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Prepared by: Jim McGovern Esq. & Simone Armour

For decades, the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) held firm: Permanent Practice Restrictions (PPRs) were just that, permanent. Nurses who had served their discipline, satisfied monitoring conditions, and proven rehabilitation were still left with career-long limitations, no matter how far they had come. That position has now changed.

On May 22, 2025, the Board approved a new protocol establishing a formal process for nurses to petition for the release from or amendment to permanent restrictions imposed through a Board Order or Consent Agreement. This represents a major shift in regulatory philosophy and opens the door for licensees to finally seek relief.

“The Board has an interest in licensees returning to or remaining in the workforce and maximizing their abilities while protecting the public.”
— OBN Compliance Protocol C-PRO-005

Previously, the OBN took the hardline view that PPRs would never be lifted. Even after a licensee fulfilled every term of discipline—at times, years earlier—the restrictions remained etched onto their license indefinitely. This policy not only stifled professional advancement but also undermined workforce capacity at a time when Ohio and the nation face critical nursing shortages.

The new policy reflects a pragmatic and rehabilitative shift. The Board now acknowledges that nurses who have demonstrated long-term compliance, abstinence, and professionalism may be ready to return to unrestricted practice. It is a nod to both fairness and practicality.

Who Can Apply?

The policy outlines clear eligibility criteria for applicants:

1. Release from all terms of the underlying Board Order or Consent Agreement.
2. No new discipline issued by OBN or any other state board since the release.
3. Full compliance with all court terms if the case involved a criminal conviction or intervention in lieu of conviction.
4. For substance use disorder-related cases, documented abstinence since release from monitoring (applicants are expected to maintain evidence of this).

What Is the Process?

• Applications must be submitted no later than the 15th of any month without a scheduled board meeting (February, April, June, August, October, and December).
• The Compliance Unit reviews submissions by the 20th of that month.
• Applications then go to the Supervising Board Member for Disciplinary Matters for evaluation.
• The full Board votes on whether to release, amend, deny, or request additional information.

Disposition options include:

• Full release from all permanent restrictions.
• Denial of the request.
• Amendment of restrictions to include “unless otherwise approved” language.
• Return for more documentation.

Why It Matters

Permanent Practice Restrictions can severely limit a nurse’s ability to work in certain settings or supervisory roles—even after years of proven, competent practice. This new policy offers a long-overdue mechanism for second chances, without compromising public safety.

We Can Help

Our firm is actively assisting nurses with preparing applications and supporting documentation for release from Permanent Practice Restrictions. If you or someone you know may qualify, now is the time to take action. The deadline to be considered for the September 17–18, 2025 Board meeting is August 15, 2025.