IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL STATUTE 110-142.1

Legislation was effective July 1, 1996, requiring individuals who are delinquent in court ordered child support or are subject to outstanding warrants for failure to comply with the terms of Court Order for child support be subject to suspension of occupational licenses. The function of the North Carolina Board of Nursing in this matter is ministerial. The Board of Nursing will therefore comply with directions given by the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Division of Social Services Child Support Enforcement regarding the process for implementation of this statute. G.S. 110-142.1 applies to individuals who hold a licensing privilege and in that regard, the Nurse Aide II listing is included. Although the Board does not have statutory authority to take discipline action and suspend a listing card, G.S. 110-142.1 does entitle the Board to suspend a Nurse Aide II listing card. Each month a list of delinquent individuals who hold a nursing license or listing card will be originated in each county and be submitted to the Board of Nursing for action to be taken. Letters will be sent to these individuals for them to make arrangements with the county involved. If the individual does so, the county will notify the Board and the suspension of the license will be stayed. However, if the licensee does not contact the county and makes no effort to make arrangements to pay the delinquent fees, the license or listing will be suspended 20 days after the initial letter was sent. Individuals who have license or listing suspended will be required to submit a statement as to their current employment at the time the license or listing is submitted to the Board office. Board staff will make every attempt to notify the employer in cases of suspension of license or listing card. In order to have the license or listing card reinstated, the individual must make arrangements with the county involved and submit documentation to the Board regarding compliance. Names of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Nurse Aide IIs will be published on the website when suspension and/or reinstatement of the license/listing card occurs due to violation of G.S.110-142.1.