charges, and advocate for yourself and your nursing colleagues.” The amount of respect and support for prevention strategies reverberated around the auditorium.
Nursing colleagues also provided insight into workplace violence through their own experiences, including some who sought to press charges. One non-nursing stakeholder shared his
reflections saying, “I had no idea this was even an issue in our healthcare facilities. I will be bringing this back to our association to ensure our members are engaged in their local facilities to support workplace violence prevention.” Other key takeaways from the nursing panels and activities included:
• Increasing mental health support for healthcare workers who experience violence
• Comprehensive support systems
• Counseling services
• Peer Support programs
• Trauma informed support
• Paid time off following an incident
• The need for continuous education and training
• Recognizing and responding to potential threats
• Empowering nurses to take proactive measures in their workplaces
• Join the workplace violence prevention committee or work with organizational leaders to implement the committee
Many of these findings are consistent with recent research which supports adequate training, education, and partnership to effectively implement multifactorial mitigation strategies (Sanders et al., 2023).
Collaborative Solutions and Future Directions
At midday NLAC held a Press Conference with media to share a joint statement signed by the TNA, Texas Emergency Nurses Association, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Medical Association, Travis County, Texas District Attorney, and House Representative Donna Howard as well as 23 NLAC organizations. This joint statement emphasized the critical importance of protecting healthcare workers from violence and ensuring the commit-
ment to effective implementation of the law.
The summit concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to commit to ongoing collaboration and continuous improvement of workplace violence prevention strategies. Participants were encouraged to take the insights and best practices shared at the summit back to their respective organizations and work towards creating safer environments for healthcare professionals. One attendee, Lori Batchelor, Ph.D., RN, identified one key gap in the legislation and in implementation: clinical nursing students. “Healthcare organizations have the same obligations to their students that are conducting clinical rotations within their walls, as they do to their employees and staff.” During the event attendees worked on identifying innovative ideas, processes, education, and partnerships. One discussion harnessed the idea that “safety of clinical students” must be included in the prevention plan.
The event also highlighted the need for ongoing advocacy and support for legislative efforts that protect healthcare workers. Attendees were urged to stay informed about future policy changes and actively participate in shaping the laws that impact their safety and well-being. If you want to learn more about the work TNA is doing to support workplace violence prevention visit www.texasnurses. org.
References
Sanders, J., Thomas, L., Kerr, T., Benita, T., Abela, K., & Ulrich, B. (2023). Interventions to prevent and mitigate workplace violence. Nursing Management, 54(8), 20–30. https://doi.org/10.1097/ nmg.0000000000000040
Senate Bill 240, 88 Leg., R.S. (2023).
Zhang, S., Zhao, Z., Zhang, H., Zhu, Y., Xi, Z., & Xiang, K. (2023). Workplace violence against healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental science and pollution research interna-
Empowering Change -
tional, 30(30), 74838–74852. https://doi. org/10.1007/s11356-023-27317-2
Workplace Violence Prevention Toolkit, Texas Hospital Association and Texas Nurses Association (2023), available at: Workplace-Violence-Toolkit-2023.pdf (tha.org)
2022 Employer Nurse Staffing Study, Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies (2022), available at: 2022 Workplace Violence Against Nurses Employer Survey (texas.gov)
About the Author: Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC, has been a registered nurse since 2011 and currently serves as the Director of Nursing Practice at the Texas Nurses Association.
Flemming,
(left): TNA CEO Serena Bumpus shared Joint statement during press conference.
Pictured here: Texas House Representative Donna Howard, Texas Emergency Nurses Association President Shawntay Harris, Texas Hospital Association CEO John Hawkins, Texas Medical Association representative Elizabeth Duckworth, and District Attorney Garza (Travis County, Texas)
(left): Law Enforcement Panel (L to R): Eric Clay, Katie Wilson, Will Fleming, Daniel Riley, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Figliuzzi (Harris County, Texas)
(left): Representative Donna Howard providing insight into her advocacy for workplace violence prevention for healthcare workers and shares her own personal experience working in healthcare
and
reflected on the impact of law enforcement in workplace violence prevention
(left): Jennifer Midgette shares her personal experiences with being assaulted in the workplace
continued on next page
Will
Katie Wilson, Daniel Riley, Shawntay Harris,
Serena Bumpus
Empowering
TNA Director of Government Affairs and General Counsel Jack Frazee leads the opening keynote with education on current legislation
Texas State Nurse Honor Guard Pays Tribute to Nurses
Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, and a way of living, from the moment we first become a nurse, until we take our last breath. It is appropriate that we honor our colleagues not only during their careers but also at the end of life’s journey. This is the mission of the Nurse Honor Guard.
