Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(877) 371-5712 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/rn

Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
PLB is working diligently to become one of the most technologically advanced licensing agencies in the country. Throughout this year we have continued to review our business processes and implement technology to increase our performance levels and customer service for our licensees and the general public.

This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications.  We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year.  There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications.

Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section.  Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia.  More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.

PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible.  We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia Board of Nursing consists of eight members: seven registered nurses and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

Registered Nurses engage in the care of the ill, and promote and maintain health among individuals and groups. This care is delivered as a result of an assessment of the health status, establishment of a nursing diagnosis, setting nursing goals based upon the identified needs, and then implementing and evaluating the care delivered.

Advanced practice registered nurses include Nurse Practitioners (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialists, Psych/Mental Health (CNS,PMH) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). Advanced nursing practice is practice by a registered professional nurse who meets the educational, practice, and national certification requirements specified by the Georgia Board of Nursing, and is authorized to practice by the Board.

Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/rn.

2009 Meeting Dates:

November 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
November 19, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
November 20, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.

The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon.

Board Members:

Board Staff:

Sandy Bond
Executive Director
Georgia Board of Nursing

Number of Active Licensees:

Advanced Practice, CRNA: 1,749
Advanced Practice, CNM: 422
Advanced Practice, NP: 4,246
Advanced Practice, CNS/PMH: 310
Registered Professional Nurse: 104,061
Licensed Undergraduate Nurse: 13

Actions Taken by the Georgia Board of Nursing

July: The Board voted to accept the recommendations and commendations for the following site visits:
• Piedmont College
• Gordon College

The Board accepted Bainbridge College’s response to the site visit report.

The Board granted initial approval to Augusta State University for the enrollment of at least 20 students into nursing courses in the baccalaureate nursing program in the spring 2010 semester.

The Board granted initial approval to Chattahoochee Technical College for the enrollment of at least 20 students into nursing courses in the winter of 2010.

The Board accepted Report I submitted by the following schools:
• College of Coastal Georgia for its proposed baccalaureate degree nursing program
• Gordon College for its proposed RN/BSN program

The Board found that Bauder College does not support the development and implementation of a proposed associate degree nursing program, based on the 22-month report submitted by the college. The Board requested that Bauder College submit a letter of intent signed by the president of the school and a feasibility study that addresses the components in the criteria with particular attention to market analysis, financial resources and proposed practice setting.

The Board approved Darton College to offer its LPN/Paramedic Healthcare Professional Bridge Program at Sandersville Technical College beginning in the fall of 2009.

The Board granted full approval to the baccalaureate nursing program at LaGrange College through December 31, 2013, based upon review and documentation of compliance with rules relating to annual reports, the most recent site visit report and responses to it, and overall passing percentage of at least 80 percent of all first-time writers in the first cohort of graduates in May 2009.

The Board granted full approval for the baccalaureate program at Georgia Baptist College of Mercer University extended through December 31, 2011, due to the search for a new dean and the initiation of a revised curriculum in the fall 2009 semester.

The Board moved to refer Indiana State University’s LPN-BSN proposed program to the Georgia Board of Nursing Education Committee for evaluation.

The Board heard a brief presentation from representatives from Chamberlain College on its plan to develop and implement a proposed pre-licensure BSN program.

The Board voted to accept the following public consent order:
• Angela Dawn Hensley Howard, Ringgold: Four years probation, substance abuse stipulations, narcotic restrictions for two years and a fine of $500 for violation of private consent order.

The Board voted to accept the following public amended consent order:
• Randall Scott Wirgau, Rome: Probation until September 22, 2012 for violation of previous consent order.

