Accused of narcotic/ alcohol abuse... No clue what this is about!

noelly10 · Jul 28, 2015

Can't say that I have.

Have you brought this issue up to your supervisor?

RainMom · Jul 28, 2015

Can you request a copy of the complaint? Perhaps also reply in writing that you have never worked impaired & have never been suspended or lost your job due to any accusations of substance use/abuse. I think if you have Liability Insurance, it might be a good idea to call them & see what they recommend.

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

Wow. Sounds insane. I'd be quite upset.

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

Is there a telephone number you can call? I would want more details. If everything you're stating is accurate, it sounds like an unsubstantiated claim.

Purplegiraffe · Jul 28, 2015

Unfortunately I don't have malpractice insurance :/ I just got the letter today so I haven't talked with my employer but everything at my workplace seems fine.

The the letter states if I decline the program they will start the investigation and until then they can't provide me with any information about the complaint.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jul 28, 2015

Unfortunately I don't have malpractice insurance :/ I just got the letter today so I haven't talked with my employer but everything at my workplace seems fine.
The the letter states if I decline the program they will start the investigation and until then they can't provide me with any information about the complaint.

i would consult a lawyer, ASAP. why would they not be able to give you details till you basically admit fault? is this even a legit letter.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jul 28, 2015

Hi everyone,
i just received a letter letter from the board of nursing of my state inviting me to join the Diversion Program because they have received a complaint that I was using drugs or alcohol on the job. It does not specify exactly the nature of the complaint, but either way I have absolutely no clue what it is regarding!
I have had no complaints at all from my current or former jobs about possibly being impaired on the job or any narcotic count issues. I have never showed up to work impaired nor have been asked to do any surprise drug tests. I am really afraid about what this could be about because I honestly have no clue what they could be referring to.
Has anyone received a letter like this or been investigated? Any help is appreciated!

was this at least a registered letter? is it legit?

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

Agree with Morte... Admittedly, I have zero personal experience with this type of letter.

HOWever, it sounds like some sort scam/highly sketchy letter.

I wouldn't submit to ANYTHING.

If you can't afford a lawyer call legal aid. Your city should have some sort of clinic or referral service.

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

And since when can the BON formally invite you to join a program s/p a simple complaint?

Purplegiraffe · Jul 28, 2015

Yes, the letter is from the Diversion Program of my state with the BRN letterhead. I am going to call them in the morning but it seems all they can discuss with me is "further information regarding the BRN's processes" and "We will not be able to discuss the report we have received."

dream'n, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

I think I would be waiting for the BON to open in the morning by sitting on their front step. And I would get a lawyer to fight this ASAP. You say you are clean and always have been, then fight this tooth and nail.

Maybe some mean ******* made up some story about you to the board? I would be furious to be accused and my livelihood put at risk over a false report. You're clean, so go let them investigate all they want. If you don't have the money now for a lawyer, see if one will take you on until this is cleared and you can then have your lawyer sue the slanderer for all of your defense costs.