Virginia Monitoring Program

Nurses Recovery

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Hi.

I was wanting to start a thread for only people in the Virginia Monitoring Program. I am not finding too many threads about it or people in it. I have started into it and will be doing orientation soon. I will try and post what I can but of course no one can answer your legal questions, only legal counsel can do that. This would be more for personal experiences and what not.

If anyone is in it and would like to participate in this thread, please do.

So, for me, I am in it for mental illness (will not disclose what I have) and ETOH abuse. My story began when I sent my application in for licensure (to the board). I was honest and disclosed because I don't know what the future holds and I thought it would be in my best interest to disclose. Plus, I don't feel comfortable lying. I personally do not have a history of drug use or drug diversion (my apologies if you have heard my story in other threads). I was sent a letter from the board requesting my provider send a letter regarding my dx, tx, and prognosis. In addition, I sent a letter on my own behalf with my provider's letter. My case went before the board and I was offered approval to take NCLEX if I agreed to enter into the monitoring program. If I did not agree, there would be an informal conference scheduled. If I had decided not to do the monitoring program and went with the informal conference, I was informed that there could be approval, there could be denial, there could be probation, or the offer could stand at entering into the monitoring program. There's just so many things that could happen. I thought about it and really wrestled with my decision. I have to be honest, in the beginning, I hated the idea of entering into the monitoring program. I really was thinking of taking the informal conference. Then, I realized that I could be denied. No possibility of taking NCLEX and ultimately, no chance at being a nurse. I continued to think about it and decided to take the monitoring program deal. I figured that it was in my best interest (I was in the very early stage of having a mental illness dx, so I hadn't been treated for long and this would force me to stick with getting treatment whether I liked it or not) and I would also get to sit for boards. It took weeks to receive the order in which I would have to sign (and get notarized) and send back to the board in agreement to enter the monitoring program. I went through the process and contacted the monitoring program and told them I would need to enter it and that I had a board order. A phone intake assessment interview was scheduled and then, they sent me paperwork to fill out. The monitoring program sent me recommendations that I have to follow and I will have an orientation for the program. After the orientation, I will have to do random drug screens.

Some random facts about the monitoring program. You can't work in health care until they approve you to go back. The drug screens are $50 each and they can test you as often as three times a week. From what I understand, if you are compliant, the screens (therefore, the cost) eases up. I just about had a bird when I found out the cost. But a few people told me that if I was in compliance, that it usually eases up. I am really hoping this is true. You, the participant, are responsible for the cost of the screenings. The orientations for the program are held in Richmond. Your health care providers and possible health care employers have to fill out forms every so often.

As of right now, this is about all I know. I did keep a time table of when I received documents from the board and monitoring program and when I would send documents to them. From the time I filled out my application to the time I received my board order and entrance into the monitoring program/contract, it was approximately 6 months. I will be taking boards soon.

If anyone else is interested in sharing and is in Virginia, please do. I know I have come across threads asking about this monitoring program and there wasn't much info and no one updated. I hope to keep this updated if others are interested. I hope I didn't violate TOS. Thanks.

Just thought I would note here as well--if you have a "Valid VA Only" license, it is considered encumbered. Having the order alone, even without action, will cause it to be encumbered. It's not only probation, actions, or actual restrictions such as narcotics; but even if it is a single state license (VA is a compact state--so, it is considered a restriction on compact privileges.)

It's finally here. I was given the "ok" to look for work today. I have not received any information yet in the mail--my case manager just sent it today.

I put in for a couple of my dream positions. I want one of them specifically, but would be equally happy with the other. If it is meant to be, it will happen.

I never thought this day would come.

Oh, and thought I would add, I think I have narcotic restrictions. I didn't do anything with narcotics or divert. So, it must be standard. I don't think my dream positions do anything with narcotics, so I don't think it will be too big of any issue--I could be wrong.

Please send up prayers that I get the job. Thank you.

I received the HPMP checklist for returning to practice.

First, you have to be approved to look for work. That's important because if you do it before you are approved, then it's treated like a positive drug screen. It's no sooner than the 3 month mark from orientation date.

Tell them you want to look for work.

They will staff the request (basically, they meet to review the request).

They will approve or disapprove.

You have to keep them informed on how the search is going. For example, when you find a job you want, you have to tell your case manager about the position (like a description) and start date.

Send a job description to case manager.

Provide contact info for potential monitors (can't be active participants in monitoring.)

Then, they have to revise your contract. That has to be done before you even start job orientation.

It's the same process for volunteer positions.

Hello :) I am new to hpmp. I am still waiting for my paperwork! Maybe we can get through this together.

Welcome. I am five months in. I am going to try and keep this thing updated. It's hard not knowing what to expect. I don't want people to be afraid. I know a while back a few people were wondering about HPMP.

Your contract may be different than mine. But, I try my best.

Welcome. I am five months in. I am going to try and keep this thing updated. It's hard not knowing what to expect. I don't want people to be afraid. I know a while back a few people were wondering about HPMP.

Your contract may be different than mine. But, I try my best.

I PM'd you :)

I am new to all of this. I never diverted I had my own Rx. Problem I have is the Md I worked for would just righta Rx for whatever I wanted whenever I needed a refill and not make a official office visit or question it. Well I am new at at nursing and I caled in meds all the time for the staff and providers including himt so I just assumed that is the way it works. Well anyway this has come back to bite me in the behind. I am being investigated bu the Va BON and I am freaking out. I have retained a lawyer but that does not make it any easier. They say I should do HPMP to save my license from dicipiinary action and they mentioned possibility of Criminal charges I thought I was going to DIE. Any advice

My fear is that doing HPMP will make it impossible to get a job. I am a LPN not a RN and think that the RN's have a better shot of getting employment than an LPN. I feel like who would want to waste there time on me when they can get a new grad without any blemishes,

We cannot give legal advice. The job thing depends where you live and ultimately, the employer. I have to disagree about the LPN thing as far as market ability.

Have you decided to do HPMP or are you still deciding between IFC or HPMP?

What is IFC?

IFC is an informal conference (it's a meeting with 3 people made up of staff and Board members). It's informal in that it's a smaller group of people versus a Formal Hearing, which is a full Board.

I was given the choice between an IFC or HPMP. I was told that there are many possible outcomes from an IFC-- approval without restriction, approval upon entering HPMP, probation, denial, etc. The denial scared me a lot. I decided to do HPMP instead of risking it at an IFC.

I was told I should do HPMP and I was told that I would probably get a stay of dicipline. When I completed the program I would not have anything on my license. Is that how they explained it to you?

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