From the Research
In California, impaired nurses are managed through the Intervention Program, which is part of the Board of Registered Nursing's Discipline System, aiming to protect public safety while helping nurses recover and eventually return to safe nursing practice. This program typically lasts 3-5 years and requires participants to sign a contract agreeing to random drug testing, work restrictions, mandatory support group attendance, and regular meetings with a case manager 1. The program's structure is designed to address the risks associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) among nurses, which can have serious consequences for both patients and the nursing profession 2.
Key aspects of the program include:
- Random drug testing
- Work restrictions, such as no night shifts or access to controlled substances
- Mandatory support group attendance
- Regular meetings with a case manager
- Abstinence from all mood-altering substances, including alcohol
- Potential use of medications like naltrexone or disulfiram in some cases
The program is confidential if entered voluntarily but becomes public record if mandated through disciplinary action 3. Nurses who successfully complete the program can return to unrestricted practice without permanent license consequences, while those who fail may face license revocation. This approach is critical in addressing the co-occurring substance use and mental disorders that are common among individuals with opioid use disorder, as highlighted in a study published in 2019 4.
It's also worth noting that Medicaid coverage of medications to treat alcohol and opioid dependence varies by state, with some states excluding certain medications or requiring prior authorization 5. However, in the context of California's Intervention Program for impaired nurses, the focus is on providing a structured and supportive environment for recovery and return to safe practice. The primary goal of the program is to protect public safety while helping nurses recover, making it a crucial component of the state's regulatory framework for nursing practice.