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!
I agree with PP above. I could be grossly misinformed, but there's just no way a nurse can be asked to join a treatment program due to a random complaint. A random unsubstantiated complaint.
I would not contact the BON until you speak with a lawyer. Anything you say or do can be used against if there is a formal complaint. Are you sure they did not send out a letter prior to this one?
You could have a common name which means it might have been sent to you by mistake.
Also -- you say you have never shown up to work impaired. That doesn't mean you don't use various substances on the side. I'd suggest getting a drug test so you have proof on x date that you don't have anything in your system and haven't within the past 30 days (or however long the various drugs will remain in the body).
You could have a common name which means it might have been sent to you by mistake.
Also -- you say you have never shown up to work impaired. That doesn't mean you don't use various substances on the side. I'd suggest getting a drug test so you have proof on x date that you don't have anything in your system and haven't within the past 30 days (or however long the various drugs will remain in the body).
Before you do or say anything, contact an attorney.
I really dislike even saying it, as I think what one does on one's own time is their own business, however, IF you happen to use in your free time, be mindful and careful who is noticing this--especially co-workers. Be mindful and careful about sharing "war stories" of nights of partying. This can be a basis for someone to take it wayyyy tooo seriously and take it to the BON. As if you are "party-ing it up" on your time off, how can you NOT come into work "impaired"? (
Go to legal aid. If you are part of a union, look to your state/area rep and ask if the union attorney is available for consult. Or if you have an attorney that you use, ask for assistance or a referral.
Thanks to everyone that has replied. To be totally honest, I don't drink or smoke or consume even Tylenol. I can pass any test thrown at me but I'm just so worried and hear stories of people passing drug tests and still getting in trouble with the board. I am really hoping this is some angry former patient or enemy that has reported me.
It actually does happen. I would definately call, do not give out allot of information. Take notes, names, etc. Be VERY careful what you say, in other words ask for the specifics only. Calling a Lawyer is an excellent idea also. Me personally, I would record each conversation as you may need clarification later, if needed. I'm pretty sure they will be recording your conversation for clarification later. Let us know if this is 'for real' or a scam. Good Luck!
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
before you record, find out the laws in your state. NC is a one party state, meaning I can record with out telling the other person. Not all states are like that. If you record in a 2-party state or don't get permission to record, THAT could get you in trouble.
My experience with the BON for a legitimate complaint/investigation of me has been that all written correspondence from them has come via certified mail. My experience has also been that the first contact i had from them in regards to a filed complaint was a phone call from the investigator. So based entirely on my own experience, this sounds extremely sketchy.
I can't say that all States BON are the same, because heaven knows they differ widely. My educated guess is that they are required to investigate all complaints, whether they prove to be valid or not. At least my states' BON does this. As long as there is no validity to the complaint you should be fine.
I do agree with others that said you may want to consult with an attorney if this is possible for you. After all, better safe than sorry. It's too bad that you don't know where the complaint originated from. Talk about grounds for becoming paranoid if you will always be wondering who complained and why.
You need to hire a lawyer ASAP. You need to make sure they have dealth with the BON before. This (a legit complaint or not) is a serious matter that can lead to consequences. The BON is not your friend.
Everything is hearsay. They need solid evidence to prove that you were either impaired and/or taking drugs. From what it seems like they have nothing on you at all. I mean if someone wrote a complaint about you, your supervisor should have either sent you home that same day and furthermore, you should have been suspended. Nothing to worry about. Hire a lawyer and it will be a piece of cake for him.
Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN
893 Posts
I agree with PP above. I could be grossly misinformed, but there's just no way a nurse can be asked to join a treatment program due to a random complaint. A random unsubstantiated complaint.