Skip to main content

Taralynn Rena Mackay

also known as Taralynn Mackay, RN, JD
  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Austin, TX
  • Licensed for 27 years
See more Austin Administrative Law lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Taralynn

Taralynn Mackay is an attorney and a licensed registered nurse in Texas. Ms. Mackay is Board Certified in Administrative Law (law involved with representing health care providers before licensing boards).


---


When I am not representing nurses before the Texas Board of Nursing, I try to find time to give information on my three blogs:  nursinglaw.blogspot.com, nurseattorney.blogspot.com, and informationfornurses.blogspot.com

I also try to find time to write articles and give seminars on nursing law and documentation dangers.  What can I say, I am an attorney so I love to talk.

Practice areas

Administrative law
  1. Administrative law: 100%

    Representation of nurses before Texas Board of Nursing and in Peer Review actions

    28 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

1411 West Ave.
address map

McDonald, Mackay, Porter & Weitz, LLP

1411 West Ave.
Suite 200
Austin, TX, 78701-1537

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
TXEligible To Practice In Texas 199312/05/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
2015 Women of Distinction Award RecipientGirl Scouts of Central Texas2015
Board Certified - Administrative Law RecertficationTexas Board of Legal Specialization2015
2011 Outstanding Advocate AwardThe American Association of Nurse Attorneys2011
Board Certified - Administrative Law RecertficationTexas Board of Legal Specialization2010
Board Certified - Administrative Law RecertificationTexas Board of Legal Specialization2005
Nursing Excellence Award, Advancing the Profession FinalistHealthweek2000
Board Certified - Administrative LawTexas Board of Legal Specialization2000
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerMcDonald, Mackay, Porter & Weitz, LLP1997 - Present
Assistant General CounselTexas Medical Board1994 - 1997
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Girl Scouts of AmericaService Unit Director -Blackland Prairie SU2018 - Present
The American Association of Nurse AttorneysMember2007 - Present
The American Association of Nurse Attorneys-Texas ChapterMember1997 - Present
Austin Bar AssociationMember1994 - Present
Texas State Bar Association groupMember1993 - Present
American Association of Nurse Attorneys - Texas ChapterPresident2018 - 2019
Girl Scouts of AmericaService Unit Director - Elgin McDade2013 - 2016
Girl Scouts of AmericaService Unit Cookie Committee-Elgin McDade2013 - 2014
The American Association of Nurse Attorneys - Texas ChapterPresident2012 - 2013
The American Association of Nurse AttorneysChapter President's Council Chair2012 - 2012
The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (National)Board member2012 - 2013
The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (Chesapeake Nurse Attorneys chapter)Chapter President's Council Chair2010 - 2010
Journal of Nursing LawPractical Practice Editor2010 - 2013
Girl Scouts of AmericaService Unit Friends of Girl Scouting Chair-Elgin McDade2010 - 2011
Girl Scouts of AmericaTroop Co-Leader2009 - 2011
The American Association of Nurse Attorneys-Texas ChapterPresident2008 - 2009
Elgin Humane SocietyAnimal Shelter Executive Director2005 - 2005
Elgin Humane SocietyPresident2003 - 2005
The American Association of Nurse Attorneys-TexasPresident1999 - 2000
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Lippincott's Nurses Legal HandbookChapter 8 - Legal Risks While Off Duty2015
Journal of Nursing LawThe Collateral Damage to Nursing Licenses Caused by Nursing Board Actions2012
Advance for NursesInsuring Your Future2008
Advance for NursesThe Nurse Police2007
Advance for NursesProtecting Yourself2007
Bexar County Medical Association Newsletter“The Texas Medical Board: Advocate For The Physician? Or A Lurking Danger For The Unwary?” 2006
Texas Osteopathic Medical Association NewsletterProtocols2002
Texas Academy of Physician Assistants NewsletterThe Nuts and Bolts of PA Practice2002
Nursing Practice and the Law: Avoiding Malpractice and Other Legal RisksChapter on APNs and Informed Consent2000
Texas NursingThe Texas Board of Nurse Examiners1999
The Nurse’s HeadlinerWhat to do when a complaint is filed with the Board1998
Texas Academy of Physician Assistants NewsletterIt’s Your License, It’s Your Responsibility1997
Texas Academy of Physician Assistants NewsletterLicensure Made Easy1997
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Texas School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1993
University of Texas Medical BranchBSN1984
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Legal Issues related to the Professional Nurse in the School SettingNursing Jurisprudence2019
Legal Concerns For APRNs-How To Protect Your LicenseNursing Jurisprudence2019
Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Documentation for School NursesNursing Jurisprudence2018
Legal Concerns For APRNs-How To Protect Your LicenseNursing Jurisprudence2018
Legal Concerns For APRNs-How To Protect Your LicenseNursing Jurisprudence2017
Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional BoundariesNursing Jurisprudence2016
Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional BoundariesNursing Jurisprudence2016
Facing the Board: Understanding the Texas Board of Nursing and other Potential Nursing License PitfallsNursing Jurisprudence2016
Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional BoundariesNursing Jurisprudence2015
Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional BoundariesNursing Jurisprudence2015
Is Your Documentation Hurting You?Nursing Documentation2015
Facing the Board: Understanding the Texas Board of Nursing and other Potential Nursing License PitfallsNursing Jurisprudence2015
Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your APRN LicenseNursing Practice, Licensure, Nursing Jurisprudence2013
Nursing Documentation, Law & EthicsNursing Law and Documentation2012
Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your APRN LicenseNursing Law2012
Nursing Ethics and ProfessionalismNursing Law2011
Nursing Documentation, Law & EthicsNursing Law and Documentation2011
Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your APRN LicenseNursing Law2011
Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your License in 2010Nursing Law2010
Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your License in 2009Nursing Law2009
Avoiding Litigation: The CYA GuideNursing Law2009
What Every Nurse Should KnowNursing Law2008
What the Board of Nursing Can’t or Won’t Tell You, But Every Nurse Should KnowNursing Law2007
The Ultimate CYA: Practical Hints and Information for Getting a License and Keeping ItNursing Law2007
Documentation: A Little Can Save A LotNursing Documentation2007
What Every Nurse Should KnowNursing Law2003
Documentation DangersNursing Law2003
There is More to Know Than Just the MedicineHealthcare Law2001
It’s Your License, Keep It! A Risk Management Seminar for NursesNursing Law2001
When Bad Things Happen To Good Nurses: Jurisprudence, Ethics and Risk Management for Texas NursesNursing Law2000
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
507-11-3854dismissed
507-10-5317dismissed
507-07-2817dismissed
511-97-2326dismissed

