Alcohol and drug use disorder is a troubling and significant problem for healthcare professionals. Without identification and appropriate treatment, impairment often progresses and compromises the workplace and patient safety. The danger is significantly worse when the impaired health professional is responsible for treating critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, emergency department, or operating room. Medical professionals must be able to recognize signs of this danger and protect against it, both for the sake of patients and the healthcare providers themselves.[1][2][3]
Health professional impairment is, unfortunately, a common problem in healthcare. Impairment results when a health professional, such as a physician, nurse, or allied health professional, is unable to provide competent and safe patient care because they are impaired by alcohol, prescription or nonprescription drugs, or mind-altering substances. Impairment may also result from a psychological or neurologic condition that affects the health professional's judgment. As a result of this impairment, the health professional is unable to safely perform professional duties and responsibilities in the manner essential to their profession.
All health professionals need to understand and be aware of the safety issues that become apparent when a health professional is impaired as the care provided extends to other health professionals as well as the institution. Ultimately, it is important that all health providers are aware of the signs and symptoms of impairment and the state and institution requirements of reporting individuals suspected working while in an impaired state.[4][5][6]
Impaired health professionals often develop coping mechanisms that allow them to initially cover up their diminished capability to provide safe patient care. Eventually, they commit obvious mistakes, medication errors, or procedural errors that become readily apparent. But, initially these violations may be subtle and only an astute and observant fellow practitioner will notice a change in behavior or the signs and symptoms of impairment.[7]
Often, to obtain mind-altering substances, impaired health professionals will divert controlled substances, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, from a patient to themselves. This can result in a patient being under medicated and induce unnecessary suffering.
Use of mind-altering substances over time also may result in the deterioration of the health professional's health. Use of stimulants, for example, may result in cardiovascular problems such as angina, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Alcohol can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Patients are exposed to infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency, hepatitis, and other blood-borne diseases. There are often coexisting mental diseases such as depression, suicide, and anxiety. Impairment can lead to traumatic injuries such as falls, fractures, and head injuries.[8][9][10]
Florida State and Federal Rules and Regulations
Virtually all states include rules and regulations regarding the use of alcohol and drugs as the basis for disciplinary actions. Diversion of drugs from patients is dealt with particularly harshly. Almost all states also require reporting of health practitioners who are suspected of impairment. These rules and penalties vary from state to state.
The Florida Nurse Nurse Practice Act [leg.state.fl.us, 2018] is provided as an example of typical state law in regards to the use of controlled substances and the necessary reporting. Each practitioner should consult the rules and regulations for their own profession.
464.018 Disciplinary Actions
(h) Unprofessional conduct, which shall include, but not be limited to, any departure from, or the failure to conform to, the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing nursing practice, in which case actual injury need not be established [leg.state.fl.us, 2018].
Most states require the reporting of unprofessional conduct, whether it be by a physician, nurse, or allied health profession.
(i) Engaging or attempting to engage in the possession, sale, or distribution of controlled substances as set forth in chapter 893, for any other than legitimate purposes authorized by this chapter [leg.state.fl.us, 2018].
All states and the federal government takes a dim view of health care practitioners who engage in the unlawful sale of prescription or nonprescription controlled substances. Penalties for violation can include fines and jail sentences.
