The nursing board has now modified its suspension, allowing Mary Elizabeth Eastland to continue practicing under a limited license.
TEXAS, USA — The Texas Board of Nursing has amended its decision to suspend the nursing license of Camp Mystic’s top health official following allegations tied to the deadly Fourth of July floods.
Last week, the board temporarily suspended the license of Mary Elizabeth Eastland, the chief health officer at Camp Mystic.
At the time, Camp Mystic’s attorney argued the suspension was premature and made before a full investigation had been completed.
The nursing board has now modified its order, allowing Eastland to continue practicing under a limited license.
Under the revised order, Eastland is prohibited from providing direct patient care, teaching or practicing nursing outside Texas. She is also required to notify current and future employers of the restrictions and provide them with a copy of the board’s order.
The board additionally ordered Eastland to complete nursing ethics courses.
The original suspension stemmed from complaints related to Eastland’s alleged actions during the July 4 flooding disaster.
According to the complaints filed with the Texas Board of Nursing, Eastland allegedly abandoned campers and staff during the flooding while prioritizing the safety of her own children.
The complaints also alleged Eastland failed to establish adequate emergency plans and protocols for campers, staff and nurses at the camp.
Board records further claim Eastland failed to contact her nursing team or emergency responders during the disaster and waited nearly nine months to report deaths connected to the flooding, despite a Texas law requiring reports within 24 hours.
Following the board’s initial suspension decision, Camp Mystic’s attorney said Eastland does not plan to return to the camp in a nursing role.
The camp remains closed while the investigation continues.