Alternatives for Nurses Facing Complaints of Drug Diversion or Misuse
A Pennsylvania nurse whose license was suspended for drug problems several years ago is in trouble again, this time for allegedly doctoring patient records in order to keep some of their oxycodone for herself. In addition to criminal charges, she also faces the possibility of losing her license.
Thanks to the alternative discipline programs available to nurses in many states, however, it might not come to that. Licensing boards almost everywhere recognize two important truths:
- Nurses work long, stressful hours in a very high-stakes environment, and many turn to drugs and alcohol in order to cope
- These nurses can continue in the workforce — where there’s already a shortage — with treatment
If your licensing board is threatening to suspend or revoke your license or impose some other disciplinary action, the Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm can help you negotiate your way to a better solution. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or send us a message, and we’ll get started.
What Does a Substance Abuse Accusation Mean for a Nurse’s License?
The nurse in Pennsylvania is hardly alone in facing complaints of drug diversion and substance abuse, and the state’s licensing board is likely to express familiar concerns about patient safety and public trust.
It’s also possible that, after an investigation, the board will turn to one of three all-too-common solutions, choosing to:
- Impose fines and other penalties on the nurse, or
- Suspend the nurse’s license, or
- Revoke the nurse’s license
The board will also likely share information about the nurse’s case with the National Practitioner Data Bank and Nursys, which would make it difficult for her to find work in another state.
What Does an Alternative-to-Discipline Program Mean for a Nurse’s License?
The future for a nurse accused of drug abuse isn’t hopeless. Many states allow nurses in this predicament to participate in alternative-to-discipline programs. These programs work in different ways; in general, they usually involve:
- Treatment for drug and/or alcohol addiction, including mental health counseling and peer support
- Workplace monitoring, including drug tests, and some restrictions on work activities
- A negotiated agreement with the board for treatment participation, including rehabilitation timelines
The turn to an alternative-to-discipline program is never automatic, though. A board will want the nurse to demonstrate self-awareness and accountability in the matter — in fact, self-reporting goes a long way here. They’ll also need to feel confident that the nurse’s patients will be safe during the rehabilitation process.
How Can a Nurse Convince Their Board They Deserve an Alternative to Discipline?
It’s far easier for a medical licensing board to make a simple, cut-and-dried decision: suspend or revoke the nurse’s license. Convincing them to go an alternative route is possible, but you need to make a compelling, deeply informed argument.
This is where the LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team comes in. We know what it takes to get the right outcome for your situation. Our Team will:
- Counsel you during the investigation process
- Help determine your eligibility for an alternative-to-discipline program
- Advocate on your behalf before your board
- Handle communications with your licensing board
If you think an alternative-to-discipline might be the right solution for you, send us a message online or call 888-535-3686 and tell us about your case.