(j) Being unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, or chemicals or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition. In enforcing this paragraph, the department shall have, upon a finding of the secretary or the secretary's designee that probable cause exists to believe that the licensee is unable to practice nursing because of the reasons stated in this paragraph, the authority to issue an order to compel a licensee to submit to a mental or physical examination by physicians designated by the department. If the licensee refuses to comply with such order, the department's order directing such examination may be enforced by filing a petition for enforcement in the circuit court where the licensee resides or does business. The licensee against whom the petition is filed shall not be named or identified by initials in any public court records or documents, and the proceedings shall be closed to the public. The department shall be entitled to the summary procedure provided in s. 51.011. A nurse affected by the provisions of this paragraph shall at reasonable intervals be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate that she or he can resume the competent practice of nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients (j) Being unable to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, opioids, or chemicals or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition. In enforcing this paragraph, the department shall have, upon a finding of the secretary or the secretary's designee that probable cause exists to believe that the licensee is unable to practice nursing because of the reasons stated in this paragraph, the authority to issue an order to compel a licensee to submit to a mental or physical examination by physicians designated by the department. If the licensee refuses to comply with such order, the department's order directing such examination may be enforced by filing a petition for enforcement in the circuit court where the licensee resides or does business. The licensee against whom the petition is filed shall not be named or identified by initials in any public court records or documents, and the proceedings shall be closed to the public. The department shall be entitled to the summary procedure provided in s. 51.011. A nurse affected by the provisions of this paragraph shall at reasonable intervals be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate that she or he can resume the competent practice of nursing with reasonable skill and safety to patients [leg.state.fl.us, 2018].
All states have varying rules in regards to the evaluation and prosecution of a health care practitioner that due to mental illness or illicit use of controlled substances places a patients safety at risk. Health professionals have been prosecuted for felonies for harming patients due to unprofessional and dangerous conduct.
(k) Failing to report to the department any person who the licensee knows is in violation of this chapter or of the rules of the department or the board; however, if the licensee verifies that such person is actively participating in a board-approved program for the treatment of a physical or mental condition, the licensee is required to report such person only to an impaired professionals consultant.
Most states require health professionals who they believe are impaired to report to the appropriate authority. Failure to report may have negative consequences for the health practitioner that is aware of the impairment and yet fails to report to the appropriate authority.
(l) Knowingly violating any provision of this chapter, a rule of the board or the department, or a lawful order of the board or department previously entered in a disciplinary proceeding or failing to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena of the department.
If the health professional knowingly violates the provisions, the consequence in most states is even more severe. All health professionals are obligated to be aware of the practice act rules and regulations in each of the states they hold a license.
(m) Failing to report to the department any licensee under chapter 458 or under chapter 459 who the nurse knows has violated the grounds for disciplinary action set out in the law under which that person is licensed and who provides health care services in a facility licensed under chapter 395, or a health maintenance organization certificated under part I of chapter 641, in which the nurse also provides services [leg.state.fl.us, 2018].
Most states have the right to specifically penalize a health professional who fails to report a health professional they know violate state laws. Besides the legal concerns, health professionals have an ethical and moral duty to patients to report a health professional with a diminished capacity to perform their duties.
(4) The board shall not reinstate the license of a nurse who has been found guilty by the board on three separate occasions of violations of this chapter relating to the use of drugs or opioids, which offenses involved the diversion of drugs or opioids from patients to personal use or sale [leg.state.fl.us, 2018].
In many states, the ongoing use of drugs or alcohol can result in the permanent loss of a medical license.
It is crucial that all health professionals review the health practice act in each state where they hold a license, and that they comply with the reporting requirements. If one is unsure of the requirements, most institutions will provide an attorney or other professional to assist with understanding the reporting process.[11][12]
Most states have statutes designed to help healthcare practitioners identify and treat impaired health care providers. Virtually all state medical boards require that a healthcare provider suffering from alcohol or drug substance use self-report, and individuals aware of the problem must report their peers. Due to the fear of reprisal, most states have a mechanism whereby a provider can confidentially report a peer directly to an agency that can investigate and deal with the problem. Providing there has been no safety issues that directly affected a patient's care, the impaired practitioner can engage in treatment and rehabilitation and avoid board disciplinary action. [13][14][15]
If a health profession is already under discipline, has been terminated from rehabilitation, has sold drugs, or is at continuous risk to the public, the practitioner is less likely to be given the opportunity to seek private treatment without public consequences. However, if there is no danger to the patients, even The Joint Commission supports treatment rather than punishment.
