By Barbara Forshier on February 27th, 2026 in
Any conviction must be reported to the Board of Nursing (BON) when renewing or applying for licensure. Some convictions are taken more seriously than others and may affect your ability to work as a nurse. Because ethical conduct is required under the Nurse Practice Act (NPA), nurses are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity in both their personal and professional lives. A theft conviction, for example, will likely lead to disciplinary action on your license—at minimum, a reprimand for violating ethical standards.
The impact of a conviction may also extend beyond the BON. Under Minnesota Statute 245C, certain criminal convictions result in disqualification from providing direct patient care. This disqualification prevents a nurse from working in any facility that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding, which includes most healthcare facilities. Importantly, this statute allows the state to remove a nurse from practice using a lower standard of proof than that required for a criminal conviction. Instead of “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the standard is “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning the state can take action if it is more likely than not that the conduct occurred—regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
How the Minnesota BON Reviews Convictions
Most convictions, with the exception of felony-level criminal sexual offenses, do not automatically prevent someone from becoming licensed or practicing as a nurse. If you were convicted of theft or another crime, the board will consider a number of factors to determine whether you can practice safely and responsibly. These include:
- Severity of the offense: Misdemeanors will be viewed differently than felony theft or offenses involving exploitation or fraud. Fraud and other felony convictions involving dishonesty may result in suspension or revocation of your license and will likely result in your application for licensure being denied.
- Time elapsed since the conviction: Older convictions are often less concerning for an individual seeking licensure.
- Circumstances of the offense: The board reviews the context of the theft. Was it an isolated incident or part of a recurring pattern? Context helps determine the potential risk to patients or employers.
- Evidence of rehabilitation: Applicants can strengthen their cases by providing proof of completed counseling, restitution, community service, or other corrective actions. Demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth is critical.
The BON’s process is case-by-case, meaning the same offense may result in different outcomes depending on individual circumstances. For example, a petty theft conviction from several years ago with evidence of rehabilitation may not prevent licensure, whereas a recent felony conviction will likely result in a denial of licensure.
In some situations, the BON may not deny you licensure, but it may place certain limitations on your practice for a period of time.
How Legal Guidance Can Help Applicants
If you have a theft conviction, working with a Minnesota nursing license defense attorney can help you present your case in the best possible light. Even though you must disclose all reportable convictions to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, an attorney can help you show that you are fit to practice nursing safely and responsibly.
They can help you:
- Organize supporting documentation: Collect letters of reference, proof of rehabilitation, and work history that demonstrate your integrity and reliability.
- Frame the circumstances for the board: Explain the context of your conviction clearly and professionally.
- Prepare your application for review: Make sure all documentation and statements are complete, organized, and persuasive.
With this guidance, you can approach your licensure application with confidence, showing the Board that you have rehabilitated, are trustworthy, and are ready to practice nursing safely.
Need Help Protecting Your Nursing Career in Minnesota?
A theft charge alone does not automatically prevent you from becoming or continuing to be a licensed nurse in Minnesota. The Board of Nursing focuses on convictions and reviews each case individually, considering factors such as severity, time elapsed, circumstances, evidence of rehabilitation, and your overall fitness to practice.
If you have a past theft conviction, getting guidance from an attorney who understands both nursing and licensing law can make a real difference. Barbara Forshier brings 40 years of nursing experience to her legal practice, giving her a unique perspective on what the Board looks for when evaluating applicants.
Contact Forshier Law to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you prepare your application, demonstrate your fitness to practice, and protect your path to a nursing career in Minnesota.
