Texas nursing board suspends Camp Mystic’s head nurse over July 4 flood response

The Texas Board of Nursing has suspended the registered nurse license of Mary Elizabeth Eastland, who served as Camp Mystic’s supervising nurse, director and chief health officer during the July 4, 2025 flood that killed 27 campers and staff members — and who also serves as chair of the Peterson Health Board of Directors, the governing body of Kerrville’s regional hospital system.

The board voted to suspend Eastland’s license May 19, 2026, citing six charges and finding that her continued practice as a nurse constitutes “a continuing and imminent threat to public welfare.”

The formal charges allege Eastland failed to develop adequate emergency plans before the flood despite the camp’s history of flooding; failed to implement shelter and evacuation protocols when floodwaters rose; and abandoned campers and staff at approximately 2 a.m. when flooding began, evacuating herself and her children to higher ground without providing assistance or direction to others and without contacting nursing staff or emergency services.

The board also alleges Eastland failed to report the deaths of 27 campers and two counselors to state officials within the 24-hour window required by Texas Administrative Code, conduct the board called “deceptive” — a period the charges document as running from July 4, 2025, through March 31, 2026.

Two additional charges address Eastland’s medical practices at the camp, alleging she improperly delegated medication administration to staff nurses without physician assessment and failed to ensure medications were stored securely and distributed in compliance with HIPAA requirements.

The board has indicated it may seek full revocation of Eastland’s license. Under state law, a probable cause hearing must be held within 17 days of the suspension order and a final hearing within 61 days.