The Nurse Honor Guard pays tribute to nurses for their selfless dedication to their profession at the end of their lives by performing the Nightingale Tribute at their funeral or memorial service. Nurse Honor Guards also offer Living Tributes to nurses who are nearing the end of life. This service officially releases the nurse from their nursing duties at their last roll call.
The Nurse Honor Guard is comprised of active and retired nurses from all over the State of Texas, all volun-
teering their time for this important service. They dress in the traditional white uniform, complete with a cap and cape. The ceremony is brief and consists of reciting the Nightingale Tribute and laying a white rose on the casket or next to the urn, symbolizing the nurse’s dedication to the profession. After the Nightingale Tribute is recited, a triangle is rung after a roll call for the nurse. The nurse’s name is called three times. After the roll call, the words are spoken and the nurse is officially released from their nursing duties. A lit Nightingale lamp is carried up at the beginning of the ceremony and is then extinguished and presented to the family with personal condolences.
Volunteers from the San Antonio, Texas Hill Country, North Texas, and Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guards recently participated in a tribute ceremony at the 2024 TNA Annual Conference, and it was a very moving ceremony. The Board is proud that one of our own investigators, K. Prendergast, is also a volunteer with this prestigious Nurse Honor Guard group.
The Nurse Honor Guard provides a source of comfort to the family and friends of the nurse who has passed,
as well as a celebration of their nursing commitment. If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering your time with a Nurse Honor Guard, you may contact the Texas State Nurse Honor Guard at txstatenursehonorguard@ gmail.com, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Visit the Texas State Nurse Honor Guard Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61559886899412 for membership information.
Event Planning team members include (LtoR) Serena Bumpus, Elaina Diaz, Laura Kincheloe, Kelsea Heiman, and Katie Wilson
Photos courtesy of the Texas Nurse Honor Guard.
San Antonio Nurse Honor Guard
Rio Grande Valley Nurse Honor Guard
Nurses HelpingNurses
http://texasnurses org/mpage/TPAPN-advocates
The Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) believes in helping support positive outcomes for nurses and their patients by providing early identification, support, monitoring, accountability, and advocacy to Texas nurses who have an identified substance use or mental health condition or related incident, so they may continue to practice nursing safely. The TPAPN website (www.tpapn. org) has more information about the TPAPN program.
The Peer Support Partner is a volunteer nurse who provides peer support, guidance, encouragement, and more, to nurses participating in TPAPN. The program is looking for more Peer Support Partners. TPAPN has launched on-demand education courses and has live virtual courses as well. For example, if you would like to learn more about the Role of the Peer Support Partner, these courses are only offered in a live virtual format with the next courses on October 10, 2024, November 7, 2024, and December 5, 2024. Peer Support Partner Information Sessions are provided by TPAPN staff so interested nurses can learn more about the fundamental role of the Peer Support Partner. The Peer Support Partner Information Sessions will be presented on October 15, 2024, November 13, 2024, and December 10, 2024. On December 18, 2024, TPAPN will be hosting a lunch and learn on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health in Nursing. The online information session & online modules on Addiction, Mental Health Conditions,
Upcoming TPAPN Educational Opportunities
Motivational Interviewing, & Person-Centered Care are accessible by following the directions below:
1. Go to https://www.texasnurs es.org/
2. Go to the Professional Development tab and click Get CNE
3. Go to Categories and select TPAPN On Demand, where you will see a list of available options.
4. Select Register, if you are not a TNA member, you can create a non-member account to login
5. Complete the course, then get your certificate.
Please visit the TPAPN webpage (www.tpapn.org) for information about upcoming events.
