Jenny Barnhouse, Executive Director
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 52926
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152
Re: Beasley, Case No. 3.2025030111.26
Dear Executive Director Barnhouse:
This office has received your request for a written Attorney General Opinion regarding action that the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (“Board”) intends to take in the above-referenced case. Respondent is licensed with a single-state registered nurse (RN) license that is temporarily suspended pursuant to a Stipulated Order entered into on May 20, 2025 (“Stipulated Order:”).
The Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act (“Act”) authorizes the Board to impose discipline when a nurse “violate[s] a rule [or] . . . an order of the Board.” 59 O.S.2021, § 567.8(B)(9).
Respondent entered into the Stipulated Order after being charged and pleading nolo contendre to two felony counts of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of an Alcoholic Beverage Causing Injury. Respondent’s Stipulated Order requires that an Evaluation be submitted to the Board along with additional restrictions and requirements. On August 19, 2025, Board staff issued an Order to Appear and Show Cause with a Notice of Hearing for Respondent’s failure to activate an account with an approved laboratory within the allotted time. Subsequently, Respondent has failed to submit to body fluid testing in accordance with Board guidelines at least twice a month pursuant to the Stipulated Order. On August 21, 2025, Board staff received Respondent’s Evaluation which meets Board criteria. On August 28, 2025, Board staff noticed Respondent for the Review of Evaluation Hearing on October 2, 2025.
After a hearing on the matter, the Board accepts Respondent’s Evaluation and determined that further orders of the Board are warranted. Respondent failed to show cause why no further action should be taken against his single-state RN license. Respondent is referred to the Board’s Peer Assistance Program (“PAP”) with the terms and conditions provided in the Board’s Order. Respondent’s RN license is to remain suspended pending entry into a PAP. If Respondent fails to enter a PAP or defaults/terminates from PAP, the RN license will be revoked for two (2) years.
It is, therefore, the official opinion of the Attorney General that the Oklahoma Board of Nursing has adequate support for the conclusion that this action advances the State’s policy to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring nurses meet minimum standards of professional conduct.
Cheryl Dixon
Deputy General Counsel
