Taralynn Rena Mackay

Taralynn Rena Mackay

also known as Taralynn Mackay, RN, JD

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 32 years

Administrative law Lawyer at Austin, TX
Practice Areas: Administrative Law, Government, Licensing, Health Care

1411 West Ave., Suite 200, Austin, TX

About Taralynn

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Administrative Law 25%

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

33 years

25%
Government 25%

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

25%
Health Care 25%

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

25%
Licensing 25%

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

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 32 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1993

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

McDonald, Mackay, Porter & Weitz, LLP

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

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Taralynn Rena Mackay's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

129 Client Reviews

Showing 26 - 30 of 58 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

TBON case dismissed! Highly recommend !

My case was a non-work related event that was opened with TBON . She knew exactly what to do in order to help me get my charged completely DISMISSED with out any actions against my nursing license . I am so greatful I was recommended in hiring her for this type of difficult case. I highly recommend h...er if you need a reputable attorney to help you retain your nursing license !

Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

Truly Excellent! Goes the Extra Mile!

Before starting my RN program, all applicants are required to submit a background/fingerprint history. Once having complied with this requirement I was faced with an unfortunate and unfair situation. My history as a young girl (17-20) was a bit colorful; I had a couple of misdemeanor possession charg...es that followed me from that time in my life. (10-13 years ago) These two charges rendered a judgment from the TBON mandating me to participate in the TPAPN program for 3yrs. The guidelines for this program require participants to attend an AA meeting everyday for 90 days, and 4 per month for the remaining 3 year period. Again, these charges are 10-13 years ago. I immediately began searching for legal representation and ended up hiring an attorney that told me "this should not be that difficult to accomplish, and that it would be a very small portion of my life exchange for having a professional license." (I have 3 young children and a husband) How interesting that his "go get it attitude" diminished after giving him his retainer. The next week was terrible. I could not think of anything other than my unwillingness to commit to a program that I did not qualify for (being that I am not yet a licensed nurse) and if not completed according to it's guidelines, I would lose my opportunity to practice nursing for quite some time. After much consideration, my husband and I agreed to begin our search for another attorney. That is when we found Mrs. Mackay; a Licensed Nurse and Attorney. From our first conversation I felt that someone else would now carry this horrible burden that was on my shoulders. She was direct, exact, calm, caring, and most of all, immediate to take action! We spoke several times and made a defense to present to the TBON. Taralynn proactively kept me informed about the status of my case; not one time did I feel like I was chasing her! Finally we got a judgment that I decided I could live with; 1 year of random drug tests and a full disclosure of my encumbered license to any prospective employer. (we all knew this was unjust, but it was better..) Many months passed when I received a phone call from Mrs. Mackay. She told me that some of the TBON rules had changed and SHE THOUGHT WE COULD CHANGE MY ORDER TO AN UNEMBUMBERED LICENSE. She could have left things just as they were; I never would have known the difference. When I got off the phone with her I sat down in disbelief. After all of the stress and uncertainty, here is a woman that cared enough to continue fighting for me, even after my case was closed. Mrs. Mackay has earned my respect and trust. Had I not have found her expertise, I would have chosen a completely different path for my life. My family and I are absolutely grateful that we were able to find and retain such an excellent attorney.

Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

Got me through that BON nightmare

I worked in the worst hospital possible and it almost cost me my career because I thought I was being a great employer by hanging on and hoping things would get better. I had missed documenting some narcotics and despite passing a drug screen, my former employer reported me to the board. I searched ...online and Taralynn's reviews were outstanding therefore I contacted her. She responded immediately and came up with a plan right away!! She fought that tough Board as hard as she could for me and it was super comforting to know that I had someone in my corner at one of the worst time in my career. Despite all her efforts the board still gave me a warning as I had violated lack of proper documentation and I had to drug screen for a year. I think it could have been worse had I gone at it alone(The board has no mercy and is not there to protect nurses) Any nurses out there seeking someone who totally gets what conditions nurses have to work under and is in need of a great attorney to defend their license, Taralynn is your best defense. My license will finally be clear next week and I will forever be grateful for Taralynn's efforts, kindness and understanding when I needed her the most.