A nurse with a substance use or mental health condition that might impact nursing practice is encouraged to self-refer to TPAPN prior to the condition impacting nursing practice. Any person may refer a nurse to TPAPN if the condition has not impacted nursing practice; however, persons mandated to report to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON or Board), such as an employer, a nurse, or a nursing peer review committee, are required to report the nurse to the BON if they believe there has been a nursing practice violation.
The TPAPN referral form is on the TPAPN website. The Board website contains links to file a complaint online under Discipline & Complaints – How to File a Complaint.
Reminder: Multistate Licensees Changing Primary State of Residence Must Provide Notification Within 60 Days
On January 2, 2024, a new NLC rule went into effect. Nurses relocating to another compact state have 60 days from the time they move to apply for a new license by endorsement in a new primary state of residence. The new rule (effective since January 2, 2024) reads:
402(2) A multistate licensee who changes primary state of residence to another party state shall apply for a multistate license in the new party state within 60 days.
Helpful FAQs and a brief video about the new rule are available online. Nurses can enroll at no cost in Nursys eNotify to receive notifications related to license renewals at www.nursys.com.
For more information, visit www.nlc.gov.
NOTICE OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The following nurses had disciplinary action taken against their licenses through a Board order containing public information about the nurse’s disciplinary action. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the Board's licensure verification system should be utilized for verification. You can obtain information about these disciplinary actions from the Board’s website, www.bon.texas.gov, using the verification look-up under Licensure or under the disciplinary action section of Discipline & Complaints. Under Licensure, select Verification, then click on the applicable license type; Discipline & Complaints, select Disciplinary Action, then select individual newsletter date. Additionally, you can send your written request to the Texas Board of Nursing, Enforcement Division, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200, Austin, Texas 78701.
Acero, Orlanvincent Mercado RN 955125 & LVN 336383 Enforced Suspension 7/18/24
Acevedo, Rogelio LVN 149433 Enforced Suspension 5/9/24
Achubie, Chigozie
Francisca RN 853623 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Agbo, Odumegwu
Steve RN 882398 Voluntary Surrender 7/23/24
Ainsworth, Nicole Marie RN 935622 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Alvarado, Lorena
Yvette RN 909460 Enforced Suspension 5/14/24
Alvarado, Lydia
Anselma LVN 215876 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Andersen, Braden
Carl RN 1031827 Remedial Education 5/14/24
Anderson, Brenda Ann LVN 93628 Revoked 5/14/24
Aregbe-Maliki, Titilola Bilquees RN 684109 Warning with Stipulations, Deferred 6/11/24
Arise, Margaret
Modupe RN 645239 Revoked 5/14/24
Arocha, Gregory LVN 1098431 Revoked 7/18/24
Arredondo, Miguel PTP NM LVN 23070 Remedial Education 7/18/24
Asare, Afua Seguaa RN 842325 Reprimand with Fine 7/18/24
Ayala, Melisa Ann LVN 213534 Revoked 6/11/24
Azodeh, Iyen R. LVN 206249 Reprimand with Stipulations 6/11/24
Babalola, Florence Funmi RN 667497 & LVN 175584 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Baker, Amber Erdei AP123657 & RN 842432 Remedial Education 5/24/24
Barnes, Amanda Jane RN 850685 Remedial Education 7/16/24
Barrera, Angela Marie RN 1023518 Reprimand with Stipulations 6/11/24
Barrera, Laura Ann LVN 330157 Revoked 5/14/24
Bassard, Sherah Eileen RN 726207 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Bates, Malia A. RN 1070184 Remedial Education with Fine 6/25/24
Beebe, Cari Rheanne LVN 172079 Remedial Education 5/23/24
Bell, Terrell Denise AP114698, RN 657326 & LVN 142167 Voluntary Surrender 6/3/24
