The Board evaluates all complaints to ensure public protection. All allegations are evaluated with respect to jurisdiction, risk to the public and the circumstances leading to the reported incident/event.
NORTH CAROLINA IS A MANDATORY REPORTING STATE.
(See Guidelines Below)
N.C.G.S. (North Carolina General Statute) § 90-171.47
- § 90-171.47. - Reports: immunity from suit.
Definitely Reportable Conduct Events
- Fraud
- Theft
- Sexual Misconduct
- Mental/Physical Impairment
- Inappropriate Prescribing
- Criminal Charges/Convictions
- Drug Abuse
- Impairment on Duty
- Drug Diversion
- Positive Drug Screen
- Fraudulent Prescription for Controlled or Abusable Substances
The Board recognizes that minor deficits in practice or behavior may be appropriately addressed at the employment level. Minor deficits are those where the potential risks to the patient are very low, the incident is a one-time occurrence with no pattern of poor practice, the nurse is accountable for her/his practice and the nurse appears to have knowledge and skills to practice safely.
Potential Reportable Events
- Abandonment
- Breach of Confidentiality
- Inappropriate Delegation and/or Assignment
- Failure to Maintain Accurate Documentation
- Exceeding Scope of Practice
- Failure to Maintain Standards of Care
- Failure to Supervise
- Inappropriate Interaction with Client (Verbal/Physical)
- Neglect - Includes Sleeping on Duty
- Failure to Report Crucial Healthcare Information
The North Carolina Board of Nursing Complaint Evaluation Tool (CET) will assist you in determining the report-ability of these events.
Common Non-Reportable Events
(List is not all inclusive of non-reportable events)
- No Call-No Show
- Failure to Complete a Resignation Notice or Abrupt Termination
- Refusal to Accept an Assignment
- Rudeness or Non-threatening Verbal Interactions with Patient or Staff
- "Nodding" or momentary unintentional falling asleep, unless this is a pattern of behavior, or results in patient neglect or risk
- Falsification of Employment Application (except when falsification relates to licensure status)
- Failure to Follow Agency Policy (unless there is ALSO a violation of the Nursing Practice Act)
- Information related to mental or physical conditions of a nurse, obtained while providing care for the nurse (protected information)
- Systems Issues, including but not limited to:
- Malfunctioning Equipment
- Staffing/Work Hour Issues
- Physician/Nurse Communication Barriers
- Outdated Policies/Procedures (does not reflect current evidence-based practice)
- Inappropriate Assignment Practices