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 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Free Consultations

Posted by anonymous | January 02, 2018

Thank you

I called Ms. Mackay after speaking to another attorney about what to do in my situation. The other attorney quoted me a very steep amount of money, and for that, I wasn't even clear on what they would really do for me. They just kept making a point to tell me how serious the situation was. I really d...idn't want to throw that much money around without at least considering other attorneys. I called Ms. Mackay shortly after. As soon as I told her what the issue was, she told me I didn't have to hire anybody. She gave me great advice over the phone which she charged nothing for. She saved me so much money and put my mind at ease in just 5 minutes. I highly recommend considering Taralynn Mackay for any legal needs!

Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2016 | Administrative Law

Calling ALL nurses needing any legal advice or representation

Let me just say what I nightmare last year was! I got my case dismissed & expunged immediately. However, the consequences for me were not over. My nursing license was up for renewal and I was very unclear of what to do. Report or not to report, it was all very scary. I researched lawyers extensi...vely because my nursing license is my lifeline. I love what I do and it pays for everything. Without my nursing license I would probably still feel stuck with the worst person I know and not be able to provide for my family. Ms. Mackay called me within a few days of my email to her. She is extremely helpful, intelligent, and provided me with the information I needed and assured me that everything was going to be okay. Her confidence shines because she is so knowledgeable and experienced in protecting nurses and their licenses. Not only did she consult me on what to do over the phone, she also did not charge me for providing me with the advice I needed to make the right decision based on my individual situation. I'm not sure if she realizes how amazing she is! I've never met her before but her voice is enough to let me know that she has a wonderful heart and is about helping people make the right choices without placing their licenses and lives in jeopardy. I would recommend any nurse or other licensed practitioner to call Ms. Mackay immediately so that she can better assist and provide you with the comfort and ease you need to function both clinically and on a day to day basis. There is nothing scarier than not knowing what the outcome of your future will be with your job and nursing board; and that's where Ms. Mackay can help. She will provide you with the piece of mind you need and that is priceless! Thank you so much Taralyn! -J

Posted by anonymous | October 13, 2014 | Administrative Law

Best TX BON Attorney Ever!!!!!

Mrs. Mackay is awesome. I didn't even end up having to hire her. She just had a consult with me over the phone and told me the best step to take first and I did. Afterwards when I went to hire her, she just told me that I shouldn't have any problems with TX BON and if I did then call her but the...re was no need to hire her. I ended up meeting Mrs. Mackay at BON hearing for nurses when I was a nursing student and the way she represented her client was so professional and the TX BON discipline board gave her the up most respect. Little did I know that she used to be the attorney for TX BON. I didn't know or think at the time that obtaining my license was going to be a nightmare. Taralynn explained to me what was specific about my case and that the TX BON attorney at the time was giving me false illegal false information. I wished I had contacted her earlier on when I was fighting for my license. This would of saved me months of stress, tears, anxiety, and a lot of "What If's?" Long story short I just had two phone calls with Mrs. Mackay and I ended up getting my license with no stipulations. If you have any problems with the TX BON. Please contact this brilliant woman!

Taralynn Mackay

Replied last October 13, 2014

Thank you for the lovely comments, but I want to make two corrections -- I started my law practice working for the Texas Medical Board (known then as the Texas Board of Medical Examiners) not the Texas Nursing Board. I also want to clarify the TX BON attorneys do not give illegal false information rather their focus is on the their employer, the Board, and not the nurse and thus they are not allowed to advise the nurse.

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.

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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