Secretary of State Announces Nursing Privilege Suspension

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has ordered the temporary suspension of the privilege to practice nursing in Delaware for Whitney E. Flower of Trappe, Maryland following complaints of the licensee engaging in activities that present a clear and immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

Ms. Flower is a registered nurse in the state of Maryland who practiced in the state of Delaware pursuant to the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact and a multistate licensure privilege. As a result, she is subject to the jurisdiction of the Delaware Board of Nursing.

In making his determination, Secretary Bullock considered the written complaints filed by the Board of Nursing for temporary suspension of the privilege to practice nursing for Ms. Flower. She was arrested and charged on arrested on February 18, 2015, and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of narcotics, and possession of paraphernalia. On June 8, 2015, Ms. Flower was observed acting in a manner consistent with being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working at Nanticoke Hospital, subsequently testing positive for cocaine and morphine, and admitting to ingesting cocaine and Percocet.

The Delaware Code Titles 23 and 24 were amended on April 15, 2014, to enable a temporary suspension pending a hearing to be issued upon the written order of the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Board chair if the activity of the licensee presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health.

As a result of the actions taken today, the suspension of Ms. Flower will remain in effect for a period of 60 days during which time disciplinary hearings will be held to determine the final disposition for the nurse.

Flower Suspension Order