School of Nursing

Legal Statement and Licensure Eligibility Disclosure

Tennessee Nursing Practice Act – Practical Nursing Program

All applicants seeking admission to the Practical Nursing Program at Professional Allied Health LLC must be advised that, pursuant to the Tennessee Nursing Practice Act, Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 63-7-115, and the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Board of Nursing, an individual's application for nursing licensure may be denied based on criminal history, professional misconduct, or other grounds established by law.

The Tennessee Board of Nursing has the authority to determine an applicant's eligibility for licensure and may deny, suspend, or revoke a nursing license when sufficient grounds exist under applicable Tennessee laws and regulations.

Legal Restrictions for Student Notification

In accordance with T.C.A. § 63-7-115(a)(1), the Tennessee Board of Nursing may deny licensure or take disciplinary action upon proof that an individual has engaged in any of the following:

1. Fraud or Deceit: Engaged in fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license to practice nursing.

2. Criminal Conduct: Been found guilty of a crime that may constitute grounds for denial of licensure under Tennessee law.

3. Negligence or Incompetence: Demonstrated unfitness or incompetence to practice nursing due to negligence, habits, or other causes.

4. Alcohol or Drug Dependency: Experienced alcohol or drug addiction to a degree that interferes with the safe and competent performance of nursing duties.

5. Mental Incompetence: Been determined to be mentally incompetent as provided under applicable law.

6. Unprofessional Conduct: Engaged in conduct that violates the professional, ethical, or regulatory standards governing nursing practice.

7. Violation of Nursing Laws or Board Orders: Violated, attempted to violate, assisted in violating, or conspired to violate any provision of the Tennessee Nursing Practice Act or any lawful order issued by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Criminal Background Checks and Licensure Eligibility

Applicants for initial nursing licensure in Tennessee are required to undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprint-based screening through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Individuals with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or other criminal histories may be subject to additional review by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Such histories may affect eligibility for licensure in accordance with applicable Tennessee laws and regulations.

The Board evaluates criminal histories under applicable legal requirements, including the Tennessee Fresh Start Act. Applicants must provide truthful and complete information concerning their criminal histories and any prior professional disciplinary actions.

Student Responsibility and Disclosure

Professional Allied Health LLC requires all applicants and enrolled students to understand that:

• Admission to or graduation from the Practical Nursing Program does not guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN examination or obtain a nursing license.

• The Tennessee Board of Nursing has the authority to determine eligibility for nursing licensure.

• Criminal history or other disqualifying circumstances may affect participation in clinical training, eligibility for licensure, or future employment.

• Students are responsible for providing accurate and complete information when applying for licensure.

• Students with concerns regarding their eligibility for licensure are strongly encouraged to contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing before enrolling in the program.

Professional Allied Health LLC does not have the authority to determine, guarantee, or override decisions regarding nursing licensure made by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.