Jenny Barnhouse, Executive Director
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 52926
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152
Re: Baker, Case No. 10.2025080182.26
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. On or about August 6, 2025, Baker (“Applicant”) submitted to the Board an RN Rewrite the Licensure Examination with Single State License Request Application to practice registered nursing (“Application”).
The Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act (“Act”) authorizes the Board to impose discipline when a nurse “[i]s guilty of a felony, or any offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of any licensee . . . whether or not sentence is imposed, or any conduct resulting in the revocation of a deferred or suspended sentence or probation imposed pursuant to such conviction,”[1] or “[i]s guilty of unprofessional conduct as defined in the rules of the Board.”[2] 59 O.S.2021, § 567.8(B)(2), (7).
On January 15, 2016, Applicant was charged with the following 3rd Degree Felony: Evading Arrest Detention with Vehicle. On April 28, 2016, Applicant entered a plea of Guilty, and the Court ordered a 3-year deferred sentence; 3 years of Community Supervision to include 160 hours of community service; drug/alcohol screening and counseling; and payment of a fine and Court costs. On September 8, 2025, Applicant informed Board staff that she wishes to withdraw her application and no longer wants to attempt licensure in the State of Oklahoma. The Board, therefore, proposes to deny Applicant’s Application.
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
[1] “’[S]ubstantially related’ means the nature of criminal conduct for which the person was convicted has a direct bearing on the fitness or ability to perform one or more of the duties or responsibilities necessarily related to the occupation.” 59 O.S.2021, § 567.8(B)(2).
[2] Unprofessional conduct means “conduct detrimental to the public interest[.]” OAC 485:10-11-1(b)(3)(H).
