Jenny Barnhouse, Executive Director
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 52926
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152
Re: Simpson, Case No. 3.2025060056.26
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 holds a single-state licensed practical nurse (LPN) license that is currently suspended pursuant to a Board Order issued on September 28, 2022 (“Board 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). Review of an Evaluation was required under the term of the Board Order.
Respondent had a previous disciplinary matter before the Board which resulted in her LPN license being suspended effective September 28, 2022. The Board Order in that matter requires that Respondent submit an approved Evaluation to the Board, for the purpose of determining if further Orders are required regarding Respondent’s license. On April 18, 2025, Board staff received Respondent’s Evaluation that did not meet the Board’s Evaluation Criteria. On May 16, 2025, Board staff received an Addendum Report to Respondent’s Evaluation which met the Board’s Evaluation Criteria. On May 17, 2025, Respondent submitted a Reinstatement or Return to Active Status of Licensure Application (“Reinstatement Application”).
On August 15, 2025, Notice of Hearing for review of the Reinstatement Application was sent to Respondent. After a hearing on October 2, 2025, the Board proposes to accept Respondent’s Evaluations and approve the Reinstatement Application with probation terms and conditions which includes supervised practice for 1,440 cumulative worked hours to be completed in two (2) years in a hospital/healthcare agency with adults only, excluding home health care, private duty and/or hospice under the supervision of not more than two (2) registered nurses, and other requirements included in the Board’s Order.
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
