Three Things to Consider when Applying for, or Renewing, a Nursing License in SC

December 26, 2018 by SC Nursing License Defense

Do I need a South Carolina Nursing License?

If you are licensed as a nurse in South Carolina, you are already familiar with the South Carolina Nurse Practice Act, your corresponding scope of practice, and what the South Carolina Board of Nursing expects from you.  If you are applying for a South Carolina nursing license, there are a number of things to consider. The type of South Carolina nursing license held dictates the corresponding scope of practice.  Practicing without a license and/or outside the scope of a South Carolina nursing license can result in an investigation and corresponding disciplinary action by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. If you are applying for, or renewing, a nursing license with the South Carolina Board of Nursing, there are several things to consider.  We offer the following three tips:

• It is important to be honest on your South Carolina Nursing license application or license renewal. Application fees are non-refundable. If you have questions or concerns regarding how to answer a specific question, you have the right to consult a South Carolina Nursing License Defense attorney. A consultation with a South Carolina Nursing Board attorney will provide you with information regarding the process and what you are legally required to disclose. A call with a nursing license defense attorney may also provide you with additional information concerning what to expect in response to the information provided including whether you may be asked to attend an application hearing or renewal hearing before the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
• Failure to disclose pertinent information and/or disclosure of certain information may result in an investigation and/or a required appearance before the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Your license is your livelihood.  In some instances, being proactive can help avoid huge consequences. A South Carolina Nursing Board Attorney can advise you regarding the LLR investigative process and what to expect and how to prepare if you are asked to attend an application or license renewal hearing.
• License denial is a reportable event.

What constitutes the practice of nursing in South Carolina?

South Carolina law defines the practice of nursing as the provision of services for compensation that assists a person or group to obtain or promote optimal health.  Practicing nursing requires the use of nursing judgment.  Nursing judgment is defined as the logical and systematic cognitive process of identifying pertinent information and evaluating data in the clinical context in order to produce informed decisions, which guide nursing actions.

Location matters. Nursing practice occurs in the state in which the recipient of nursing services is located at the time nursing services are provided.  Job descriptions matter. Even if you do not think that a position or certain job responsibilities constitute the practice of Nursing, you should further review whether the position requires an active nursing license. Licensure must be obtained prior to starting employment given that the Board of Nursing has made it clear that participating in orientation is considered the practice of nursing in South Carolina.

Every case is different.  If you are in the process of applying for, or renewing, a South Carolina nursing license and you have questions, contact us today to speak directly with a South Carolina licensing attorney. 803-227-4254.