CNA License Suspension in Florida: Substance Abuse as Grounds for Discipline
When a certified nursing assistant shows up to work visibly impaired, the consequences can be severe, as one CNA in Florida recently learned. Her case serves as a reminder that substance abuse can lead to license suspension, even if no direct harm to patients occurs.
At the LLF National Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team can help licensed healthcare professionals who’ve been accused of wrongdoing. If you’re facing license probation, suspension, or worse, call 888-535-3686 or send us a message via our contact form.
Orlando CNA Suspended for Substance Abuse Incident
The Florida Department of Health suspended the license of Orlando-based CNA Betty Anacreon for at least one year. In an incident in February 2024, Anacreon arrived late to work at Solaris Healthcare Apopka while heavily intoxicated.
A coworker found her disoriented and impaired in a restroom, and she was later taken to a local hospital. Anacreon registered a blood alcohol level over four times the legal limit. The CNA license suspension was formalized in May 2025 and requires her to undergo evaluation through the Intervention Project for Nurses before potential reinstatement. Anacreon has held her CNA license since January 2005.
Substance Abuse as Grounds for Discipline
In Florida, CNAs are subject to the Nurse Practice Act and can be disciplined for violating it. Being unable to practice nursing with “reasonable skill and safety to patients” because of alcohol or drug use is clearly stated as grounds for discipline.
However, not all cases involving professional license-holders and substance abuse are so clear-cut. The law doesn’t explain what “reasonable skill and safety to patients” means exactly, so it can be left up to the discretion of an investigatory team from the Department of Health.
If you’re a CNA or licensed nurse and your boss or coworkers find out that you struggle with alcohol or drug use, they can report you, even if the substance issues aren’t affecting your work. Simply showing evidence that you have a problem could be enough to suspend your license.
What to Do if You’re Accused of Misconduct as a CNA
Professional licensing boards have a responsibility to protect public health and safety. If they get a report about a CNA who is potentially endangering patients due to misconduct or substance abuse, they will take the accusation very seriously. If you’re the one being accused, you should take it seriously too.
Even if you’re sure you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t wait around to see what will happen. Contact the Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm as soon as you know there’s been a report about you. Our attorneys can help you understand what’s happening, how to make a solid argument in your favor, and even negotiate with the licensing board for you.
Contact the LLF National Law Firm today by calling 888-535-3686 or sending us your information via our contact form. Protect the license and career you worked so hard for.