The Board voted to accept the following public consent agreements for reinstatement of licensure:
• Cathy Ann Brotherton, Ringgold: Four years probation, substance abuse stipulations, narcotic restrictions for two years, quarterly reports and a fine of $500 for violation of previous consent order.
• Bonnie Barbara Daffron, Waycross: Four years probation, substance abuse stipulations, narcotic restrictions for two years, quarterly reports and a fine of $500 for violation of previous consent order.
• Sharron Fontenot, Smyrna: Fined $1,150 for unlicensed practice, failure to disclose previous sanction and second disciplinary action by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
• Karen Renee Tatum, Waycross: Four years probation, substance abuse stipulations, narcotic restrictions for two years, quarterly reports and a fine of $500 for violation of previous consent order.
• Christy McCard Winget, Bolingbroke: Four years probation, substance abuse stipulations, narcotic restrictions for two years, quarterly reports and a fine of $500 for violation of previous consent order.

The Georgia Board of Nursing voted to accept the following public consent agreement for licensure by examination:
• Cornwallis Legail Taylor, Eastman: Public reprimand for 2006 guilty plea to false claims under the Employment Security Law.

The Georgia Board of Nursing voted to indefinitely suspend the following license:
• Sherry Darlene Shields Murphy, Phenix City, AL: Failure to comply with terms of prior consent orders.
 
September: The Board accepted the recommendations and commendations from the April 21, 2009 through April 22, 2009 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Site Visit Report.

The Board moved to extend full approval to Brenau University through December 31, 2013. The action is based upon review and documentation of compliance with rules relating to annual reports, the most recent site visit report and responses to recommendations, and overall passing percentage of 85.7 percent of all first-time NCLEX-RN writers from 2005 to 2008. Unless another reason presents itself, the next site visit will be scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Board moved to extend full approval to Georgia Highlands College through December 31, 2013. The action is based upon review and documentation of compliance with rules relating to annual reports, the most recent site visit report and responses to recommendations, and overall passing percentage of 90.7 percent of all first-time NCLEX-RN writers from 2005 to 2008. Unless another reason presents itself, the next site visit will be scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Board moved to extend full approval to Piedmont College through December 31, 2013. The action is based upon review and documentation of compliance with rules relating to annual reports, the most recent site visit report and responses to recommendations, and overall passing percentage of 85.7 percent of all first-time a NCLEX-RN writers from 2005 to 2008. Unless another reason presents itself, the next site visit will be scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Board approved the response submitted by Southwest Georgia Technical College to the Board’s May 13-14, 2009 recommendation and the proposed one-day format for an LPN-ADN Bridge to be initiated in the Winter 2010 quarter.

The Board moved to grant initial approval to the College of Coastal Georgia for the enrollment of at least 20 students into its BSN Program in January 2010 based upon documented compliance with Rules 410-4-.01 (4); (5) and (6).

The Board accepted Report I submitted by Augusta Technical College for its proposed baccalaureate degree nursing program.

The Board moved to grant full approval to Bainbridge College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program through December 31, 2013. The action was based upon review and documentation of compliance with rules relating to annual reports, the most recent site visit report and responses to recommendations, and overall passing percentage of 85.1 percent of all first-time a writers from 2007 to 2009. If no other reason presents itself, the next site visit will be scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Board moved that Bauder College does not support the granting of Developmental Approval based upon reports submitted. The Board moved to ask Bauder College to provide the following:
• A projected budget covering the planning period prior to the enrollment of the first class through graduation of at least three classes and program expenses need to be clearly described.
• Provide a solid commitment for all proposed practice settings with dates on which site visits were conducted.
• Review the statement on the clinical contract under Clinical Supervision to clarify the role of faculty members and the provision of patient care.

The Board moved to approve Chattahoochee Technical College’s plan to relocate the proposed associate degree nursing program from the Marietta campus to the South Cobb campus and impose conditional approval on the proposed associate degree nursing program until such time as corrective actions related to the administration of the program by a qualified nurse administrator have been reviewed and accepted by the Board.