To a certain extent, federal laws protect health professionals with substance use disorder. The Americans with Disabilities Act provides protection for healthcare providers in treatment and recovery programs for substance use disorder. It requires a "reasonable accommodation" for an individual who recognizes their alcohol or drug issues and participates in a rehabilitation program. Federal law does not consider a person to have a disability because they are using drugs. In addition, the Family Medical Leave Act requires employers to allow time off for qualified substance use disorder treatment.
Courts and statutes usually protect health care providers' and medical boards' efforts to address substance use disorder issues, particularly if practitioners have successfully completed treatment. However, if a practitioner harms a patient while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or an institution knowingly fails to protect a patient, the consequences can be severe. Examples include the following:
Definitions
Addiction: A substantial loss of self-control indicated by compulsive alcohol or drug use despite the desire to stop. It may involve cycles of relapse and remission, and if untreated, may result in disability or premature death
Drug diversion: The transfer of a controlled substance, such as a drug, from a lawful to an unlawful channel of distribution and use.
Substance use disorder: A disease of the brain which is characterized by the recurrent use of alcohol or drugs that result in functional impairment such as disability, health problems, and failure to meet responsibilities at home, work, or in school.
Impairment: The inability or impending inability to provide safe, professional activities and duties due to a behavioral, mental, or physical disorder related to alcohol or drugs.
Consequences of Healthcare Professional Impairment
Patients
Peers
Professionals
Institutions
The most common cause of workplace impairment is chemical and substance use including the following:
Often, there are underlying stressors that contribute to the impairment of the individual in a healthcare setting. The following are common stressors:
Genetic
Mental/Physical Fatigue
Injuries
Personal Stress
Physical Illness
Psychological
Addictive personality
Questionable Competence
Work-related stress
Alcohol and drug use is a significant problem in the healthcare profession. It is thought that as much as 15% of all health professional are impaired or recovering from alcohol or drug use. Accurate statistics of the exact number of individuals afflicted are unknown but are believed to be similar to or exceed the rate of impairment in the general population.[16][17][18]
It is clear that alcohol and substance use disorders are a significant problem in health care. Diseases related to alcohol and drugs are one of the leading causes of preventable disability and death. While it is ubiquitous, it may be beyond the ability of the health professional to control. Genetic factors are thought to play a role in up to 50% of individuals with substance use disorder.[19][20][21]
Substance use among doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals are related to a variety of factors; for example, personality traits that lead individuals to select high-stress positions in medicine, such as high achievement, obsessiveness, and a high work ethic also may influence an individual to chose stimulants to maintain what they believe is a higher level of performance. Health professionals also have relatively direct access to prescription drugs, making easier to obtain addicting medications. Health professionals tend to use benzodiazepines and opiates more than illicit street drugs, most likely due to the ease of access. Due to long hours, stress, and increasingly widespread workforce shortages in health care, substance use in healthcare providers is expected to increase.[22][23]
Substance use disorder is defined by DSM-5. It is divided into mild, moderate and severe. Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes significant impairment including health problems, disability, and the inability to meet major responsibilities at home, work, or school, or home. A diagnosis of substance use disorder is based on evidence of social impairment, impaired control, risky use, and pharmacological criteria.[24]
Substance Use Disorder
As with most behavioral and psychiatric disorders, the interplay between genetic risk, temperamental traits, and the environment may predispose to substances use. Once exposed to substances, brain reward systems reinforce substance use, resulting in repeated use and lower ability to control substance use.
Alcohol Use Disorder
The pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder is not known, but its development may be the result of a complex interplay of genetics, environmental factors, personality traits, and cognitive functioning.
Tobacco Use Disorder
There are almost half a million deaths each year in the United States secondary to cigarettes.
Stimulant Use Disorder
Cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamine are the most commonly used substances in this group.
