A recent case in Texas shows just how serious addiction can become, driving someone to violate the standards of their profession and placing their entire future at risk. Alexis Joann McNeilly, a nurse from Harris County, was sentenced to jail after being caught stealing fentanyl and hydromorphone from her workplace for personal use. Beyond just stealing these drugs, she also went to great lengths to conceal her actions and placed patients at potential risk of harm.

Once she leaves jail following her four-month sentence, she will also serve four years of probation and engage in rehabilitative treatment. Plus, despite her years of hard work and education, she lost her nursing license, and the District Attorney made it clear that McNeilly should never be allowed to work as a nurse again.

Few law firms are as dedicated to helping licensed professionals as the Lento Law Firm. Our Professional License Defense Team represents clients nationwide, from Maine to California, and helps them rebuild their lives following license restrictions and losses. Call today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and detail your situation.

State Programs Acknowledge Substance Abuse Issues

Many states understand that addiction is a medical condition requiring treatment, not just punishment. The Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) offers a confidential and voluntary path for nurses dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues to get the help they need. TPAPN helps nurses recover while avoiding license revocation, helpful for those intending to eventually reenter the workforce and lend their skills to the state. Participants in TPAPN undergo monitoring, attend self-help meetings, and face temporary practice restrictions until they can safely return to work.

These programs are common throughout America, with California, New York, and many other states offering similar substance abuse and mental health programs. If your license is at risk and you believe one of these programs may be beneficial, the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can guide you through your state's specific processes for safely addressing your issues.

How McNeilly's Case Differs From State Programs

Alexis Joann McNeilly's situation is different from the typical situation because her actions have already led to criminal charges, a conviction, and a revocation of her nursing license. Stealing controlled substances and tampering with patient medications represent serious violations of ethical and legal standards, much more concerning than personal struggles a professional might have with alcohol or illicit substances.

Most state programs require professionals to enter voluntarily or as part of an agreement with their licensing board. After a conviction, it might be too late for a simple solution.

However, reapplying for a license is often much easier for less severe instances of substance abuse issues. And even if you have been convicted of a crime and lost your license, many states allow healthcare professionals to reapply after a set period of years once they've shown their commitment to recovery. Eventually, you may be able to expunge your record to prevent prior mistakes from continuing to impact your career.

The Lento Law Firm Is Ready To Help Licensed Professionals With Addiction Issues

If your professional license is at risk due to substance abuse, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Professional License Defense Team understands your struggles and can work to defend your license while advocating for treatment over punishment.

Whether you need help to beat your addiction or are already dealing with license sanctions as a result of your substance abuse concerns, you have options, and it's never too late to fight for your future. Call today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started.