Bielec, Brantley
Austin PTP IN LVN 27079198A Remedial Education, Deferred 6/11/24
Black, Ashley RN 937782 Remedial Education 7/3/24
Blakney, Shawna
Wilkening LVN 320129 Reprimand with Stipulations 6/11/24
Blassingame, Keelie
Marie LVN 1101423 Reprimand with Stipulations 6/11/24
Bodungen, Melissa
Janel RN 717171 & LVN 185647
Remedial Education with Fine 7/2/24
Bohr, Rhonda Gay RN 514964 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Bonnett, David Joseph RN 795034 Reprimand with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Botelho, Julia Coleen RN 899313 Remedial Education 6/10/24
Botello, Laura LVN 1023238 Revoked 5/14/24
Boydstun, Tasha Marie LVN 335209 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Brazelton, Wannetta Sue LVN 130636 Voluntary Surrender 4/16/24
Briscoe, Alicia Marie LVN 338066 Warning with Fine 7/18/24
Brister, Megan Noble AP131267 & RN 855816 Remedial Education 7/29/24
Broussard, Colleen Rhian RN 717050 & LVN 181284 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Caldwell, Paris Cymone LVN 353160 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Carter, Samantha Rae RN 977027 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Case, Sammy Eugene RN 1010734 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Cervantes, Susan Kay LVN 117115 Voluntary Surrender 4/17/24
Chadeayne, Diane M. LVN 216235 Voluntary Surrender 5/13/24
Chamberlain, Deborah Lynn RN 1061026 Revoked 5/14/24
Cherian, Daisy P. LVN 197024 Revoked 5/14/24
Christiansen, Tiffany RN 948444 Enforced Suspension 6/4/24
Clark, Cheryl Kaye LVN 112628 Voluntary Surrender 5/6/24
Claycomb, Sheila Kay LVN 193772 Probated Suspension 6/11/24
Clonch, Sarah Elizabeth RN 1045343 Remedial Education with Fine 6/25/24
Coleman, Nancy Lucianna RN 1006764 & LVN 340520 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Colon, Karizma Merie RN 1134037 Remedial Education 5/8/24
Conner, Jacqueline Kay RN 900052 & LVN 326201 Revoked 6/11/24
Cowley, Philip Elliott RN 916081 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Croker, Luann LVN 171621 Reprimand with Fine 7/18/24
Cusick, Bryana Marie LVN 1109719 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Damra, Ahmad RN 977504 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Daniel, Sonnya Sweat LVN 307752 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
De La Paz, Dustin Edward RN 1068480 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Deleon, Kennieth Brian RN 1023604 Revoked 7/18/24
Dillard, Jessica Ann LVN 334219 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Duncan, Angela Nicole RN 824172 Enforced Suspension 5/28/24
Duron, Arthur RN 633124 Revoked 5/14/24
Duvio, Jody Alan RN 797986 Revoked 5/14/24
Echebiri, Ijeoma Kelechi RN 934549 Revoked 6/11/24
Elliott, Jarvis James LVN 335911 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Emerson, Amy Michelle RN 874212 Reprimand with Stipulations 6/11/24
Escamilla, Kathy Ann LVN 309116 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
continued on next page
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Esene, Godwin
Ojeabulu LVN 304513 Reprimand with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Estes, Dave Michael LVN 314023 Revoked 5/14/24
Estrella, Edma
Belinda LVN 225623 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Evans, Susan Williams LVN 166585 Revoked 6/11/24
Faabe, Elizabeth Kefue LVN 1013918 Revoked 7/18/24
Felder, Starla Ja Na RN 1001557 Remedial Education with Fine 7/22/24
Ferguson, Kenneth Kristopher RN 1081568 Voluntary Surrender 6/28/24
Fleary, Kimberly RN 954812 Remedial Education with Fine 5/24/24
Fletcher, Jan RN 629887 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Forbes, Charles
Daniel RN 835745 Revoked 5/14/24
Frangenberg, Chloe
Isabella RN 1002885 Voluntary Surrender 6/11/24
Frederick, Rebecca RN 947733 Warning with Stipulations, Deferred 5/14/24
Frondorf, Lacy Nicole RN 786897 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Frusher, Jennifer RN 1026173 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Gallegos, Isabelita
