Why Nurses Fear Being Patients and Avoid Necessary Care
We have all heard that doctors and nurses make bad patients, but the fact is that many healthcare professionals avoid seeking necessary care out of fear of professional harm. This is particularly true for mental health issues and substance abuse treatment. In the current enforcement climate, these nurses have reason to be concerned, but the lack of care can be life-threatening.
If you have licensing concerns based on physical or mental health issues, contact the Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.
Concerns That Keep Nurses from Care
Nurses often refrain from seeking healthcare or may conceal their need for care due to several reasons:
- The stigma associated with seeking help, particularly for mental health and substance abuse issues.
- Concerns about licensing and credentialing, including the fear that a treating provider may report them to the Board of Nursing or that they may be required to self-report.
- Difficulty in getting time off for elective medical care.
These concerns are valid, especially in certain states and situations. However, a nurse should never hesitate to seek necessary care because of these apprehensions.
As a Nurse, When Must I Report Health Concerns to the Board of Nursing?
Nurses are held to high ethical standards and expectations of professional conduct. In most US states, a nurse must report mental health, substance abuse, or physical health issues if they impair their ability to practice. The following situations may trigger a duty to report:
- A substance abuse disorder or addiction that affects your ability to practice
- An acute episode of mental health that affects your ability to practice.
- Any acute physical health condition that affects your ability to practice safely, such as memory disorders.
When Must a Caregiver Report Concerns to the Board of Nursing?
A health care provider (such as a therapist, physician, or abuse counselor) has a duty to report if they have a reasonable belief that a nurse’s mental, physical, or substance abuse concern affects their ability to practice safely. Remember that reporting requires a reasonable belief on the part of the caregiver, so they might report when the nurse feels that they are fine.
Health Issues and the ADA
Nurses are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from discrimination based on disability. Remember that mental health disorders are covered just as physical health conditions are. So, your employer must provide reasonable accommodation to your disability. But this is an issue separate from whether you can continue to practice nursing safely. So, even if you are protected by the ADA at work, your license may be on the line if a disability impedes your ability to practice safely. However, all US states offer some type of program or help for nurses to report mental health or substance abuse concerns and receive help as an alternative to discipline. The LLF National Law Firm is here to help nurses navigate health issues and minimize their impact on their licensing.
How the LLF National Law Firm Can Help
If you need advice on the necessity of self-reporting, or you face a board investigation, give the experienced nurse licensing defense attorneys at the LLF National Law Firm a call. Never let stigma or licensing concerns stop you from getting care. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.