Reviews

(89)
5 Star
99%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Review Taralynn Mackay

You need Taralynn!!!

Posted by

Taralynn is awesome! I had false allegations against me from being a travel nurse helping out with the COVID19 crisis in New Jersey and contacted Taralynn after looking through different attorneys and liked her reviews the most. From the first conversation with Taralynn, I knew she was the person I needed! She walked me through everything and quickly developed a plan. She kept me updated as soon as she knew anything without any hesitation. When she [quickly] got my case dismissed, I truly felt she was just as ecstatic as I was about it! She knows her stuff and fights for us nurses!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

RN, DON

Posted by

Taralynn represented me against the Texas Board of Nursing when my license was sanctioned due to a med error by a staff nurse while I was Director of Nursing for the facility. I couldn't have ask for better representation. She knew the laws and the regulations and I never felt less than 100% represented. I always felt she was on my side and she will remain someone I highly respect for the rest or my life.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

RN

Posted by

Taralynn and Ashley were beyond valuable to me they gave me my life back and stuck with me through it all ! Advice I give is to NEVER sign anything until you speak to your Nurse attorney and carry Nurse suit insurance! I will never go back to Texas but if I do I would hope to give Taralynn and Ashley a big hug and a big old Texas thank you!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Wonderful must have lawyer

Posted by

I was fraudulently accused of not having a order my charge nurse wrote and the Dr agreed with but they still pursued my charge nurse and I it was a ridiculous charge and she consulted and stood beside me so it never left peer review. Do your work and she will do hers. Worth every penny to combat hospitals succumbing to bullying childish tactics!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Must have lawyer for TBON issues

Posted by

Mrs. Mackay was very informative on TBON defense and representation process. All the information she provides is clear and concise, her experience really put me at ease. She makes you feel very comfortable and answers any questions you may have, is readily available and also response in a timely manner. I believe she was key in my dismissal process with TBON and I would highly recommend her for any TBON issues.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

"Best attorney to combat TXBON allegations"

Posted by

Look no further. Taralynn is extremely knowledgeable, as an RN/JD and truly cares about her clients. She is thorough and always available to address questions and concerns. She was instrumental in my case dismissal and I highly recommend her services.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

You need her!