Orolfo RN 573110 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Galvan, Manuela
Norverta LVN 228454 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Garcia, Bonnie Lou RN 606226 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Garcia, Jaquelin LVN 1107977 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Garcia, Kjersti RN 651310 & LVN 163160 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Garza, Felicia Isabel LVN 203338 Revoked 6/13/23
Giles, Sabrina Leigh RN 831164 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Godinez, Cythina LVN 1149804 Enforced Suspension 6/5/24
Gonzales, Angela Lea RN 689629 Enforced Suspension 7/18/24
Gonzalez, Erika LVN 192963 Probated Suspension 6/11/24
Goodman, Lacresha
Dawn LVN 208741 Reprimand with Fine 7/18/24
Gordon, Donny RN 797615 Enforced Suspension 6/17/24
Gramlich, Bruce A. RN 537339 Remedial Education, Deferred 7/29/24
Gray, Kailie L. RN 1062667 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Green, Donna Lolita AP129866, RX 19517 & RN 665196 Revoked 7/18/24
Green, Jessica Lynn LVN 317120 Enforced Suspension 5/20/24
Green, Keri An LVN 215161 Revoked 5/14/24
Gregory, Jackie Sue AP108063 & RN 554539 Reprimand with Stipulations 7/18/24
Grimm, Alyssha Lynn LVN 351373 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Grona, Jennifer
Elizabeth LVN 148627 Voluntary Surrender 6/26/24
Guevara, Alejandro RN 757620 Voluntary Surrender 7/2/24
Hancock, Bryan
Jeffrey RN 690560 Remedial Education with Fine 6/12/24
Handy, Tracy
Rochelle LVN 224663 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Hardy, Judy Ann RN 606421 Revoked 7/18/24
Hayward, Jamie LVN 342795 Reprimand with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Henderson, Darlene Lorraine RN 875437 Remedial Education with Fine 5/20/24
Henderson, Denise Nichole LVN 224270 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Henry, Gloria Annette LVN 149581 Probated Suspension 5/14/24
Hensarling, Dina Lynn LVN 165298 Voluntary Surrender 7/1/24
Hernandez, Ashley Paulette LVN 353685 Voluntary Surrender 6/12/24
Hogan, Terri Lynn LVN 227506 Probated Suspension 6/11/24
Hoover, Melissa Garcia RN 1056917 & LVN 330795 Remedial Education 5/1/24
Horne, Rachel Doretta RN 819166 & LVN 192177 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Hribal, Iva Joy LVN 309356 Revoked 6/11/24 Huerta, Tiffany Michelle LVN 304012 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Huff, Regina Marie LVN 317150 Voluntary Surrender 5/6/24
Hunter, James Michael RN 796123 Enforced Suspension 6/11/24
Ifechukwude, Marian Chukwudi LVN 1029378 Voluntary Surrender 6/11/24
Ikeji, Angela RN 984127 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Isbell, Edwin Chad RN 595269 Voluntary Surrender 6/10/24
Jay-Hernandez, Tracie Nicole RN 935559 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 5/14/24
Johnson, Allyssa Christine AP137789 & RN 829908 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Johnson, Kay Lynn RN 254662 Revoked 5/14/24
Johnson, Kerrie LVN 304097 Reprimand with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Johnson, Kim S RN 759484 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Jones, Victoria Elizabeth RN 1029146 & LVN 1029146 Remedial Education 6/6/24
Kilmer, Hannah Ruth LVN 1148933 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Kim, Helen Joo LVN 1141437 Enforced Suspension 7/30/24
Kitchell, Halie Nicole RN 1083687 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Kittleson, Wendy Yvette RN 1047962 & LVN 320037 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Klein, Shauna Deann RN 929259 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Knight, Alexandrea Judith RN 884726 Revoked 6/11/24
Kotzen, Mallory Danielle RN 838286 Revoked 5/14/24
Lacy, Jennifer RN 922530 & LVN 226493 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Land, Jazaee Domnique LVN 352823 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Langham, Sameika Nakeil RN 1026097 & LVN 345375 Probated Suspension 6/11/24
