The New Hampshire Board of Nursing ("Board") has suspended, on an emergency basis, Kerry Bridges's privilege to practice as a registered nurse in New Hampshire. Ms. Bridges is currently licensed in Maine. Both Maine and New Hampshire are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact, under which a license to practice as a registered nurse issued by a member state will be recognized as authorizing a multistate privilege to practice nursing in each of the other member states.

The Board's action is in response to a complaint received from Concord Hospital alleging that Ms. Bridges diverted or attempted to divert controlled drugs, documented administration of narcotics without a doctor's order, and had missing or unaccounted for narcotics.

The Board issued an Order of Emergency Suspension of Privilege to Practice and Notice of Hearing. By statute, the Board may order an immediate suspension of a nurse's privilege to practice when the case poses imminent danger to public health, safety, or welfare.

A Board hearing is currently scheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday, June 5, 2015 for the purpose of determining whether Ms. Bridges engaged in professional misconduct and if so, whether it warrants the continuation of the suspension of Ms. Bridges's privilege to practice nursing in New Hampshire or the imposition of permanent disciplinary sanctions.

A copy of the Order of Emergency Suspension of Privilege to Practice and Notice of Hearing. is attached. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing is located at 121 South Fruit St., Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-2323.