The Georgia Board of Nursing accepted the following public consent orders:
• Jana Suzanne Sturgis, Athens: Fined $500 and received one year probation.
• John Vincent Hull, Atlanta: Fined $1,000 and received four years probation.
• Laura Ellen Dent, Augusta: Fined $500 and received five years probation.
• Reese John Purvis, Augusta: Probationary period concurrent with South Carolina.
• Jana Lee Rumball Powell, Flowery Branch: Fined $500 and received two years probation.
• Cynthia W. Wilson, Gray: Received one year probation.
• Vanessa Aleta White, Jacksonville, FL: Received four years probation.
• Ashley Elizabeth Johnson, Kennesaw: Fined $500 and received four years probation.
• Wendy Wolf Segal, Lawrenceville: Fined $1,000 and received one year probation.
• Mary Ellen Peacock, Leesburg: Fined $500 and received two years probation.
• Karen Mitchell Whiddon, Macon: Fined $500 and received one year probation.
• Shannon Marie McGuire, Ocala: Received four years probation.
• Glen Patrick Saulnier, Phenix City, AL: Fined $500 and received four years probation.
• Roxie Charles Morris, Rome: Received four years probation.
• Hazen Blake MacIntyre, Savannah: Fined $500 and received two years probation.
• Tory Lamar Scoggins, Smyrna: Received four years probation.
• Benjamin Jason Horne, Yatesville: Received three years probation.

The Georgia Board of Nursing accepted the following Consent Agreements for Reinstatement:
• Ginger Holly Lineberry, Gainesville
• Victoria Ann Jones Kirby, Roswell: Fined $1,200.

The Georgia Board of Nursing suspended the following licenses:
• Tera Cherie McAllister, Macon: Indefinite suspension following felony forgery conviction.
• Tommie Lee Schell, Norman Park: Student loan default.
• Melandy Antoinette Wallace, Warner Robins: Student loan default.

The Georgia Board of Nursing accepted the following Voluntary Surrenders:
• Juli Payne Dykes, Lawrenceville
• Amanda Lynn Carpenter, Ringgold
• Joyce Annette Terrell, Snellville

The Georgia Board of Nursing accepted the following cease and desist order for unlicensed practice:
• Wanda Christy Williamson, Swainsboro

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!

Upon receipt of your original pocket card, note the expiration date.  THE BOARD WILL NOT MAIL RENEWAL NOTICES, NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT BY EMAIL IF YOU HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS ON FILE WITH THE BOARD.  A renewal notice will be mailed out only to those without email addresses. It is your responsibility to renew your license on or prior to your expiration date.  Paper renewals will only be available by request.  If you need a paper renewal, you may contact the Georgia Board of Nursing at (478) 207-2440.

It is the nurse’s responsibility to notify the Georgia Board of Nursing of any changes in demographic information, which would include any change in email addresses.

All registered nurses and nursing students are able to sign up for important Board updates at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/rn/, under online services, to receive Board news.

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:

Advanced Practice CNM: January 31
Advanced Practice CNS/PMH: January 31
Advanced Practice CRNA: January 31
Advanced Practice NP: January 31
Registered Professional Nurse: January 31
Licensed Undergraduate Nurse: January 31 of odd numbered years

It is illegal to practice nursing with an expired license.

Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check:

Criminal background checks are required by O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7. The GAPS fingerprint background check process is simple and easy to use. Applicants must register with Cogent Systems prior to going to the fingerprint site. There will be no data collection or registration at the fingerprint collection sites. Fingerprint services will not be provided to applicants who have not registered. Registration may be completed online or over the phone. To register online, go to www.ga.cogentid.com. Online registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To register by phone, dial 1.888.439.2512 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. The data collected from the applicant during the registration process is the same data collected on the fingerprint cards. When registering, the ORI number to use when prompted is GA922931Z. The Verification Code is 922931Z.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The board addresses disciplinary issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Board of Nursing Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/rn/.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on our website. Public disciplinary actions may be found on our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/publicorders/ .

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-26-11 and at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19. State laws and Board rules may be found on our website.

Georgia Board of Nursing Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Board of Nursing to regulate the licensing and practice of nursing. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-26 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for addressing complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:

Violations and complaints must be reported and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or be submitted on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence to indicate a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rule(s).

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the board has made a final decision in the matter and the case is considered complete, the complainant and the licensee are notified of the result by letter. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on our website. Public disciplinary actions may be found on our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/publicorders/ .

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.