Langley, Cass Rebecca RN 818413 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Laymance, Cherilyn Ann RN 750969 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Leonard, Danyell Marie LVN 169646 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Lesak, Michelle RN 927232 Remedial Education 6/27/24
Lewandowski, Taylor Renae RN 924559 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Lichnovsky, Christy Michelle LVN 197705 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Liggins, Tunyesse Marie LVN 211099 Reprimand with Fine 6/11/24
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Macynski, Jennifer
Dianne RN 891094 Revoked 5/14/24
Martin, Rachel Lea RN 852327 Reprimand with Stipulations 7/18/24
Martinelli, Alexandria LVN 331829 Reprimand with Stipulations 7/18/24
Martinez, Marcela Gomez RN 242966 & LVN 53953 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
McCoy, Coewonda PTP MS RN 915535 & PTP MS LVN 336074 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
McGee, Kristin
Danielle LVN 339710 Revoked 6/11/24
McMillan, Anna Rhea RN 650801 Remedial Education, Deferred 7/23/24
McMillian, Shane Christopher LVN 219756 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
McNeely, Jeffrey Scott RN 903577 Voluntary Surrender 6/5/24
Mendez, Connie Paige RN 974697 & LVN 337421 Probated Suspension 5/14/24
Messenger, Karen Jane RN 808316 Remedial Education 5/28/24
Mgbekonye, Jude
Uchenna RN 889953 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Miller, Christine
Donna RN 861320 Voluntary Surrender 6/28/24
Miller, Veronica LVN 222969 Reprimand with Fine 6/11/24
Milton, Cassandra Renee RN 778974 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 5/14/24
Mitchell, Hailey RN 932248 Remedial Education 7/24/24
Moore, Glenda Kay LVN 128103 Remedial Education with Fine 5/1/24
Morphis, Kimberly
Ann LVN 190586 Revoked 6/11/24
Morris, Melody Ann LVN 189892 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 5/14/24
Moses, Syntishiya
Rachelle LVN 342435 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 5/14/24
Moye, Geneca
Kimorie LVN 325368 Revoked 5/14/24
Mullenix, Krista
Leigh RN 835722 Revoked 5/14/24
Munoz, Sharon Twila RN 650021 & LVN 118011 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Munsch, Steven R. RN 534233 & LVN 85724 Revoked 5/14/24
Murray, Jovannie RN 1017658 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Nations, Mignon Beth LVN 219922 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Nicholson, Lauren RN 856013 Remedial Education 7/11/24
Nidiffer, Dominique
Isabella RN 966208 Remedial Education 5/30/24
Nieboer, Zona Martin LVN 205067 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Nieto, Jessica Ann LVN 353434 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Nwabeke, Victoria
Ijeoma RN 463113 Revoked 5/14/24
Ohide, Ambrose RN 924190 Revoked 1/22/24
Olds, Tracey Diana LVN 1064155 Revoked 5/14/24
Ononuju, Peter I. LVN 317470 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Onyirimba, Maria
Onyekachi RN 693233 Probated Suspension 6/11/24
Overstreet, Jessica
Elaine LVN 329137 Voluntary Surrender 5/28/24
Peck, Jenny Rebecca LVN 196636 Remedial Education with Fine 5/9/24
Perez, Ray PTP FL RN9395996 Remedial Education 6/5/24
Peterson, Monica Turini LVN 328440 Reprimand with Stipulations 7/18/24
Philip, Stacy Palanilkumthadathi RN 1014847 Remedial Education, Deferred 7/29/24
Plotts, Rebecca McBride RN 707921 Voluntary Surrender 7/25/24
Poole, Geraldine Guzman LVN 92682 Remedial Education 7/2/24
Posey, Andrea Micheline RN 834481 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Pratt, Whitney Ann AP112222 & RN 629436 Remedial Education with Fine 6/26/24
Pruitt, Skylar Basile RN 939717 Revoked 5/14/24
Purtle, Courtney Lyne LVN 174755 & PTP AR LVN R084978 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Quintana, Juanita Lynn RN 1028396 & LVN 164547 Probated Suspension 5/14/24
Ramey, Becky Lynn LVN 226826 Warning with Fine 5/14/24
Ramirez, Alondra RN 1080890 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Rantz, Kathryne RN 918004 Remedial Education with Fine 5/14/24