Posted by Briana | February 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

Taralynn Mackey Representation

I give Taralynn 5 stars, if I could give her more, I would. She saved my license, my career and my passion. The Texas BON had me sign a board order in 2013 because of occurrences that happened 3 years previous, I signed the order without the knowledge of it's implications. When I graduated nursing sc...hool in 2016, Taralynn represented me before the board and I walked away with an unencumbered license! I had a handful of lawyers tell me that my case was a lost cause, but Taralynn took my case and we fought it, and succeeded! If you are a nurse and need representation before the board, Taralynn is your go-to! I cannot thank her enough for her work and words will never be able to express my gratitude!

Posted by C.O. | September 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

TBON INVESTIGATION

I received a letter informing me of an investigation that I may have violated the Nursing Practice Act. A friend referred me to Miss Taralynn Mackay, RN, JD. After my initial discussion with her, I hired her based on the reviews I read online, and her years of experience. She gave me an affordable pa...yment plan, and a well understandable contract. It was about 10 agonizing months of not knowing what will be the outcome. On 08/30/16, I received a phone call from her that the TBON have concluded their investigation with no sufficient evidence that I violated the NPA. Case dismissed. Thanks a lot Miss Taralynn Mackay. You turned my uncertainty in to a joyous moment. You are the best. I also want to thank Miss Ashley Grimes for responding to my inquiries in a timely manner.

See All Client Reviews

Taralynn Rena Mackay's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Taralynn
Jason D. Ray headshot
Jason Ray

Administrative law lawyer | Apr 19

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 E. Weitz headshot
Timothy Weitz

Administrative law lawyer | Feb 20

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 Marinus Meyer headshot
Marc Meyer

Administrative law lawyer | Sep 04

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 Ann Diamond headshot
Laura Diamond

Administrative law lawyer | Jul 11

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 Eugene Porter Jr. headshot
Jon Porter

Administrative law lawyer | Oct 13

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."

View All Endorsements
Jason D. Ray headshot
Jason Ray

Administrative law lawyer

Richard Marcel Ranc headshot
Richard Ranc

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc Marinus Meyer headshot
Marc Meyer

Administrative law lawyer

Kathleen Marie Kearney headshot
Kathleen Kearney

Personal injury lawyer

Laura Ann Diamond headshot
Laura Diamond

Administrative law lawyer

Jeff B. McDonald headshot
Jeff McDonald

Administrative law lawyer

Jon Eugene Porter Jr. headshot
Jon Porter

Administrative law lawyer

Timothy E. Weitz headshot
Timothy Weitz

Administrative law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

2015 Women of Distinction Award Recipient, Girl Scouts of Central Texas

2015

Board Certified - Administrative Law Recertfication, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

2011

2011 Outstanding Advocate Award, The American Association of Nurse Attorneys

2010

Board Certified - Administrative Law Recertfication, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

2005

Board Certified - Administrative Law Recertification, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

2000

Nursing Excellence Award, Advancing the Profession Finalist, Healthweek

2000

Board Certified - Administrative Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Work Experience

1997 - Present

Partner, McDonald, Mackay, Porter & Weitz, LLP

1994 - 1997

Assistant General Counsel, Texas Medical Board

Associations

2007 - Present

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys

Member

1993 - Present

Texas State Bar Association group

Member

2018 - 2019

Girl Scouts of America

Service Unit Director -Blackland Prairie SU

2018 - 2019

American Association of Nurse Attorneys - Texas Chapter

President

2013 - 2014

Girl Scouts of America

Service Unit Cookie Committee-Elgin McDade

2013 - 2016

Girl Scouts of America

Service Unit Director - Elgin McDade

2012 - 2013

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (National)

Board member

2012 - 2012

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys

Chapter President's Council Chair

2012 - 2013

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys - Texas Chapter

President

2010 - 2013

Journal of Nursing Law

Practical Practice Editor

2010 - 2010

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (Chesapeake Nurse Attorneys chapter)

Chapter President's Council Chair

2010 - 2011

Girl Scouts of America

Service Unit Friends of Girl Scouting Chair-Elgin McDade

2009 - 2011

Girl Scouts of America

Troop Co-Leader

2008 - 2009

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys-Texas Chapter

President

2005 - 2005

Elgin Humane Society

Animal Shelter Executive Director

2003 - 2005

Elgin Humane Society

President

1999 - 2000

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys-Texas

President

1997 - 2022

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys-Texas Chapter

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

507-11-3854

dismissed

507-10-5317

dismissed

507-07-2817

dismissed

511-97-2326

dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

University of Texas School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

University of Texas Medical Branch

BSN

Speaking Engagements

2025

Senior Student CNE

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How to Protect Your License,

