Pretrial Criminal Diversion Programs and Nursing Licensure

I met with a nursing student this week about the licensure implications of a criminal diversion program. She is facing felony charges and will most likely enter a court initiated criminal diversion program.

A criminal diversion program like anything else has its pros and cons for a nurse or nursing student depending whether the matter is viewed from a criminal, employment, or licensure standpoint.

Before you consent to entry into a criminal diversion program for felony or misdemeanor charges, consult with a nursing licensure defense attorney in your state.  See for example http://www.co.hancock.oh.us/prosecutor/adultdiversion.htm.

DO NOT assume that a criminal diversion or pretrial diversion in a criminal case will not impact your license if you are RN or LPN or your application for licensure if you are a nursing student.