Reddick, Nancy Katherine RN 741157 Revoked 5/14/24
Reese, Marissa Sarreal AP110314, RN 613371 & LVN 140951 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Renteria-Martinez, Jose Jesus RN 1122276 Remedial Education with Fine 5/7/24
Roberts, Jasmine Ocielynn LVN 1018275 Probated Suspension 5/14/24
Robinson, Mary Lynn RN 555064 & LVN 117527 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Roby, Maria LVN 324588 Remedial Education with Fine 5/28/24
Ross, Amanda S. RN 789020 Voluntary Surrender 5/16/24
Rung, Colene Joy RN 1015022 Remedial Education 5/30/24
Safar, Kaylynn Marie LVN 232751 Reprimand with Fine 7/18/24
Sanchez, Ashley Christina RN 924700 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 6/11/24
Sanchez, Lisa M. RN 650432 Reprimand with Stipulations 6/11/24
Sanchez, Margareth D. RN 852452 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Sanders, Sha-Nkosi Love LVN 1013540 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Sanders, Zuleika Lashawn RN 749474 Reprimand with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Santos, Juana Jesusa LVN 188233 Reprimand with Stipulations 5/14/24
Schobert, Jason Christopher RN 858146 Revoked 5/14/24
Schuster, Lindsie RN 986106 Probated Suspension 5/14/24
Sellers, Jeremy Dell LVN 198497 Revoked 5/14/24
Sellers, Penny Nichols RN 732648 & LVN 168846 Warning with Stipulations, Deferred 7/18/24
Sepulveda, Richard RN 633441 Revoked 5/14/24
Shaw, Linda Darnell LVN 313458 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Sias, Cassandra Rose LVN 316281 Enforced Suspension 7/1/24
Simmons, Stacie Denise RN 1028716 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 5/14/24
Smith, Brandy Kay LVN 192002 Revoked 5/14/24
Smith, David Lee LVN 212723 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Solis, Kameli Jo RN 713351 & LVN 134155 Remedial Education, Deferred 5/23/24
Spisak, Michelle Nicole RN 979030 Revoked 6/11/24
Steele, Molly E. RN 1023486 Revoked 5/14/24
Stewart, Lisa RN 968157 Warning with Stipulations 7/18/24
Stokes, Mary Noelle LVN 321505 Revoked 7/18/24
Stratton, Elizabeth Erin RN 762214 Revoked 7/18/24
Sutton, Nathan Wade RN 1112628 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Taillon, Roberta L. AP128664 & RN 707233 Voluntary Surrender 4/26/24
Taylor, Barron Ivy AP1034607 & RX 38808 Warning with Fine 6/11/24
Taylor, Rodney James LVN 319582 Remedial Education 7/29/24
Teal, Stormi Amanda RN 789583 Enforced Suspension 5/28/24
Todd, Ashley Ann RN 898182 Warning with Stipulations and Fine 7/18/24
Tran, Benjamin RN 1002861 Voluntary Surrender 6/14/24
Turner, Erika Jan RN 699546 Revoked 6/11/24
Uribe, Noemi RN 699550 & LVN 175509 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Utokanandu, Joy Ihuoma AP136122, RN 821929 & LVN 191912 Voluntary Surrender 7/9/24
Villarreal, Jeannette
Marie PTP NM LVN 23098 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Visitew, Megan Katie RN 810221 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Waliky, Delana Lynn RN 1010251 & LVN 306493 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Wallace, Kristine
Marie LVN 348963 Probated Suspension 5/14/24
Walton, Laurie Ann RN 541789 Revoked 6/11/24
Wangombe, Beth Wangechi AP129603 & RN 841351 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Weisberg, Lauren
Galadriel RN 816388 Revoked 5/14/24
Wheeler, Chastity
Jordan LVN 340468 Enforced Suspension 5/8/24
White, Sylvia Ann LVN 161696 Revoked 5/14/24
Whitener, Gabriela RN 710158 Warning with Stipulations 6/11/24
Williams, Michelle
Christine RN 885276 Enforced Suspension 5/15/24
Williamson, Laurice LVN 91201 Probated Suspension 5/14/24
Woods, Tiraja Bonet
Nicole PTP AR LVN 220083 Probated Suspension 7/18/24
Wright, Nanna L. RN 628980 & LVN 134965 Voluntary Surrender 5/2/24
Yarbrough, Catrice
Lashawn LVN 327361 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Yemane, Senait RN 852427 Warning with Stipulations 5/14/24
Abbreviations in the Notice of Disciplinary Action Section
PTP Privilege to Practice in Texas associated with the indicated state and license.