2025

CNE

Legal Insights for Nursing Documentation-4 presentations

2024

Senior APRN CNE

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How to Protect Your License

2024

CNE

Danger: What To Do and What Not To Do

2023

senior APRN students

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How to Protect Your License

2023

Health & Medical Services Job Alike

Documentation for School Nurses

2022

Student APRN

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How to Protect Your License

2021

Senior APRN students

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How to Protect Your License

2019

Legal Issues related to the Professional Nurse in the School Setting

Nursing Jurisprudence

2019

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How To Protect Your License

Nursing Jurisprudence

2018

Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Documentation for School Nurses

Nursing Jurisprudence

2018

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How To Protect Your License

Nursing Jurisprudence

2017

Legal Concerns For APRNs-How To Protect Your License

Nursing Jurisprudence

2016

Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional Boundaries

Nursing Jurisprudence

2016

Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional Boundaries

Nursing Jurisprudence

2016

Facing the Board: Understanding the Texas Board of Nursing and other Potential Nursing License Pitfalls

Nursing Jurisprudence

2015

Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional Boundaries

Nursing Jurisprudence

2015

Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics/Professional Boundaries

Nursing Jurisprudence

2015

Is Your Documentation Hurting You?

Nursing Documentation

2015

Facing the Board: Understanding the Texas Board of Nursing and other Potential Nursing License Pitfalls

Nursing Jurisprudence

2013

Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your APRN License

Nursing Practice, Licensure, Nursing Jurisprudence

2012

Nursing Documentation, Law & Ethics

Nursing Law and Documentation

2012

Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your APRN License

Nursing Law

2011

Nursing Ethics and Professionalism

Nursing Law

2011

Nursing Documentation, Law & Ethics

Nursing Law and Documentation

2011

Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your APRN License

Nursing Law

2010

Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your License in 2010

Nursing Law

2009

Legal Concerns in Today’s Nursing Practice: How to Protect Your License in 2009

Nursing Law

2009

Avoiding Litigation: The CYA Guide

Nursing Law

2008

What Every Nurse Should Know

Nursing Law

2007

What the Board of Nursing Can’t or Won’t Tell You, But Every Nurse Should Know

Nursing Law

2007

The Ultimate CYA: Practical Hints and Information for Getting a License and Keeping It

Nursing Law

2007

Documentation: A Little Can Save A Lot

Nursing Documentation

2003

What Every Nurse Should Know

Nursing Law

2003

Documentation Dangers

Nursing Law

2001

There is More to Know Than Just the Medicine

Healthcare Law

2001

It’s Your License, Keep It! A Risk Management Seminar for Nurses

Nursing Law

2000

When Bad Things Happen To Good Nurses: Jurisprudence, Ethics and Risk Management for Texas Nurses

Nursing Law

Publications

2018

Texas Nursing Actions A Nurse Should Take When Being Investigated By The Board Of Nursing

2016

Chapter 8, Legal Risks While Off Duty Lippincott's Nurses Legal Handbook, 6th Edition

2012

Journal of Nursing Law The Collateral Damage to Nursing Licenses Caused by Nursing Board Actions

2008

Advance for Nurses Insuring Your Future

2007

Advance for Nurses The Nurse Police

2007

Advance for Nurses Protecting Yourself

2006

Bexar County Medical Association Newsletter “The Texas Medical Board: Advocate For The Physician? Or A Lurking Danger For The Unwary?”

2002

Texas Academy of Physician Assistants Newsletter The Nuts and Bolts of PA Practice

2002

Texas Osteopathic Medical Association Newsletter Protocols

2000

Nursing Practice and the Law: Avoiding Malpractice and Other Legal Risks Chapter on APNs and Informed Consent

1999

Texas Nursing The Texas Board of Nurse Examiners

1998

The Nurse’s Headliner What to do when a complaint is filed with the Board

1997

Texas Academy of Physician Assistants Newsletter It’s Your License, It’s Your Responsibility

1997

Texas Academy of Physician Assistants Newsletter Licensure Made Easy

Languages

English

Activity

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