Hallucinogen Use Disorder
LSD, ecstasy, and psilocybin are included in this group.
Opioid Use Disorder
In the United States in 2014 it was estimated that 1.9 million individuals were using prescription opioids and 586,000 were using heroin.
Substance use disorders associated with a number of negative consequences for healthcare providers including the following toxic effects.
Toxic effects of Drug Use
Toxic effects of Alcohol Use
The dire consequences are associated with healthcare provider impairment. Often the impairment goes unreported or untreated because of the following:
Impaired practitioners as well as their colleagues, and patients are unlikely to take action until an alcohol or drug problem has reached a critical level and resulted in a significant healthcare disaster or a legal entanglement.
For this reason, healthcare workers must recognize a clear ethical, moral, and legal duty to identify and report a colleague who is impaired. Unfortunately, while alcohol and drug use are considered by most health professionals to be a disease, health professionals are often reluctant to report their concerns. It is difficult for a colleague to confront a potentially impaired healthcare provider for fear of damaging the reputation of the professional, especially if the suspicion is proved to be wrong.
Regrettably, only an average of 2 out of 3 healthcare practitioners with a direct, personal knowledge of a colleague's impairment will report a peer to the proper authority professionals despite the legal risk to them for not reporting. In many cases, however, reporting may be the only approach that encourages the impaired doctor, nurse, or allied health professional to seek evaluation and treatment.
Impairment may be due to alcohol, street drugs, or taking prescription drugs from a patient, friend, or family member. Health professionals may take injectable medications from a patient or dilute the drug with saline.
The following are the most commonly used medications:
Impaired health professionals are often difficult to identify because they are often bright, well-trained, devious, careful, and make a strong effort to avoid being caught. When the signs or symptoms of alcohol or drug use finally get noticed, the problem typically has been going on for a long time.
The following signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use can help a health practitioner identify a potential problem:
Symptoms of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorder
Signs of Alcohol and Drug Use
Behaviors Associated With Drug Diversion
Many health professionals may turn to alcohol and drugs when going through a stressful time in their lives. They may use illicit substances to help them cope with problems such as family issues, malpractice cases, work stress, or financial pressures.
Alcohol and drug addiction is a compulsive behavior. It may develop from an unhappy life, poor life choices, a family history of addiction, boredom, denial, or thrill-seeking.
Institutional Considerations
Most health professionals lack training and education regarding the signs and symptoms of addiction, how to identify those addicted, and the correct manner to engage in intervention.
All health professionals should receive education regarding alcohol and substance use disorders. Employers need to assist in improving physician, nurse, and allied health professional knowledge about the signs and symptoms, how to report, and the treatment options available.
The policy at any healthcare facility should be an alcohol and drug-free environment. The following mechanisms can decrease worksite impairment:
Each of these is controversial. While most institutions support pre-employment and cause testing, less support for random testing of healthcare professionals exists. Further, not all professionals working in a hospital setting are necessarily employees of the institution. This fact may make it difficult for an institution to mandate screening.
Institutions should promote a culture that delineates expectations of employees and consequences. It should also have a policy that supports providing help with alcohol and drug use disorder.
Institutions have an opportunity to help identify employees and practitioners with alcohol and drug impairment. Supervisors, in particular, should be trained in the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use disorder. They should be familiar with the institution's policies and procedures for getting the individual the help they need.
The evaluation of a health professional with a substance use or potential substance use disorder is a challenge. Health professionals may make efforts to hide or cover up their use and use of alcohol or drugs. Evaluation and diagnosis will be conducted by a clinician experienced in dealing with potentially difficult and challenging patients. [25][26]
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Evaluating and Diagnosing a Substance Use Disorder
A problematic pattern of use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress is manifested by two or more of the following within a 12-month period:
Severity
DSM-5 specifies mild, moderate, and severe based on the number of diagnostic criteria met by the patient at the time of diagnosis:
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Evaluating and Diagnosing an Alcohol Use Disorder
Severity: The severity of alcohol use disorder at the time of diagnosis can be specified as a subtype based on the number of symptoms present:
Laboratory Testing
Alcohol
Diagnosis of an alcohol problem can be made in the outpatient department by using CAGE questionnaire which includes the following: (need to) cut down, annoyance (on drinking), guilt (about drinking), eye-opener.