RX Prescription Authorization
Texas Board of Nursing Welcomes New Nurses!
The Texas Board of Nursing congratulates new licensees for July, August, and September 2024. Whether you are new to nursing practice or changing your licensure, we thank you for choosing to practice in Texas and welcome you to the workforce!
Number of New Licenses Issued by Examination (July – September 2024)
LVNs - 1,105
RNs - 4,842
APRNs - 1,573
Here are some helpful tips for you as you start your nursing practice in Texas:
* Make sure that you save your password for the Texas Nurse Portal – you will need to access the Portal every two years to renew your licensure.
* Consider signing up for Nursys.com – this free service will send you an automatic e-Notify alert when it is time to renew your license.
* The Board has requirements for continuing education each licensure cycle. Check out Education\Continuing Education & Competency on our website to ensure that you are staying current with requirements for licensure renewal.
Statistical information
The 252 disciplinary actions reported in this bulletin represent only 0.049% of nurses who are currently licensed to practice in the State of Texas.
As of August 31, 2024, 99.76% of current Registered Nurses, 99.40% of current Licensed Vocational Nurses, and 99.75% of current Advanced Practice Registered Nurses were without discipline according to Board records.
IMPOSTER WARNING
If you have any knowledge or information regarding the employment practices of the following individual or any nurse imposter, please contact the Board’s Enforcement Division immediately at (512) 305-6838.
Brittany Marie Johnson
a.k.a. Mindy Land, LVN
Brittany Johnson secured employment and practiced as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) with Home Health Care Service in Fort Worth, from March 2023 through April 2024, using the license number, social security number, date of birth and presented other forms of identification belonging to another nurse with a different name. During this time, Brittany Johnson provided direct patient care to pediatric patients and represented herself as an "LVN" to staff, patients, families and the public while using the credentials “LVN” on medical records. The Board’s investigation revealed that the date of birth, social security number, and identification photo for Brittany Johnson did not belong to any nurse having a license or privilege to practice nursing in the State of Texas.
Additionally, Brittany Johnson secured employment and practiced as an "LVN" working as a private duty nurse in Fort Worth, from April 2023 through June 2023, using the license number, social security number, date of birth and other forms of identification belonging to another nurse with a different name. During this time, Brittany Johnson provided direct patient care to a pediatric patient and represented herself as an "LVN" to staff, patients, families and the public while using the credentials “LVN” on medical and business records. The Board’s investigation revealed that the date of birth, social security number and identification photo for Brittany Johnson did not belong to any nurse having a license or privilege to practice nursing in the State of Texas. This case has been referred to the Office of the Tarrant County Attorney’s office and Arlington City Prosecutor for prosecution.
Texas Board of Nursing Meeting Schedule
2024 Board Meeting Dates October 24
2024 Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee Meeting Dates
November 12
December 10
For meeting times and locations, visit the Board of Nursing website.
* - The Board meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024, will be streamed online. Meeting access infomation will be posted at: www.bon.texas.gov
Information published in the Texas Board of Nursing Bulletin is not copyrighted and may be reproduced. The Board would appreciate credit for the material used and a copy of the reprint. Please direct questions or comments to: Newsletter, Texas Board of Nursing, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200, Austin, Texas 78701-3944. Comments may be emailed to bruce.holter@bon.texas.gov or call (512) 305-6842.
Office Hours and Location
The office of the Texas Board of Nursing is located in the George H.W. Bush Building, located next to the Bob Bullock Museum in downtown Austin, across the street from the University of Texas. The mailing address is: 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200, Austin, Texas 78701. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for designated holidays. If you need to reach the Board, please call (512) 305-7400 or send an email to: webmaster@bon.texas.gov
The Texas Board of Nursing is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or in the provision of services, programs, or activities.
The Texas Board of Nursing Bulletin is published quarterly by the Texas Board of Nursing. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this document may be requested in alternate formats by contacting the Board's office, (512) 305-7400 (Voice), (512) 305-7401 (FAX), or by visiting the George H.W. Bush Building, 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200, Austin, Texas 78701.