Originally Posted by
SailorMark
Some people are barking up the wrong tree here. Rule of thumb is there are policy and procedures in every governmental agency which spell out what is and what is not acceptable grounds for exemptions to the rule. Rather than telling her this is "case-by-case" and that she should risk her money, she should have been given the policy as stated along with its rules for exemptions. If she meets the criteria then she has nothing to worry about, if she does not then she shouldn't waste her money. Now, as some of the other "advocates" (excon) here have suggested, she could hire an attorney to "research" the case and have the lawyer advise her on her chances (which has absolutely no guarantee and costs a lot of money) or she can do her own research (for free) by telling the board in writing what her circumstances are and asking what the policy is in this case. Rather than attacking my credentials because your late husband served on a pharmacy board, attack my argument (I am truly sorry for your loss). I have not heard any advice that answers this persons question other than pay a lawyer for doing what she can do herself for free. I have advised her to do for free what one of my detractors advised her to hire an attorney for. My advice is a little bit more than the "do nothing" everybody else has advised so far and could possibly have some positive outcome.
Oh, since its important to you, I have served on three boards in my time (Aviation, Maritime , and Medical--these were for contracts or research grants) and one stint as a legislative assistant in the United States Senate writing laws back in the 80's. I have also been on the short end of the stick as I wished to become an Air Transport Pilot and my color-blindness was a problem with the FAA. I submitted a letter in advance stating my problem and a willingness to undergo testing to see if they would allow an exemption (there were clearly stated grounds for exemptions based upon proven ability which I received in response to my letter). I failed the test as my color-blindness was enough of a hindrance at night thus saving me the agony of mispending a lot of money. The fact is I did send that letter prior to spending a lot of money and got a detailed letter back stating what the policy was, what the exemptions were and how to go about getting an exemption. I could have hired a lawyer to do so for me but I felt capable of doing that myself. I have walked the walk and am advising this person based upon my own experience as both an applicant and a board member and not based upon assumptions. Rather than name calling and insults and self-righteous indignation and character attacks, how about looking at my argument based upon the facts of the argument alone....she has these options as I see them...
1. do nothing, give up on the dream.
2. send a letter to the board asking what exactly is the policy as it would apply to her.
3. hire an attorney to research for her (do number 2) and advise her his findings.
4. spend a lot of money on the education without knowing in advance if she even has a chance and be told at the end a)"yes" or b)"no". (risky in my book)
What exactly are you folks advocating here? Any advice other than number 2 or 3 is irresponsible! Excon advised number 3 at one time, I advised number 2 and not pay the lawyer. I assume the person asking the question is capable of writing that letter otherwise she shouldn't be trying to get into nursing or pharmacy school. What exactly is your advice to her?