Screening tools like The Ten question Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and The abbreviated 3-question Audit-consumption (Audit-C) are recommended for screening.
Laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis include:
Substance Use Disorder
Often the evaluation and treatment of a health professional with alcohol or drug addiction are challenging. Typical treatment occurs over months to years and includes follow up and monitoring, sometimes by legal entities. The most important predictor of successful treatment is when a healthcare professional admit the addiction and is willing to accept and stick with the prescribed treatment. In many cases, treatment is forced upon a health practitioner by a court or medical board, or it occurs as a result of peers, family, and friends encouraging therapy. Those who are self-motivated and have insight into their disease are much more likely to have a successful treatment outcome.[27][28][29]
All healthcare providers need to be familiar with the reporting requirements of peers with alcohol or drug addiction within their institution and in their specific state. If one suspects a colleague has an alcohol or substance use problem, you should refer the impaired health practitioner to the proper authority in your institution or state. In several states, reporting is required by law. In states where it is required, as long as reporting that is deemed false is not done with malicious intent, immunity is usually granted. Besides the state and institutional requirements, all health professionals have a duty to "first do no harm" and protect patients from the harm that might come from an impaired professional.
Do not wait until impairment affects performance; all health professionals must report at the first sign of impairment. This report should be considered an act of kindness as the short and long-term consequences are grave for a health an impaired health professional that harms a patient.[30]
Evaluation and Treatment Referral Programs
The following are some of the treatment options available to help alcohol and drug-impaired health professionals:
The following are two types of programs:
Evaluation and treatment programs are state licensed and accredited. Programs usually have a multidisciplinary team to manage the health professional. Services, depending on the degree of addiction, may be in either an outpatient or inpatient setting. Services are modified depending on the impairment affecting the health professional.
Treatment Techniques
It is challenging to treat any patient for alcohol or drug use disorder, and it is more challenging if the treatment is under duress. Treatment usually involves the following steps:
Health professionals who accept their disease and are willing to undergo treatment, in general, have a high success rate. They are usually bright, have a history of high achievement, and a will to succeed. These characteristics typically bode well for treatment success. The recovery rates for health practitioners generally are higher than the general population. Most health professionals who undergo intervention and treatment early, and have not harmed a patient or committed a crime, can retain their licenses and eventually return to clinical practice.
Florida Mandated Impaired Practitioner Treatment
Under Chapter 456, there are designated treatment program requirements for impaired practitioners.
In Florida, a health professional can avoid disciplinary action if they complete the following:
Florida Intervention Project for Nurses
In Florida, nurses have the option of the Intervention Project for Nurses [S. 456.076]. This is a statutorily approved evaluation and treatment program approved for impaired nurses [leg.state.fl.us, 2001]. Intervention Project for Nurses consultants are designated via contract to initiate interventions, recommend evaluations, and refer those deemed impaired to appropriate treatment programs. The Intervention Project for Nurses also monitors the long-term care of the nurses in the program.
Types of Treatment Programs
Intensive Outpatient Programs
These programs provide regular, intense treatment but limit disruption to family, school, or work schedules. The practitioner typically stops practice until successful treatment is completed and they have reached the stage of monitoring where they are allowed to return to patient care. Outpatient licensed counselors usually meet with the practitioner for several hours, multiple times each week.
Residential Programs
Typically these programs are located within a hospital or a specialized facility. Patients live in a highly structured environment. Typically, patients live in the facility for 30 to 90 days. In the early phase, they may undergo medical withdrawal and detoxification. Eventually, these patients transition to outpatient programs.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Includes regular intensive daily sessions, usually five days per week, but the patient does not stay overnight.