Posted by

So I was told in advanced that my previous employer may report me to the board for a bogus claim. I called Ms. Mackay in advanced and explained the issue. She listened to my entire story and gave me advice on what to do. I told her if would be in contact with her should I receive a letter. Then the day came when I received a certified letter from the BON. My heart sank. You work so hard for your license and the thought of it being stripped away or having some kind of discipline made me sick. I contact her once again weeks later after we had spoken; she remember me and my issue. I hired her. From then on she worked on my case. She was super thorough and very communicative. Her assistant Ashley is also in constant contact with you for any needs you may have. In the end my case was handled and dismissed. You need Ms. Mackay if you get that dreaded letter. I will forever be grateful for her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Heavy hitter!

Posted by

There is nothing more terrifying and heart stopping like opening a letter from the BON. If you’re reading this review, you are where I was and I feel you. You’re scared and desperate. Trust me, make the phone call to Taralynn. Her initial phone call to me was at 8pm. 8pm! Way after hours... She listened, patiently, to my sputtering-near tears-explanation of what happened. Asked questions and calmed me down within 5 minutes. She is a nurse. She gets it, and she knows the Board processes inside and out. Taralynn didn’t give me false hope and just say what I wanted to hear. She said the Board exists to protect the public, and I appreciate that in the bigger picture. Taralynn responded to every question immediately, and is always very honest about what to expect. She really does care. Thank you, Taralynn. You’re amazing and I’m so thankful nurses have you in their corner. I am grateful to have had you in my corner.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The one you can count on!!

Posted by

Read reviews all day but when your dealing with TBON do not do it alone. Look no further! Five star contributors not limited to.... *compassion/empathy for you as a nurse! Nurses! She really does care! * you need quick follow up? Call Ms. MacKay. She followed up in a timely manner even after she was retained. From beginning to end!! * extensive background in our complex field providing information every step of the way. * Ashley was very patient with me as well. The ease of documentation assistance was seemless! (Special thank you for her) I personally used the legal services through Ms. MacKay. This is a genuine review! No money or kick backs. I just want you to experience her on your side.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fantastic representation and supportive!

Posted by

Ms. Mackay was very informative, explained everything as my case progressed & was supportive in her approach. She handled all communication with the TBON and was with me during mediation. I appreciate her honesty and ability to be objective. I would recommend her expertise to any of my nursing colleagues and encourage them to contact her immediately if they need assistance with protecting their RN license. Her cost was reasonable and well worth every penny! I cannot thank her enough.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(5)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jason Ray, Administrative law Attorney on Apr 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

If you are looking for a subject matter expert in nursing regulation in Texas, Taralynn is a sure bet. She understands the personalities and posture of Texas agencies like the BON, and she has the experience to provide wise counsel. From Board negotiations to a SOAH merits hearing, she is a fantastic advocate for her clients.

Timothy Weitz, Administrative law Attorney on Feb 20, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker

Outstanding attorney. I've worked with her on both sides of the docket for over two decades. A tenacious advocate. Practical, hardworking, honest, and reliable. Extremely well versed in the licensing and defense of nurses in the state of Texas. Experienced litigator; Particulalry knowledgeable of the rules of evidence and a skilled tactician. Board certified in Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Top notch by any standard.

Marc Meyer, Administrative law Attorney on Sep 4, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Taralynn is more than just another attorney who passionately represents her clients - personally, she is also a great mentor. When I started out as a new attorney (many would say I am still a new attorney, but I digress), Taralynn was supportive of my efforts to serve nurses in Texas with the same high professional standards that she exemplifies. I believe that I would not be the attorney I am today if it was not for the advice Taralynn has offered whenever I have needed the assistance.

Laura Diamond, Administrative law Attorney on Jul 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Taralynn is well-known and highly respected for her passionate defense of nurses before the Texas Board of Nursing. A true professional!

Jon Porter, Administrative law Attorney on Oct 13, 2008
Relationship: Co-worker

I have known Taralynn Mackay for 16 years. I have found her to be one of the most knowledgable attorneys in Texas when it comes to the Board of Nurse Examiners. She has made numerous successful appearances before the agency. The staff knows and respects her. She is known both in Texas and nationally as an educator for nurses and the law.