Nurses with Criminal Records

Beth Janicek

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 395

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A television station research licensed nurses in Texas and found that more than one in 20 had a criminal record.  The station compared the records with the licensing board and Texas Department of Public Safety criminal database.  Such offenses included murder, kidnapping, and arson.  The Texas Board of Nursing said they received the funding to do the research last year but they do not have the staff yet to do the research.

Some of the largest hospitals say they don't hire anyone with a criminal record that would be job-related. But several hospitals say each nurse's background is considered on a case-by-case basis, the station reported. 

I have frequently run across this issue in cases that I have handled.  Nursing homes are required to do criminal background checks and are prohibited by law from employing individuals with certain criminal convictions.  It has been rare that I have found any nursing homes violating this law but frequently I find the staff has multiple convictions that do not bar them from employment.  Nursing home patients are vulnerable not only to abuse and neglect but have a difficult time keeping any valuables in their rooms.  Perhaps stricter review of the character of employees hired in the nursing home would help or better supervision of the employees.  I am concerned about trusting a person who has multiple convictions for shoplifting to care and protect my loved ones health and valuables.