Institutional Programs
An employer may mandate an employee to obtain treatment for impairment or face reporting and termination. Some employers offer addiction assistance programs to help with alcohol or drug problems. Programs often include:
It is expensive for an employer to hire and train a health professional. Employers often are willing to assist an employee with the help they need to maintain their job and career. By treating an employee, the employer will save the cost of replacing the employee, avoid accidents that harm the patient safety and cause liability issues for the institution, decrease absenteeism, and avoid workers compensation claims.
Drug and alcohol use are common problems for health professionals, particularly nurses and doctors. With the prevalence being high among health practitioners and the risk of consequences rising to career-ending, there is an increasing awareness of the issues. Further, the implications for patients may be life-threatening.
Fortunately, there is an increasing trend to recognize that individuals with alcohol and drug issues need evaluation and treatment instead of punitive sanctions.
All health providers need to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance use. There are appropriate tools to assist peers who need help. Together healthcare providers can work toward improving patient safety and avoiding the permanent loss of a practitioner who has devoted years to their training.
In some instances, alcohol and drug use have an underlying organic or inorganic cause. Always consider the possibility that the impaired individual is using alcohol or illicit drugs to cover up one of the following:
Prognosis depends upon early versus late diagnosis, follow-up, the motivation of the healthcare professional with the identified impairment, and the success of cognitive behavior therapy. Individuals motivated to maintain their career and healthcare licenses often are more often successful in their treatment and go on to lead productive careers.
Substance use leads to a number of problems including accidents, death, health effects, crime, lower achievement, and safety risks for patients.
Governments and hospital staffs should take steps to assist health professionals who admit to substance use.
Acute and long-term treatment and monitoring are necessary to care for patients with alcohol and substance use disorders.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, and psychotherapy are necessary for treatment and to avoid remission. Unfortunately, barriers often prevent or deter health professionals from getting the help they need.
Barriers to Deterrence, Identification, and Treatment for Individuals
Barriers can make it challenging for health professionals to seek help for alcohol and drug addiction. These include:
Barriers to Deterrence and Identification by Peers
Steps to Reporting Impaired Peers
Step 1
Evaluate the signs and symptoms expected and compare them against the overt findings of the peer. Ask honest questions. Compare the signs and symptoms associated with impairment against those of the colleague. If there is a strong suspicion, it is better to err on the side of patient safety and report.
Step 2
Concerned about reporting? Review personal ethics, morals, and the principles under which you became a health professional. A fellow professional should not be allowed to use substances and place a patients safety at risk. Would anyone want them caring for his or her own family member in their present state? Allowing another professional to continue to use alcohol or drugs and place patient lives at risk is not appropriate. No matter what the consequences to the individual, reporting is the proper course of action. Enabling another health professional to cover up their alcohol or drug use is not appropriate, and it is dangerous.
Do not make excuses or cover up for an impaired professional. The potential is not only the individual will be harmed but also their patients. The professional has, unfortunately, put themselves in the situation and must accept the consequences.
Step 3
Consider and review hospital and state reporting requirements. Become educated about the rules and regulations. Most states and institutions will protect a reporting health care professional against the retaliation of a colleague. Review the organization's policies and procedures regarding alcohol and substance use and the assistance the institution offers. If unsure, consider contacting the risk management nurse or lawyer of your institution. Usually, either one can assist in following the appropriate steps. If these resources are unavailable, consider discussing the situation with the department manager.
Step 4
Once a fellow professional is identified as potentially having an alcohol or drug use disorder, report it immediately to avoid any negative consequences for the individual reporting, the patients, or in reality, the individual with the disorder. While it may initially seem like a negative, reporting a peer is a positive that protects patients and gets your colleague into a treatment program before they cause a severe or even fatal medical error. Once criminal behavior or patient safety is abrogated, the consequences are severe. The sooner an individual is investigated, the less likely they are to do real harm.
