The posted definition of unencumbered you posted is correct. It means the nurse can perform any nursing task allowed by the state nurse practice act. States vary in what nurses are allowed to do. Each state board of nursing sets their nurse practice act. Example: if a nurse is reported to the state board of nursing for theft of narcotics and is found guilty of the offense, that nurse could possibly continue to work if the state board of nursing determines the nurse is not a threat to public/patient safety. However, the nurse would not have full nursing privileges as the license would be restricted... in this example the nurse would not be allowed to handle narcotics. Nursing licenses with restrictions are tainted and frowned upon but some nurses do work with restricted license. Yes, there are employers that do give them jobs. The state board of nursing puts very high hurdles for getting the reinstatement of an unencumbered license. In the example given the nurse would have to complete a rehab, submit to frequent random drug test, make several appearances in front of the state board of nursing, meet any requirement they set. All at the nurse's expense. It is so tough few nurses complete the demands. It takes several years to complete their demands and reinstate an unencumbered license. With KK charges, prison sentence, character out of focus with nursing values, immoral actions etc her state board of nursing is not going to continue her license nor will they reinstate her. MHO she will be given a permanent revocation. That meaning she will never be able to apply for a nursing license again. She could decide to voluntarily surrender her license and no further action or investigation will be completed by her board of nursing. It all stops. It would be done, she tossed the towel. Nothing would be in the documents except she voluntarily surrendered her license. Some nurses do this to protect themself from having all their charges available for all of us to read. Again, she would never carry a nursing license. Interesting that her state board of nursing is within a compact state. They allow an Idaho nursing license to be honored in many different states. Not all states do this. Example: having an Idaho nursing license unencumbered she could also work in Georgia without applying for a Georgia nursing license. But she could not work in Ohio as Ohio is not a compact state. Loss of licensure in any state follows the nurse and they will not get a license in any other state. It has been mentioned in prior posts that she was employed in various states. She was working in compact states. JMO