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 41 - 45 of 58 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Patricia | April 25, 2014 | Administrative Law

Dealing with the Texas Board of Nursing

Taralynn discussed my case prior to my deciding on her to represent me. She also discussed her fees. She had options to pay her fees, if not able to pay the full amount upfront. She is familiar with the members of the Texas Board of NUrsing and their investigators. She asked me what outcome I wanted ...and what outcome I could live with. She was very up front about what would happen during rhe investigation. She gave me a time frame of how long it would take to complete my case. She contacted me within the day or the next day when I had questiond. She also informed me of things that I could do to help my case, especially things my physicians could do. It tok a year for my case to be completed. I did get the results I wanted. It wouldnot have happened that way if I had someone else handling my case. She is also a RN as well as an attorney. I heard found her through a nurse I had worked with previously who was being taken to a peer review at the hospital she was employed. That nurse was accused of not taking care of a patient. Due to lack of documentation by the nurse actually caring for the patient. It appeared as though my colleague was responsible , with Taralynn's help the case was dismissed. I learned that the Texas Board of Nursing is in place to protect the public from "poor nursing care" that could harm the public. It is important to get a Attorney, when you initially hear from the Texas Board of Nursing. Don't wait and don't try to do it yourself. Taralynn is amazing.

Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2014 | Administrative Law

Excellent Attorney Who Will Get The Job Done

Not everything works out as planned when dealing with the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). Even if you do exactly what you are supposed to, it is easy to run into "snags." Ms. Mackay gave me free advice over the phone as I was starting nursing school. Attorney's generally don't give advice. She actuall...y had me scan her documents, and reviewed them for free. Upon graduation, I began to run into some "snags" aforementioned. In my case, I had a few incidences expunged from my record before applying with the TBON. In spite of doing everything right, I was going to be sent to enforcement for investigation. This meant it I was likely going to pay fines and not be able to even take the NCLEX for 3-6 months (likely 6 months). I immediately called Ms. Mackay, and she contacted the TBON immediately. There were a few days she was out of the office due to sickness, and she still contacted me remotely from home. I refer to her here as Ms. Mackay, but always referred to her by first name. She is that personal, and she works with the confidence needed to deal with the TBON. It is obvious that one of her key strengths is that she fosters healthy, working relationships with the folks at TBON. She kept me informed, was honest and dedicated, worked fast, and kept the cost low. I was able to retain my position with my employer. I felt like the world was crumbling around me, and Ms. Mackay saved me. I have to say she also went above and beyond what I originally hired her for and helped expedite a couple of other pressing issues. Obviously, I cannot tell you that she will do this for everyone, but I can assure you that Ms. Mackay does everything humanly possible to solve your problem(s). Undoubtedly, I recommend Ms. Mackay to anyone who finds themselves needing legal assistance in dealing with anything medically related.

Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2014 | Administrative Law

Revocation of Nursing License

Mrs. Mackay is the lawyer to go to concerning any problem you are having with your nursing license. She was wonderful. I didn't have to wait forever for her to get back to me. She would call back same day and even on the weekend. She took my fears away. I hired her to help me write a response to the... board that helped my license to go from revoked to current within days. She also explained to me what was expected and what could possibly happen next with my charges as many times as this distraught nurse needed. She was wonderful and I highly recommend her to any nurse.

Posted by Carmen | September 19, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Above the rest

While managing my recent case, Ms. Mackay was proactive, innovative and always responsive and professional to the nth degree. She is patient, knowledgeable and offers helpful advice from years of insight in her area of expertise. Ms. Mackay went above and beyond while navigating a course of action ...for my case which involved quite a few twists and turns requiring a rapid change of tactics to allow for a positive outcome. Please don't hesitate to allow her to be your attorney. I will be recommending her to everyone I know.

Posted by Carlos | April 15, 2013 | Licensing

EXCELLENT!!!

Taralynn Mackay is the best lawyer I ever have done business with. I hired Ms. Mackay back in August 2012 to help me with a declaratory order process for the Texas Board of Nursing. Ms. Mackay helped me through every step of the process and at no point did I feel I was going through this alone. Ev...ery single time I left a message on her email or answering machine, she always responded within 24 hours and answered all my questions in a timely manner.This alone made going through nursing school less stressful. Ms. Mackay was able to settle my dispute with the BON without prejudice and I will be allowed to take my NCLEX-RN exam after I graduate next month! I would highly recommend Taralynn Rena Mackay to anyone.

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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