Unfortunately, sometimes it may be easier to pass the problem on to someone else. It is crucial not to ignore signs or symptoms of impairment. It is inappropriate to transfer an impaired healthcare worker or threaten termination. Passing the problem on to another department or institution is not an ethical or moral solution.
Example Reporting Requirements [Florida]
Each state has different requirements for reporting of an impaired peer. If a health professional believes a peer has an alcohol or drug problem, it is essential that they report it to their supervisor and the appropriate state-mandated authorities [leg.state.fl.us, 2018].
For example, in the State of Florida, the nurses have developed an effective reporting and treatment system. Nurses report to the Florida Department of Health or Intervention Project for Nurses. The call to the Intervention Project for Nurses is confidential. The Intervention Project for Nurses can be reached at 800.840.2720. The Intervention Project for Nurses in Florida provides an opportunity for intervention and monitoring of nurses that use alcohol or drugs. Many states have similar reporting mechanisms for health professionals including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. [See Florida Nurse Practice Act S. 455.261]
In Florida, the Intervention Project for Nurses provides:
In Florida, any practitioner who believes a nurse is unsafe as a result of alcohol or drugs should make a report to either the Intervention Project for Nurses or the Department of Health. The Nurse Practice Act [Florida Statute 464.018 1(k)] of the Nurse Practice Act states "Failing to report to the department any person who the licensee knows is in violation of this part of the rules of the department or the Board; however, if the licensee verifies that such person is actively participating in a board-approved program for the treatment of a physical or mental condition, the licensee is required to report such person only to an impaired professionals consultant.” [leg.state.fl.us, 2018]
In Florida, the Intervention Project for Nurses provides an acceptable alternative to a legal remedy with discipline. Benefits of the Intervention Project for Nurses include:
The Florida Intervention Project Process
Benefits of the Florida Intervention Project for Nurses
Fitness to Practice
The Intervention Project will evaluate and access a nurses ability to safely practice including stability, recovery, support systems, and specific job skills including problem-solving, judgment, cognitive function, and coping skills. The Intervention Project makes several requirements of the nurse and determines when they can return to work. Requirements and determinations include the following:
If a nurse consistently meets the fitness to practice guidelines set in place with positive work and monitoring reports, negative drug screens, regular attends support group meeting, meets their contract agreement they are quickly reintroduced into the workforce. After the Intervention Project program is successfully completed, fitness to practice is established, and long-term monitoring is completed, the nurse's record is sealed. However, if the nurse fails the process, they will be reported to the Department of Health for disciplinary proceedings.
The Intervention Project process does not hire the individuals that provide evaluation or treatment, but it does offer appropriate referrals to health professionals skilled in the assessment and treatment of individuals with alcohol or drug addiction. Referrals made to local addiction specialists that work within the community.
Perhaps one downfall of the Intervention Project is that while the nurse does not have to pay for a referral to the Intervention Project for Nurses, they are personally responsible for paying for evaluation, treatment, and random alcohol and drug testing. This cost can be particularly onerous, considering the nurse is usually unable to work during the initial phases of evaluation and treatment. Fortunately, in many cases, employers and insurance policies pay for these services.
Professional Responsibilities
Nursing and other health professionals in Florida should be aware of the reporting steps and option to report to either the Intervention Project for Nursing or the Department of Health. All health professionals should know how to do the of the following:
Virtually all health professionals will encounter one or more impaired peers in the course of their careers. Without a solid knowledge of how to deal with the situation and a plan of action, significant and dangerous impairment problems may get buried and ignored. This burial has the potential to place the individual, peer, and the institution at risk.
The key is to recognize a peer that is impaired and needs help, documenting all findings in a clear and concise manner, reporting to the appropriate manager or state authority, and then making sure the individual gets the help they need.
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